Anxiety has become a very common trait in human beings, and we all deal with this mental health problem at some point in our lives. But when we speak about our furry pets, we always think they are born carefree and all they need is food, sleep, and a comfortable environment. Well, not always true! Like their human pals, the four-legged also have anxiety attacks and, sometimes major ones. One of the tricky things about our pets is that when something is wrong with them, they can't communicate that to us. That is where understanding pet behavior comes into play. The article deals with pet anxiety issues and how to deal with them.
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Since pets can sense your emotions, it is always best to try to be a calming influence on them and not ignore it as a regular puppy tantrum. Unhealthy pet behavior, biting, barking, and chewing on everything in sight is how a pet deals with it when stressed. All dogs associate everything with people around them. Thus, abandoning them or keeping them aloof is what brings anxiety to them.
Also Read: Puppy Proofing: Protect Your Pet From These 5 Potential Life-Threatening Dangers
Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs
Common signs of anxiety in dogs can be triggered by different factors that may include the following:
- Barking, even when no one is around
- Panting unnecessarily
- Shivering
- Hiding in extreme corners of a house
- Digging or destroying stuff by biting on to them
- Self-harm
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Refusal to eat
- Urinating frequently
Types of Anxiety In Dogs
Let's delve into what are the potential reasons that can cause your dog an anxiety attack:
Separation Anxiety: When your dog doesn't like to be separated from his or her master, it can be a very common form of anxiety that most dogs suffer from.
Fear Of Loud Noises: Thunderstorms and fireworks are potential triggers of anxiety in dogs. Pets are fearful of such events because dogs can hear them naturally and with more intensity.
Change In Environment: For some pets, anxiety can involve changes in their surroundings. It can be things like changes in the owner’s work hours, the owner traveling, or any abrupt change in an otherwise normal routine that the pet has been following for a while.
Vet Visits: A pet can sense when being taken to a vet. This can be a potential anxiety trigger for a pet.
Losing A Canine Friend: If your dog's separation anxiety is caused by losing a canine buddy, it can be an issue of your dog’s anxiousness. Since the dog is used to having another dog around all the time, loneliness will trigger such issues
Also Read: Pet Snacks: What Healthy Eatables Your Four-Legged Can Nibble On To Anytime Of The Day
How To Soothe Your Furry Buddy?
If you have a dog that suffers from any of the above-stated anxiety types, there are many ways for supporting your anxious dog and promoting a happy healthy life for him or her. Here is how you can help, and it may bring down your pet’s anxiety in the beginning stages:
Get Them To Exercise
If your dog experiences anxiety, start by providing more opportunities for exercise. Begins with taking him for a long walk and then adding on some games. Just like with humans, a good exercise routine will work wonders for your pet.
Offer Physical Contact
Love and attention from a trusted human can help to alleviate stress in an anxious dog during tough times. Tight snuggles, a good bath, smooth brushing, and massaging can help distract a dog from anxiety triggers and make it easier for them to feel good.
Get Them Chew Toys
Chewing toys can provide a distraction for pets experiencing anxiety that may be leading to either hyperactivity or boredom. Chew toys and chew sticks release components that can keep them busy. Not only will they be distracted from their immediate worries, but pets will display good behavior during a stressful time.
Consider Medication
Over-the-counter solutions might be of great help to calm an anxiety-laden pet. Based on the pet’s specific needs, the vet will make recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask the veterinarian about common oral medications that can be administered to calm an anxious pet.
Consider Veterinary Advice
Perpetually anxious pets might need a lot more than attention. Therefore, for more severe cases when simple methods do not work, consulting a veterinary behaviorist is essential.
