Does Your Dog Have Anxiety?

Our canine companions are incredibly emotional creatures. Fido is capable of experiencing emotions such as fear, depression, loneliness, and grief. And, just like humans, our canine buddies can also experience anxiety. This can be quite challenging for him, both emotionally and physically. This article by an Elkridge, MD veterinarian, offers valuable insights into the topic of doggy anxiety.

Why Do Dogs Get Anxiety?

Anxiety in our canine companions can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as Fido’s attitude, background, living situation, and breed. That said, there are a few common culprits.

Let’s take a look at some of the big ones:

New Things: Fido may feel anxious and unsettled when he is placed in an unfamiliar environment or circumstance. Interacting with unfamiliar individuals or other animals can cause a great deal of stress for our beloved canine companions.

Lack Of Proper Socialization: Dogs that were not properly socialized are much more likely to show signs of anxiety or aggression as they grow older. When Fido is still a puppy, it’s important for him to visit new places and meet new people. These experiences will help him cultivate a broad perspective and a favorable outlook on the world.

Major changes: Our furry friends are creatures of habit, and they can become quite distressed by significant changes. Some examples include moving, changes in the household, experiencing the loss of a loved one, different schedules, and getting a new owner.

Specific Fears: Did you know that dogs can actually develop phobias? Thunderstorm anxiety is a prime illustration. Many pooches are very scared of loud noises, like fireworks. Another example of this would be a dog that has been confined to kennels on a regular basis developing a fear of crates. (Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in pets that have experienced abuse or neglect).

Illness: our furry friends are vulnerable to a whole slew of illnesses and injuries, but often don’t understand what is happening to them. Anything that hampers Fido’s senses, movement, or nerve system could possibly lead to anxiety. Canine dementia, for instance, can cause anxiety in older dogs.

Other possible causes include trauma, age-related cognitive decline, and simple genetics.  Ask your vet for more information. 

What Are The Signs Of Canine Anxiety?

Undoubtedly, Fido is unable to articulate his emotions. It is important to know what the signs are.

These may vary depending on Fido’s stress level and the cause of his distress. For instance, if your pet is scared of something specific, like a loud noise, they might tremble, tuck their tail, seek shelter, or attempt to escape the situation. (One of the reasons why lost pet reports tend to increase around the Fourth of July is because many dogs become frightened by the loud noises and chaos caused by fireworks, causing them to try and escape.) Dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit destructive behaviors like digging and gnawing When left alone.

Here are a few important symptoms:

Occasionally, anxiety in dogs can manifest as aggressive behavior.

If you suspect that your furry companion may be experiencing anxiety or if you have observed any of the following symptoms in your dog, reach out to your veterinarian right away.

Are Certain Breeds More Prone To Anxiety?

Breed is only one factor, but it does play a role. Although anxiety can impact dogs of all kinds due to various factors, certain breeds may be more susceptible to experiencing it. That list of names includes the following:

• Bichon Frise
• Toy Poodle
• Labrador Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Vizsla
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Basset Hound
• Dachshund
• Greyhound
• Small-scale Schnauzer
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Chihuahua
• German Shepherd
• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Jack Russell Terrier

As mentioned before, dogs that have experienced abuse, neglect, or have been rehomed are vulnerable, as are those with certain medical conditions like dementia. For more details, get in touch with your Elkridge, MD veterinarian.

What Exactly Is Canine Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is the most common form of canine anxiety. Fido is basically wired to function as part of a pack. In the wild, dogs usually stick with their pals. Being left alone can make him feel unsettled, lonely, and depressed. If you come back to find that your furry companion has caused a mess in your absence, it’s highly likely that separation anxiety is the culprit. (Note: this is likely why some pups howl when left alone. Fido may be trying to tell you where he is.)

Separation anxiety can affect any dog. However, it is especially common in rescue dogs, possibly due to the unfortunate circumstances of having been abandoned by or separated from their previous owners. Dogs that have been rehomed are also at a higher risk of developing this condition.

How Can I Help My Anxious Dog?

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to assist your furry companion in improving his ability to cope with anxiety.

First and foremost, reach out to your veterinarian. If there is an undiscovered medical issue behind Fido’s anxiety, it is crucial to diagnose and address it promptly. Some puppies may benefit from behavioral training. Medicine can also help. (Note: Before giving anything to your dog, you should always talk to your vet.)

Also, make sure that your furry friend gets enough mental and physical activity. Taking Fido for walks and engaging in playtime will help him release his pent-up energy in a healthy way. This is also great for building a strong relationship with your canine buddy. Establishing a regular schedule for your pet’s walks and playtime will contribute to a sense of stability, which is beneficial as well.

If your pet experiences separation anxiety, you might want to consider getting Fido a companion. This will depend on the personality and history of your canine friend, of course. Take some time to think about this before making a decision. Adoption is a huge commitment, so it’s important to make sure it’s the right move. Consider your household, budget, and schedule. If all seems good, then the next step is ensuring the perfect match. This is crucial: if Fido isn’t fond of his new companion, It might make him even more anxious!

Products designed to promote relaxation, like soothing shirts, suitable chews, cozy mattresses, and engaging toys, can also be beneficial. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

It’s important to know what to avoid. Never punish your dog when they show signs of nervousness or anxiety. We know, it’s upsetting to find that your pet just ate your carpet, but reprimanding him may make things worse. Fido doesn’t fully grasp the concept of punishment; he’s simply trying to communicate and defend himself. Scolding him might worsen the situation and potentially instill fear in him. Highlighting positive reinforcement would be your most effective approach. Another thing to avoid would be over-coddling your pet. That’s just rewarding Fido for acting unsettled.

Ask your Elkridge, MD veterinarian for specific guidance.

Book An Appointment At Our Elkridge, MD Pet Clinic

Do you have any inquiries regarding your dog’s health or care? Feel free to reach out to us, your Elkridge, MD pet hospital! We are more than happy to help!