What Pet Owners Need to Know About Dog Anxiety
Anxiety [ang-zahy-i-tee] noun: distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune
Our dogs are meant to be good for our soul when it comes to companionship; some of them ease our fears, some of them are meant to help with disabilities and most of them just bring about joy in us. But did you know that your furry friend can experience anxiety? Yes, some dogs are known to be anxious and worrisome when it comes to people, places and new experiences and it’s important for us pet parents to know the warning signs to help.
Just like with humans, our dog's anxiety typically stems from being exposed to the kind of conditions that make them anxious, which include:
Experiencing neglect
Being rehomed or having multiple owners over time
Excessive or forced behaviors
Suffering from an illness or a painful physical condition
Exposure to toxic conditions
Aging
Not receiving proper social or environmental conditioning
These triggers can send your dog down a path of anxiety and fear, which can be carried with them through their life, changing their behaviors and personality. But dog anxiety can be trickled down to three common causes: fear, separation and aging.
Fear-related anxiety can be caused by loud noises, strange people or animals, visual stimuli, new or strange environments, specific situations or surfaces.
Separation anxiety makes dogs unable to find comfort when they are left alone or separated from their family and typically brings about undesirable behaviors that can destroy the inside of the house.
Age-related anxiety sees a decline in memory, learning, perception and awareness due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome - also known as CDS. This syndrome leads to confusion and anxiety in senior dogs.
In order to help your dog with their anxiety, pet parents should be extra aware of their dog's body language because it can be the best indicator when it comes to signs and symptoms of being anxious and/or fearful. An anxious dog may pant, pace, tremble, drool, withdraw from their owner or hide. Your dog’s tail may be low or tucked, ears back, eyes dilated or showing lots of white around them, their body carriage may be low and their manner may be hesitant or avoidant. Dogs that are experiencing separation anxiety may urinate inside, which is often confused with owners thinking their dog is angry or has resentment. Dogs that are anxious all the time may become depressed, irritable, sleep more and can lose interest in things that they once enjoyed such as playing, social interaction or food.
It’s not easy watching your dog go down a rabbit hole of anxiety and fear. Sometimes pet parents can feel stuck and frustrated when it comes to an anxious dog and trying to figure out solutions to make things better. Being proactive will be your best defense for your canine, so incorporating some (or all) of these suggestions can help to improve your pups anxious behaviors:
Learn to read your dogs cues and body language - understanding when your dog starts to react to stimuli in a negative way can help you remove them from the situation and comfort them sooner.
Introduce your dog to new places, people and activities at a young age so you can help your dog become accustomed to an array of situations to help prevent any worry or fear that can begin to build up.
Obedience training can help to develop a strong and trusting relationship with your dog, giving them the opportunity to socialize while feeling safe and secure.
A healthy dog usually has less anxiety, so make sure you are giving yours the nutrition, exercise and playtime they need to stay physically and mentally active.
If you know what triggers your dog’s anxiety, stay away from those situations (if possible). Why expose them to more stress when it’s not necessary?
Creating a predictable routine for your dog is also a major game changer when it comes to managing your dog's anxiety. Keeping things predictable for them will help grow their confidence and not add any stressful surprises to their day.
Creating a safe, calm place for them to go to can also be a great tool to use with anxiety. Anxious dogs benefit from a safe place that they can associate with positive things, such as toys, treats, blankets or dog beds. Things that are portable are even better because you can take them with you on the road to help ease any anxiety that may happen in the car or in new places.
When it comes to dogs, they really just want some predictability in their lives. Treat and toy surprises are always welcomed, but when it comes to situations and experiences you need to learn to read your dog’s body language in order to assess how things will work out. While our furry companions may carry their anxiety with them through their life, just remember to be proactive in avoiding stressful situations for your dog and always incorporating what makes them happy into their routine.
If it’s predictability you’re looking for, why not try a daily dog walker for something fun and exciting for your dog to look forward to every day. Boredom and loneliness don’t look good on your dog, so let Going Mutts Pet Services send one of our paw-some dog walkers to help your pup stay active and to receive some positive attention while you’re at work. Send us an email - info@goingmuttspetservices.com - or contact us at our website to see how we can help to customize a pet care plan for you!
Sources:
https://www.eastsacvet.com/blog/dog-anxiety-what-pet-owners-need-to-know/
https://bestfriendspetcare.com/what-to-know-about-dog-anxiety/
https://www.bpah.net/blog/dog-anxiety-why-is-your-dog-nervous
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/anxiety
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/