what is anxiety in dogs?



how to help an anxious Dog


Every dog has anxiety, but each dog will deal with its fear in different and unfortunately, sometimes harmful ways. Learn how to answer the question; “How to help my dog with anxiety?” especially if it is causing them to suffer. This guide will talk about several methods that can help like distraction, desensitization, and even medication. Each of these methods can be utilized separately or together. There are even different medications that ‘treat’ anxiety in different ways, each with different potential side effects. Remember, it is up to you to figure out the best way to help your pets, so let’s get started.


What is Anxiety in Dogs?

Anxiety is simply a feeling of fear and/or uneasiness and is something quite common in humans and dogs alike. Believe it or not, dogs can suffer from anxiety disorders just like humans. Since dogs cannot tell us what they are feeling, it is up to us to pick up on their behavioral cues so we know when they might need a little help. Anxiety is a normal feeling for all dogs, but it can occasionally lead to destructive behaviors and unhealthy levels of stress which may cause health issues.


Signs of Anxiety

Some signs that a dog is starting to feel anxious is if you notice that their ears are back, their tail is tucked, or they are panting. Other signs are hiding, trembling, pacing, whining, or having ‘potty’ accidents. There are several behavioral cues that you may not automatically attribute to anxiety but can in fact be a sign of immense stress such as barking/howling, digging, heavy licking/chewing, and other destructive behavior.


What causes anxiety

Every dog is naturally afraid of certain situations, objects, or experiences. This feeling of fear and anxiety helps to keep them safe from dangerous circumstances. Socializing our pets and introducing them to a variety of things does help with anxiety issues when done appropriately. Common fears can be things like fireworks, thunderstorms, or strangers. Be aware that dogs can also be anxious about smaller details like people wearing hats or sunglasses, bikes, palm trees, or even small children (they walk like zombies).


Treatments

Depending on the level of anxiety that your dog is experiencing and what is causing them stress, there are a variety of different treatments or methods that you can use to help them out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have any questions or consult a professional. The most important thing during this process is to not add to your dog’s stress. This means avoiding getting angry or yelling at them while they are showing any potential signs of anxiety. You also do not want to ‘baby’ them too much. If you act like there is something wrong, this makes them think they are right to be anxious. Try to pet or hold them if it helps them without acting like there is something scary happening.


Thundershirt

A thundershirt is a ‘shirt’ that wraps around your dog and applies constant gentle pressure to their body to help calm them down.  Studies have shown that they can be over 80% effective.


Anxiety supplement

A dog anxiety supplement is beneficial for scared dogs as it provides a natural and holistic approach to alleviating their stress and fear. By targeting the underlying causes of anxiety, such as separation anxiety, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments, the supplement helps to promote relaxation and emotional balance in dogs, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.


conclusion

There are several methods that you can use to help your dog with anxiety. The best method to control your dog’s stress levels is dependent on what is causing your dog’s stress and how stressed out your dog gets. These methods can be used together to give your dog more ways to cope with their stress and anxiety in more helpful and healthy ways. If your dog needs medication to manage its anxiety, it is best to formulate a plan ahead of time since the medicine can take a while to kick in. Utilize whatever tools including your vet and professional behavioral trainers to help your dog live a healthier, happier, and safer life.


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