Understanding Canine Anxiety

Our canine companions are very emotional. Just like humans, they can feel anxious, depressed, sad, lonely, and confused. These feelings can have a significant impact on your pet, both emotionally and physically. A local Waterdown, ON veterinarian explores canine anxiety in this post.

Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Separation anxiety is the most prevalent form of anxiety in dogs. Fido is more or less wired to function as part of a group. When your pet is left alone, it is totally normal for him to feel anxious. Dogs lack the ability to vocalize their problems, so they must turn to other means of communicating their emotional distress. (In other words, they use their angst for mischief.) If you return to find your canine companion has made a mess while you were away, separation anxiety could be the cause.

Any dog can have separation anxiety. However, this is a regular occurrence in rescue dogs, most likely due to being abandoned by their previous owners. This is a common concern with dogs who have been rehomed.

What Other Causes Anxiety in Dogs?

Animals can become apprehensive in a variety of settings and locations. Fido’s behavior can be influenced by a variety of factors, including his temperament, background, living environment, and breed.

Here are a few of the other factors that can cause or contribute to anxiety:

Changes

Significant changes can be quite upsetting for our beloved pets. Fido, like many of us, has a tendency to form habits. 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 stressful for your canine partner.

Phobias

Fido can also develop phobias. Many pups become anxious when there is a thunderstorm. Others are afraid of loud noises in general. A dog may develop a serious phobia of kennels and other forms of confinement after spending too much time in them. Unfortunately, this is common for pets who have been abused or neglected.

Sickness

Illness is another option. Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to a variety of illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, their knowledge of the situation is limited. Anything that impairs Fido’s senses, movement, or nerve system can induce anxiety. Older dogs may experience anxiety as a result of canine dementia.

The Unknown

Fido, too, can be agitated by new situations. Dogs, like people, are happiest when they feel protected and secure. When confronted with strange surroundings or conditions, Fido might feel fearful and uneasy. Meeting new people and other animals may cause worry in our beloved pets.

Insufficient Socialization

Proper socialization is crucial for dogs to develop a calm and pleasant temperament as they age. It is critical to begin socializing dogs at a young age. When Fido is young, he needs to meet a lot of new people and see a lot of various locations. It’s critical that these experiences be fun for him rather than intimidating. This will make him more receptive to the outside world and optimistic.

Other possibilities include the following:

• Conflicts among pets
• Discomfort
• Previous trauma
• Fear Illness
• Genetics
• Noise phobias

Seek more information from your veterinarian.

How Do I Recognize Anxiety in Dogs?

Anxiety symptoms in dogs can vary based on the dog’s stress level and the source of the distress. For example, if your furry pet is startled by a sudden loud noise, they may tremble, tuck their tail, seek refuge, or attempt to leave the source of the sound. During the Fourth of July, the number of lost pet reports increases. This is because dogs can be terrified by the loud noises and chaos generated by pyrotechnics, prompting them to flee.

However, when dogs feel separation anxiety and are left alone at home, they frequently engage in destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Dogs may exhibit violent behavior as a result of nervousness, which is very alarming.

These are the main symptoms:

• Trembling 
• Tail-Tucking
• Hiding
• Reduced Interest In Play
• Escape Attempts
• Panting
• Pacing
• Licking 
• Tail Chasing 
• Diarrhea
• Aggression
• Hot Spots/Lesions From Licking Or Biting 
• Tail-Chasing 
• Yowling/Barking When Left Alone
• Destructive Behavior (Getting Into The Trash, Trashing Furniture)
• Cowering And Digging
• Not Eating
• Soiling Improperly
• Restlessness
• Licking The Lips
• Showing the whites of the eyes (whale eye).

If you feel that your beloved pet is suffering from anxiety and have noticed any of the following signs in your canine companion, contact your local animal clinic in Waterdown, ON immediately. While anxiety may not be curable, there are things you can take to help your pet manage it.

Do Certain Breeds Have a Higher Chance of Developing Anxiety Than Others?

While anxiety can affect dogs of any breed, it is more common in certain breeds. Here are the dogs on the roster:

• German Shepherd
• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Bichon Curly 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 that have been abused, neglected, or rehomed are particularly vulnerable, as are those with certain medical disorders such as dementia. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further information.

How Can I Help My Dog Manage His Anxiety?

Fortunately, there are ways to help your beloved pet manage their emotions.

Start by contacting your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem that hasn’t been diagnosed yet, you should get it checked out right away. Some puppies might benefit from behavioral instruction.

Medication may be the most effective method to take for some pooches. Before delivering any medication or supplement to your pet, please consult with your veterinarian.

Making sure your furry bestie is getting both mental and physical activity. Walking and playing with your dog will allow him to release surplus energy in an appropriate manner. This is also great for building strong relationships! Stability is also useful. Establishing a regular plan for your pet’s walks and playing can significantly improve their general comfort and well-being.

If your cherished pet suffers from separation anxiety, consider getting them a buddy. Of course, this is dependent on your budget, household, and your pet’s history and temperament. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, so think about it carefully. It is critical to choose a compatible match: if Fido does not get along with his new roommate, he may experience even more distress.

Finally, there are items available to help dogs relax and be comfortable, such as calming attire, appropriate chews, comfort beds, and toys. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

What Shouldn’t I Do with an Anxious Dog?

First and foremost? Avoid penalizing your pet when they are feeling nervous or anxious. Fido does not truly understand the concept of punishment. He is merely dependent on innate modes of communication and self-preservation. Reprimanding him may aggravate the problem and make him frightened of you. It is preferable to focus on positive reinforcement. Consult your Waterdown, ON veterinarian for personalized guidance.

Make An Appointment At Our Waterdown, ON Animal Clinic

Have you got any questions about your dog’s health or care? Do not hesitate to contact us at Terra Linda Veterinary Hospital, your Waterdown, ON animal hospital.