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High stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and delays wound healing. Minimizing fear during veterinary visits directly improves clinical outcomes.

Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline. In the wild, this "fight or flight" response is temporary. In a domestic setting—such as a shelter, a kennel, or a home with inconsistent routines—an animal may exist in a chronic state of arousal. This prolonged exposure to stress hormones suppresses the immune system, making the animal more susceptible to respiratory infections, dermatological issues (such as acral lick dermatitis in dogs or psychogenic alopecia in cats), and gastrointestinal upset. A veterinarian treating a recurring urinary tract infection without addressing the cat’s environmental stress is often treating the symptom rather than the root cause.

Smart collars track changes in sleep patterns, scratching, and heart rate variability, allowing veterinarians to monitor pain and anxiety levels remotely.