Dogs are very emotional. Just like humans, they can become lonely, sad, scared, or depressed. Fido may also experience anxiety. These feelings have a significant emotional and physical impact on your pet. In this article, a local Pasadena, TX vet discusses canine anxiety.
Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Separation anxiety is the most prevalent kind of anxiety in dogs. Fido has a natural desire to be part of a pack. It is perfectly normal for your pet to feel nervous when left alone. Dogs cannot vocalize their problems verbally, so they frequently resort to different methods of communicating their emotional distress. In other words, they turn their stress into mischief. If you return home to find your canine companion has made a mess while you were away, separation anxiety could be the culprit.
Any dog can get separation anxiety. However, this is a regular occurrence in rescue dogs, many of whom have gone through being abandoned by their previous owners. This is also a common issue with dogs who have been rehomed.
What Other Things Cause Anxiety in Dogs?
Animals can become nervous in a variety of conditions or settings. A variety of factors, including temperament, history, living conditions, and breed can influence Fido’s behavior.
Significant changes can be extremely traumatic for our beloved dogs. Fido, like many of us, is a creature of habit. Moving to a new home, meeting a new roommate (whether they have two legs or four), grieving the loss of a loved one, and adjusting to a new daily schedule can all be upsetting for your canine partner.
Fido may also have specific fears. Thunderstorms, for example, make many pups anxious. Other dogs are fearful of loud noises in general. Spending too much time in kennels and other forms of confinement might cause a pooch to develop a serious phobia of being crated. (Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence among pets who have been abused or neglected.)
Illness and injury are also possibilities. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from various diseases and injuries. Anything that affects Fido’s senses, movement, or nerve system has the potential to induce anxiety. Canine dementia can cause anxiety in older dogs.
Like humans, dogs are happiest when they feel protected and secure. Fido may suffer fear and uneasiness when faced with unknown environments or conditions. Meeting new people and other animals can be upsetting for our cherished pets.
Poor Socialization: Proper socialization is required for dogs to develop a calm and pleasant temperament as they grow older. Dogs should be socialized from a young age. Fido needs to meet new people and visit new locations when he is young. These experiences must be fun for him rather than intimidating. This will increase his openness to the outside world and hope.
There could be other plausible causes. Here are several more.
- Conflict with other pets
- Discomfort
- Prior trauma
- Fear of illness
- Genetics
- Noise phobia
Request additional information from your veterinarian.
How Can I Detect Anxiety in Dogs?
Anxiety symptoms in dogs can vary based on their stress level and the source of their nervousness For example, if your pet is startled by a sudden loud noise, they may tremble, tuck their tail, seek refuge, or attempt to flee from the sound. An example of this would be how the number of lost pet reports typically increases around the Fourth of July. This is because fireworks can drive dogs to run in fear due to the loud noises.
However, when dogs suffer separation anxiety and are left alone at home, they are more likely to engage in destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Anxiety can cause dogs to exhibit violent behavior, which is very alarming.
Here are the key symptoms:
- Trembling
- Tail Tucking
- Hiding
- Reduced Activity
- Escape Attempts
- Panting
- Pacing
- Diarrhea
- Aggression
- Fear Urination
- Hot Spots
- Licking Or Biting
- Tail-Chasing
- Yowling/Barking When Left Alone
- Destructive Behaviors (Getting Into The Trash And Trashing Furniture)
- Cowering Or Digging
- Not Eating
- Soiling Improperly
- Restlessness
- Licking The Lips
- Displaying The Whites Of The Eyes (Whale Eye)
If you feel that your beloved pet is suffering from anxiety and have noticed any of these signs in your canine companion, please contact your local animal clinic immediately. While there is no cure for anxiety, you can help your pet cope with it.
Do Certain Breeds Have A Higher Chance Of Experiencing Anxiety Than Others?
While anxiety affects dogs of all kinds, it is more common in some breeds. These are the dogs on that roster:
- German Shepherd
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collies
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Bichon
- Toy Poodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Vizsla
- Chihuahua
- Basset Hound
- Dachshund
- Greyhound Mini-Schnauzer
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Yorkshire Terrier
As previously stated, dogs who have experienced abuse, neglect, or have been rehomed are more vulnerable, as are those with severe medical disorders like dementia. Don’t hesitate to contact your Pasadena, TX veterinarian for further information.
How Can I Help My Dog Deal With His Anxiety?
Fortunately, there are several things you can take to help your beloved pet cope with their emotions better.
Start by contacting your vet. If your pooch has a medical problem that has not yet been diagnosed, you should seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. Some puppies could benefit from behavioral instruction.
Medication might be the most effective approach. Before giving any medication or supplement to your pet, please consult with your veterinarian.
Make sure that Fido gets enough mental and physical exercise. Walking and playing with your dog can help him release excess energy in a healthy way. This is also excellent for developing strong relationships! The stability is also beneficial. Establishing a regular plan for your pet’s walks and playing will considerably improve their general comfort and well-being.
If your canine buddy suffers from separation anxiety, you might want to consider adopting a second dog, so he can have a friend. Of course, this will be determined by your budget, household size, and the history and temperament of your pet. This is not a decision to take lightly, so think about it carefully. It’s also important to choose a compatible match; if Fido does not get along with his new roommate, he may experience further distress. That would only make things worse!
Finally, there are products available to help dogs relax and be comfortable. These include things like calming shirts, appropriate chews, comfort beds, and toys. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations.
What Shouldn’t I Do With An Anxious Dog?
First and foremost? Avoid disciplining your pet when they are upset or anxious. Fido has a limited comprehension of the concept of punishment. He’s just resorting to instinctive means of communication and self-preservation. Reprimanding him may exacerbate the problem and make him frightened of you. It would be preferable to prioritize positive reinforcement. Ask your vet for more information.
Contact Our Pasadena, TX Pet Clinic
Do you have a question about your dog’s health or care? Don’t hesitate to contact us here at Red Bluff Animal Hospital. As your Pasadena, TX pet hospital, we are here to help!
