Dogs feel frustration, discomfort, and fear just like humans do. Dog anxiety is common and symptoms differ for each dog. Studies have revealed that about three-quarters of dogs exhibit symptoms that are present in daily life. However, some dogs have symptoms worse than others.
Symptoms & Signs of Dog Anxiety
As a pet parent, you want to look out for the following signs of anxiety in your dog:
- Whining
- Excessive barking
- Shivering or shaking
- Aggression towards other dogs, you, and family members
- Pacing
- Restlessness
- Fidgeting
- Tucking tail under
- Changes in posture
- Drooling
- Excessive panting for no reason
- No interest in eating food
- Excessive licking
- Excessive scratching
- Destructive behavior such as chewing and scratching furniture
- Escaping from the house or yard
- Saliva builds up around the mouth
- Releasing a little bark while exhaling
- The appearance of the whites of their eyes
Every dog gets nervous at some point in their life and might exhibit some of the symptoms mentioned above. It’s natural to have some anxiety when visiting a new place or being confronted with a trigger. However, if your dog is consistently showing signs of anxiety it’s best to discuss the issue with a veterinarian.
Causes of Dog Anxiety
Studies have revealed there are four causes of anxiety in dogs. Some dogs with extreme anxiety get triggered by more than just one cause.
Here are the four main triggers:
- Sensitivity to noise – Noise sensitivity is a common trigger in dogs that leads to acute stress. Loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, televisions, squeaky doors, and washing machines often cause anxiety symptoms in dogs.
- Separation anxiety – In the wild, dogs live in packs to survive and thrive. Domestic dogs think their owner and family they live with is their pack. Separating from the pack causes extreme anxiety in dogs which means being left home alone is a common trigger for separation anxiety.
- Social anxiety – Dogs that are shy, timid, or have a fear of being around too many people or animals often experience social anxiety.
- Anxiety from aging – As your pup grows older they might experience pains from arthritis and aches in their body. Also, their mind might not feel as up to par as they once did. Pain or discomfort in the body causes anxiety that can cause symptoms.
How to Manage Dog Anxiety
As you observe your dog’s behavior you will notice when their anxiety is triggered. Here are helpful tips for managing your dog’s anxiety.
- Sense of touch – Soothe your dog’s nerves by gently petting them and holding them until they calm down. If your dog is agitated you can encourage them to come to you by offering them a tasty treat followed by a soothing tone in your voice telling them they are safe.
- Avoidance – Once you find out your dog’s trigger try to avoid it if possible. For example, if your dog gets stressed from being on public transportation, hearing loud noises, or is scared around a crowd, try to avoid putting your dog in that environment.
- Desensitization – This tip is a long process and not meant as a quick fix. However, it does slowly help your dog adapt to environments and situations that once scared them with less anxiety. Gradually expose your dog to their trigger while at the same time giving them a treat and calming them with a soft voice.
- Create a safe space – Choose a special place in your home and dedicate it to your dog as their safe space. Place a dog bed, blanket, and toys in this area so your dog knows they can run to their safe place anytime.
Treatment for Dog Anxiety
There are a variety of treatments for dog anxiety that veterinarians offer. The type of treatment is determined by your dog’s symptoms, anxiety level, and current health status.
Here are common treatments for dog anxiety:
- Pheromone diffusers – These diffusers are specially designed to spread pheromones throughout the house to help your dog maintain a sense of calm.
- CBD Oil – Cannabidiol or CBD, comes from the cannabis plant and when used as a treatment for dogs it is known to reduce anxiety.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) – This is a medication prescribed by a veterinarian that reduces depression and manages anxiety levels.
As a pet parent, you have the power to help manage your dog’s anxiety. Remain observant of your dog’s behavior and use the helpful tips mentioned above to ease your dog’s fears and anxiety. If your dog does not respond to your soothing techniques, contact a veterinarian for further assistance.