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Vet advice courtesy of Dr Cathy Lau BSc (Hons) BVSc BVMS from Greencross Vets Baldivis. The more time we spend with our dogs, the more we feel like we have an intuitive knack of knowing how they’re feeling at any given time. They’re great at expressing when they’re happy, hungry, tired, or just want a good belly scratch, but unfortunately anxiety is a lot trickier to notice in dogs and you’d be forgiven for incorrectly interpreting these symptoms as your dog being naughty. The more you know about what triggers anxiety in your dog, the better you can notice the signs and treat them. What causes anxiety in dogs?Particular sounds, situations and environments can all lead to anxiety and stress in your dog. These situations include:
For some dogs, the cause is less obvious and possibly related to temperament, genetics and past negative experiences. What are the symptoms of anxiety in dogs?Correctly interpreting your dog’s body language is very important. The below are the initial reactions that your dog will show when they come across a fearful experience:
It’s also important to understand the signs that your dog is experiencing anxiety to help them get back to their happy selves. Some of the main symptoms of anxiety include:
Book Now How to help a dog with anxietyAvoid their triggersThe best way to help your dog with anxiety is to identify the signs and triggers for their anxiety and to remove them from these situations. Reassure your dog and never punish them for their reactions. Seek advice from veterinary behaviourists and certified behaviour trainers who use positive training methods, and avoid your dog’s triggers until their anxiety has been managed. Socialise them earlyThe critical socialisation period of a dog is when they are 4-16 weeks old. This is the period where a dog’s brain actively learns how to accept and interact with other members in the social group (dogs, people and other animals) and to the environment. For a puppy to develop into a friendly, confident and happy adult, regular handling and being exposed to novel situations in a non-threatening manner during this period is very important. Research has shown that puppies who are not exposed to other dogs and people during this critical period are more likely to develop fearful and aggressive behaviour, and behavioural problems later in their lives. Therefore it’s very important to socialise your puppy before they’re 16 weeks old. Use AdaptilOne of the most useful ways to reassure or appease your anxious dog is to use Adaptil. Adaptil is a synthetic copy of the natural pheromone that a puppy’s mother releases during nursing. This pheromone is only detectable to dogs, so you and your other non-dog pets won’t notice any difference but your best friend will feel safe and secure and experience less fear and stress. When you’re on the go, this product is available as a collar or spray. This spray can be applied to a bandana that your dog wears and will last for 2 hours. When you’re at home, set up a diffuser to create a relaxing environment for your dog. The collar and diffusers will need to be changed every month. Feed Royal Canin Relax Care dog foodRoyal Canin’s Relax Care range of wet and dry dog food is formulated with a naturally-sourced active protein molecule that has a calming effect on dogs. This is an extra-tasty, nutritionally complete and balanced diet that’s specially crafted to moderate your dog’s responses to upsets and changes in their environment that can cause stress. If you suspect your canine companion may be suffering from anxiety, always seek the advice of your vet. Especially when the symptoms rapidly appear over a short period of time, they could possibly related to medical problems or pain that causes an increase in irritability. To help your dog overcome their anxiety, explore our range of dog stress and anxiety treatments online and in-store for products that will help get your best friend back to their happy, tail-wagging best. There are other natural and prescribed medications your vet can recommend based on your specific situation.
12 Min Read Nov 10, 2021
Medically reviewed by Dr. Megan Petroff
Dog anxiety can present clinical signs such as restlessness, excessive drooling, unusual aggression, or compulsive behaviors. Treating dog anxiety involves addressing the cause (i.e. separation, fear, medical issues) and in some cases, using behavior modification, environmental adjustments, and prescribed medication or calming supplements.
