Dogs & Anxiety – What You Should Know
To no surprise, dogs experience anxiety much like humans do. This is a normal emotion to experience. Dog anxiety is present in many breeds but affects each dog differently. Dogs may experience constant anxiety or only have it at certain times, during certain events. Understanding the signs and levels of anxiety is helpful because if anxiety is not addressed, your dog may develop an anxiety disorder. Continue reading our article to learn about the basics of anxiety and how you can help your four-legged friend.
There may be a variety of causes of dog anxiety. The most common causes of dog anxiety include separation, aging, and fear. Unfortunately, separation anxiety is estimated to affect around 15% of dogs. Dogs who experience separation anxiety have difficulty finding comfort when left alone or separated from their families. Age-related anxiety affects older dogs and can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Finally, fear-based anxiety can be triggered by trips to the veterinarian, loud noises, strangers, or new environments.
Several symptoms may tell you that your dog is experiencing anxiety, which includes:
- Restlessness
- Aggression
- Drooling
- Destructive behavior
- Depression
- Pacing
- Urinating or defecating in the house
You may find it challenging to predict what will make your dog anxious. The good news is that there are ways to help a dog overcome anxiety-related problems. Understanding your dog’s body language will help tremendously. Know when they are scared and uncomfortable so that you can avoid negative experiences. Please get in touch with your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer if the anxiety gets out of hand and you cannot address it yourself. The vet or trainer will help you develop a treatment plan to help your dog overcome their issues with anxiety.
