Anxiety In Dogs 

Did you know that dogs can suffer from anxiety, just as people can? Our canine friends are quite emotional, just as people are. Fear, depression, loneliness, and grief can take quite a toll on him, both emotionally and physically. A local vet from Slidell, LA and surrounding areas discusses doggy anxiety in this article.

What Are The Main Causes Of Anxiety In Dogs?

Fido’s temperament, history, living situation, and breed can all come into play. That said, there are a few common triggers that can spark anxiety in dogs.

Here are a few of the key ones:

• Separation Anxiety
• Previous Trauma
• Fear
• Illness
• Social Anxiety
• Schedule Disruptions
• Conflicts With Other Pets
• Discomfort
• Fear Of Being Home Alone
• Genetics
• Lack Of Socialization
• Moving Homes
• Noise Phobias
• Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Delving Into The Roots Of Canine Anxiety

While separation anxiety is likely the most common cause of doggy anxiety, it is by no means the only cause of canine anxiety. There are many other possible options.

Let’s take a closer look at some triggers:

The Unknown: Dogs are happiest when they feel safe and secure. Being put into a place or situation that is new can rattle Fido. Unfamiliar people and/or other pets can also be quite stressful for Man’s Best Buddy.

Improper Socialization: Little Fido needs to be socialized—exposed to different places and faces—while he is still a baby. These experiences should be fun for him, not scary. This will help him grow up to be open-minded and positive about the world. Dogs that were not properly socialized are much more likely to act anxious or aggressive as adults.

Major Changes: Man’s Best Buddy is a creature of habit. Big changes can be extremely stressful for our animal companions. That may entail things like moving, getting a new roommate, whether it’s a person or pet, the loss of an owner, and schedule changes, to name just a few.

Phobias: Dogs can get phobias, just like people can. Thunderstorm anxiety is a common one. Many dogs are frightened of loud noises. 

Health Issues: Pets can develop many of the same types of illnesses and injuries as people can. However, they won’t understand what is going on. Anything that can affect Fido’s senses, mobility, or nervous system can definitely spark anxiety. Canine dementia, for instance, is sometimes the source of anxiety in older dogs. 

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is the most common form of doggy anxiety. Fido is wired to function as part of a pack. In the wild, dogs are nearly always with their buddies. Your pet may instinctively feel uneasy if he is left alone. Our canine pals can’t exactly talk their issues out in therapy, so they tend to try and release that angst however they can. If you come home to find that your dog has made a mess in your absence, separation anxiety is probably to blame.

Any pooch can get separation anxiety. However, it’s particularly common in rescue dogs, likely because they have been abandoned by owners before. Dogs that were rehomed are also more prone to this.

Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs

Fido, of course, can’t tell you how he feels. Watch for warning signs. These may vary a bit, depending on how stressed Fido is and what it is that’s upsetting him. If your pet is fearful of something, such as a loud noise, he may shake, tuck his tail, hide, or try to get away from the situation. (This is one reason that lost pet reports spike around the Fourth of July: many pups are so terrified by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they try to bolt.) A dog that is suffering from separation anxiety may be more prone to indulging in destructive behaviors, such as digging and chewing, while he is home alone. 

Here are some key symptoms:

• Trembling
• Tail-Tucking
• Hiding
• Reduced Activity
• Escape Attempts
• Panting
• Pacing
• Licking
• Tail Chasing
• Diarrhea
• Fear Urination
• Hot Spots/Lesions From Licking Or Biting
• Tail-Chasing
• Yowling/Barking when left alone
• Destructive Behaviors (getting into the trash, digging, destroying furniture)
• Cowering
• Digging
• Not eating
• Urinating more frequently
• Soiling inappropriately
• Restlessness
• Licking the lips
• Showing the whites of the eyes (whale eye)
• Looking away
• Aggression 

If you know or suspect that your dog has anxiety, and/or have noticed any of these in your dog, reach out to your animal clinic immediately. 

Are Certain Breeds Prone To Anxiety? 

Although any dog can develop anxiety, and for a variety of reasons, it is more frequent in certain breeds. That roster includes the following pups: 

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

Any pooch that has been abused, neglected, or rehomed is also at risk, as are those with certain medical issues, such as dementia. Ask your Slidell, LA vet for more information. 

How Do I Help My Pup Cope With His Anxiety? 

There are several things you can do to help your furry bestie cope better. 

The first thing you will want to do is contact your vet. If there is an undiagnosed medical issue to blame, it’s important to have that diagnosed immediately. Medication may be the best way forward. Never give Fido anything unless your vet specifically recommends it. With some pups, behavioral training may be needed. 

Next, make sure that your canine companion is getting enough stimulation and exercise. Walking and playing with Fido will help him burn off that excess energy in a healthy way. This is also good for bonding. Trying to keep your cute pet on a steady schedule for those strolls and play sessions can also help, by fostering a sense of security. That’s very important! 

If your furry pal has separation anxiety, you may want to consider getting him a buddy. Of course, this would depend on your pet’s personality. This isn’t a decision to make lightly, so you’ll need to think it over carefully. Making the right match is also crucial: if FIdo doesn’t like his new roommate, he may get even more upset.

There are also calming products that may help. These include calming shirts, suitable chews, comfort beds, and toys. Ask your vet for recommendations. 

There are also don’ts to keep in mind. Never punish your dog for acting uneasy or anxious. Fido doesn’t really understand punishment: He’s just trying to express and protect himself in the only way he knows how. Reprimanding him may just make matters worse and could even make him afraid of you. Focus on positive reinforcement. Ask your vet for specific advice. 

Visit Your Slidell, LA Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us anytime! Here at Gause Boulevard Veterinary Hospital, serving Slidell, LA and surrounding areas we are always happy to help!