Dogs are known for being our loving and social best friends. They perk up the minute they hear the front door unlock and immediately run to their owner and shower them with love. While dogs are generally affectionate, loyal, and energetic, they can also get fearful, anxious, and stressed. Fear, anxiety, and stress are all classified as behavioral problems in dogs. Though they have similar connotations, their definitions vary:
Because “dog anxiety” is a more familiar phrase for most pet owners, we’ll be using that as a generic term throughout this post. Anxiety can be just as debilitating for dogs as it is for humans. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that can help your pooch live a better, happier life. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing clinical signs of dog anxiety, causes of anxiety in dogs, treatment, and more. Clinical Signs of Anxiety in DogsClinical signs of dog anxiety differ for every dog depending on the cause for and severity of their anxiety. To further complicate diagnosis, many symptoms of anxiety in dogs can be indicative of other health issues. These are some of the most commonly observed signs of anxiety in dogs3:
Keep in mind, not all of these symptoms need to be present for a diagnosis of canine anxiety. If you’ve noticed any of these clinical signs, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your vet. Causes of Anxiety in DogsThere are various factors that could contribute to your dog’s anxiety, ranging from genetic factors to lack of appropriate socialization, traumatic events, or diseases in other body systems. In order to properly treat your dog’s anxiety, it’s helpful to understand the root cause of it. These are the most common causes of anxiety in dogs:
Your dog’s anxiety might seem out of the blue, but it’s usually due to some sort of environmental change or stressful situation. However, certain dog breeds are more predisposed to anxiety. Diagnosis of Anxiety in DogsIn order to effectively diagnose anxiety in a dog, they must be evaluated by a vet. Their behaviors, including their daily eating routine, urination and defecation habits, social interaction, physical exercise, and sleeping habits, should all be reported to your vet. If your dog repeatedly exhibits one or more signs of anxiety, have them evaluated by your vet so they can be properly diagnosed. A vet will have a better understanding of the right course of treatment and if the anxiety is related to a disease or disorder of another part of the body. Anxiety in dogs is common, and it’s not something to be taken lightly. In a recent study, 73% of dogs expressed anxiety-related behavior.5 These behaviors can have a huge impact on the dog’s quality of life, which is why it’s so important to find the right course of treatment for your pup as quickly as possible. Treatment & Management of Anxiety in DogsThere are various treatment methods that can help ease your pup’s anxiety and stress. But in order to treat them, you first need to understand the cause and severity of their condition. Dog anxiety treatment may involve a combination of strategies, like behavior modification, and medication. Treatment methods will vary depending on the root cause. Some common dog anxiety treatment methods include:
Dog Anxiety: Frequently Asked QuestionsHaving a dog with anxiety can start to take over your life. You can barely leave the house without worrying about what your dog is going to do, and if they’re going to harm themselves or wreak havoc in your home. But remember: there is a treatment out there to ease your pup’s anxiousness. With the right course of treatment, you can improve your dog’s symptoms. To help answer any more questions you have regarding dog anxiety, we’ve gathered up some of the most frequently asked questions regarding symptoms, causes, and treatment of anxiety in dogs: How do you know if your dog has anxiety?There are various signs that can indicate your dog is suffering from anxiety. Restlessness, excessive barking and panting, destructive behavior, aggression, and self-harm are some of the most common indicators. A dog who’s experiencing anxiety will start to exhibit these behaviors repeatedly, so make sure to keep a close eye on your dog if you sense they are developing anxiety. How will anxiety meds affect my dog?Medication can be a viable course of treatment for anxiety, if recommended by your vet. If your vet does prescribe medication, you’re probably wondering how it will impact your dog’s demeanor and physical health. Every pet responds to anxiety medication differently, but side effects may include:
To learn more about the side effects and potential benefits of pharmaceutical options, read our blog post on anxiety medications for dogs. How should I confront or comfort my anxious dog?Overall, you want to proceed with caution whenever attempting to calm down an anxious dog. Learning how to read your dog’s body language is a helpful way to learn how to approach (or not approach) your anxious dog. Some examples of anxious body language may include6:
When interacting with your nervous dog, it’s important to act as calmly and gently as possible. In the event that your dog finds it difficult to calm, consult your vet about possible treatment methods. Final NotesTalking to a licensed veterinarian is crucial if your dog shows signs of anxiety. Dutch.com is an online vet telehealth service; pet owners can virtually connect with licensed veterinarians who can prescribe their pets the medication they need. We bring the user to the vet all from the comfort of home, so your dog can be back to their social self as quickly as possible. Access the medication and treatment options your pooch needs to live a happy, healthy life.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Megan Petroff
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