There are several things that seem to trigger unwanted behavior issues in pets. Some of the most common causes of stress-related behavior are thunderstorms, fireworks, gunshots, airplanes or any other loud noise that startles a pet.

Other situations that cause stress to pets include: travel, moving to a new home, arrival of a new baby or a new pet, guests in the home and being left alone. Some signs of stress behavior in pets are trembling, panting, vocalization, hiding, scratching, destructive chewing or digging and inappropriate urination or defecation. Any pet owner, who has had to deal with any of these situations, can relate to the stress and the frustration of having to handle such a pet.

I know how helpless one can feel when a pet is reacting out of fear secondary to bad weather and fireworks, neither of which you can stop or control. Once the stressful behavior starts with a pet, it is difficult to get the pet to calm down. Thankfully, there are options available that can help both cats and dogs handle stressful situations better. I always recommend that owners try behavior modification techniques and natural methods before reaching for the “magic pill.”

As pet owners, we all need to recognize our behavior and actions, which can contribute to some of these unwanted behaviors. For example, separation anxiety is one behavior that is absolutely exacerbated by some owners’ daily routine. Pet owners need to recognize early on with their young pets that it is important that they learn independence—and that there are times that they will be left alone and it is OK to be alone.

One of the biggest mistakes I see with young puppies is that owners never leave the puppy alone at home. Puppies, like young children, need to learn to entertain themselves and behave while alone. Of course, this is done in the proper setting, such as a dog crate or a small room—such as a bathroom or laundry room.

Everyone should recognize that no puppy should ever have free roam in any house unsupervised, unless you really do not like your furniture and other belongings.

Separation anxiety is also made worse by owners doting over their pets as they leave. By doing so, you are making a production about your leaving. I recommend getting your pet settled and then leaving as nonchalantly as possible. I also recommend leaving a radio or television on so the pet has some background noise and not dead silence.

Some of the options I recommend for pet owners to try include pheromone therapy. The dog pheromone that one product uses is the same pheromone that a mother dog produces the first few days after giving birth—obviously one that is calming and reassuring to the newborn puppies.

The pheromone used in another product for cats is the synthetic version of a cat’s facial pheromone, which a cat uses to mark its familiar territory.

One dog system has several applications: collar or a spray and diffuser (looks just like an air freshener diffuser). A cat system comes in either a spray or a diffuser. Before you dismiss pheromone therapy, talk with your veterinarian and others who have used this and have seen its benefits. I, too, was skeptical at first, but after dealing with my dog’s own fear from thunderstorms, we had nothing to lose.

It is important to note that pheromone therapy doesn’t “cure” every pet’s fears and anxiety, but when it works, it produces a pet that is much easier and happier to live with. I can attest to that. Also, sometimes pheromone therapy is used in conjunction with other modalities, including behavior modification techniques and even sometimes oral anxiety medications. I always recommend it first instead of a pill, because in the long run, it is safer and has no side effects. The other benefit that is critical to this type of therapy is that it provides consistent calming, so there is no getting behind the curve of the pet’s anxiety, such as with an unanticipated thunderstorm or when you are away from home and you cannot help your pet in any form.

One other therapy that has proven itself to help some dogs is the use of a pressure suit designed for dogs. It is used for dogs who have all types of fear or anxiety situations. It works by applying gentle pressure that creates a calming effect on the nervous system. I have several clients who use them with positive results. Again, it provides an easy way to deal with stressful situations without having to medicate your pet orally.

Whether your cat or dog needs short-term relief from stress from traveling or adjusting to a new environment, or needs long-term stress relief, such as that associated with the unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms for months on end, give pheromone therapy or pressure shirt applications a try. You might be pleasantly surprised how well they actually work. The goal of all of these is to have a well-adjusted pet that doesn’t overreact to situations and is a happier pet to live with. Ask your local veterinarian or trainer about what is best for your pet.

• Dr. Tracy Acosta is a veterinarian at Acosta Veterinary Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi.