Our four-legged friends experience stress and panic as well. For Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, The Yorkshire Vet’s Matt Jackson-Smith shares his insights and advice on handling an anxious dog.
Dog anxiety is much more prevalent than many pet owners realize. Every year, I encounter countless animals whose stress and anxiety have a significant impact on both their quality of life and their families.
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including excessive barking, destructive behavior, trembling, hiding, or aggression, whether it is caused by separation, loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, or even changes in routine.
A recent survey revealed that around 70% of dogs suffer from bouts of stress and anxiety and the prevalence of doggy depression leads 41% of owners to admit that they worry about their pet’s mental health.
The survey, conducted by Adaptil, which offers calming solutions for pets, also revealed that 56% of owners could identify their pet as anxious right away (44%), having a low or tucked tail (42%), pacing (34%), or trembling (29%).
Even my own dog, Cavapoo Harry, has caused me anxiety. He has always had a little nervous side, but when Anastasia arrived, everything changed for him.
In order to make sure he felt secure, we made the decision to create some safe spaces in our home. The good news is that anxious dogs can live happier, calmer lives with the right guidance and guidance, even though it can be very agonizing to watch a man’s best friend suddenly experience anxiety and stress.
What are the top ten dog anxiety triggers and how can you treat them, in this article…
Top ten pet detests
1. The news is comforting.
Dogs are fond of routine, so make sure to stick to consistent feeding, walking, and playtimes, especially when things change.
2. Create a secure environment
When stressful events like thunderstorms or fireworks occur, a quiet location with your dog’s favorite bed or blanket can be a peaceful retreat.
One suggestion is to cut a square of carpet or other material so your dog can travel with you in a portable safe place. The familiar scent of the carpet will aid.
3. Use positive reinforcement
Treat your dog well and reward him with treats and affection so he can learn that restorative behavior is rewarded.
4. mental stimulation and exercise
Brain games and physical activity help to release repressed jitters and promote mental harmony.
5. Consider calming devices.
Pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, and vet-approved supplements are some of the options available. Prescription medication may be required in severe circumstances.
6. Music
Music can calm dogs down during the firework season or to relieve separation anxiety. Classical music has been shown to reduce stress in some studies. Try some Bach or Beethoven compositions.
7. Don’t punish erratic behavior
Fear-based responses to bad behavior can worsen anxiety and erode trust. Attempt to find the root cause.
8. Certified behavioral scientists
Visiting a dog behaviorist may be wise because some dogs require a more in-depth approach.
9. Maintain tranquility
Although it may seem challenging, staying calm will help because your dog is more likely to pick up on your anxiety.
10. Talk to your veterinarian.
Every dog has a unique personality. The most effective approach is to customize your dog’s needs. An underlying medical condition may be to blame for the anxiety.
How to control your anxiety
1. Separation anxiety
When separated from their owners, dogs experience anxiety and distress. Following the Covid-19 lockdown, where many people had puppies while working from home and then had their dogs who were used to being with them constantly had issues.
Separation anxiety manifests in a variety of ways, including barking or howling, destructive behavior like chewing on objects, scratching at windows, doors, and soiling the house. Other symptoms include drooling, trembling, pacing, and panting. Additionally, it can make you act clingy.
2. loud sounds
Thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises can all trigger anxiety in dogs. This is especially noticeable around Guy Fawkes Night on November 5 – a time dreaded by many pet owners as it causes such stress for them. This fear can manifest as panic, destructive behaviour and even aggression.
3. familiar surroundings
A dog’s senses can become enthralled and anxious as they are dependent on familiar scents and routine to feel secure because of the abundance of new smells, sights, and sounds.
These cues are hampered by a new setting, which frequently makes them anxious and lost. The dog may try to avoid the new environment, social interactions, withdrawal, or hiding from people.
4. changes in daily life
Anxiety can be brought on by unexpected changes to a person’s daily routine, such as a new job or moving house.
5. Animals and new people
When new people, like a new baby or partner, or when a household welcomes a new pet, dogs may become anxious. In addition to preventing resources like food or toys, anxiety can manifest in jealousy.
6. conditions in the medical system
As dogs become more tolerant of their surroundings and more sensitive to their surroundings as they grow anxious, illness and pain can frequently be a cause of this.
7. Aging
Dogs may become more frightened as they age as a result of cognitive decline or other medical conditions.
8. Previous trauma
Dogs who have gone through trauma, such as being abandoned or abused, may become anxious.
9. Lack of socialization
Dogs can become anxious in unfamiliar environments or around other dogs and people, especially when they are young and are not properly socialized as puppies.
10. Lack of exercise
How much exercise a dog receives can have a significant impact on their behavior. Dogs need to stay active to maintain their physical and emotional health because they are naturally energetic creatures. Without enough exercise, a dog might become irritable, anxious, or destructive.
Case Study: Four-year-old Oscar, a German Shepherd.
The Dog’s Trust rehomed the rescue dog, Oscar, and moved to South London with Stephanie Noble and Harry Noble. Oscar has always been very anxious, Stephanie said. He was a lockdown dog, and after his previous owners could not handle him, he came to us at the age of 10 months.
We have tried a behaviorist, a doggy camp, medication, and rewarding him with treats in an effort to lessen his anxiety. He has significantly improved, despite still feeling a little anxious right now.
“The key is to accept the anxiety then find ways to address it, rather than punishing him. Oscar is a real character, is much loved and even has an Instagram page.”
- During Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, take time to observe your furry friend’s emotional well-being. With compassion and care, we can all help our dogs feel safe, secure, and part of the family. Matt is an ambassador for Butcher’s nourishing food for dogs: butchersdogfood.co.uk
Source: Mirror
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