Here are three anxiety in dogs symptoms that may help you. We all want our pets to be happy and healthy, but sometimes they become anxious, just like humans. A dog can get anxious for a million different reasons, and it’s up to the owner to learn the signs and symptoms to ease your pet’s discomfort. Today, we’ll talk about three of the most common symptoms of anxiety in dogs and what you can do to calm those fears. Let’s dive in!
Symptom #1 – They Bark or Howl Constantly When Alone
If your dog suddenly starts barking or howling for no reason at all, this is a sign of anxiety. It is a common problem for dogs that are left alone for long periods during the day or if they’re exposed to uncomfortable behavioral and environmental triggers.
Why It Happens
Separation Anxiety – This is when dogs become restless because of the social attachment they have to their owners. They feel unsafe or abandoned when you’re not around. They just miss you a lot and don’t know how to deal with their frustration.
Fear – Anxiety can be triggered by loud noises, new environments, or the presence of strangers in the home.
Attention-Seeking – Some dogs bark or howl to get attention from their owners.
What To Do
Create a Safe Space
Provide a comfortable and secure area where your dog can retreat when they’re feeling anxious. A soft and comfortable bed, some favorite toys, and a quiet space will help your dog feel more comfortable.
Desensitization Training
Gradually introduce the anxiety-causing stimuli to the dog under controlled conditions. Pair this with positive reinforcement, such as praise or treats, in ways that offer a positive association.
Give them Interactive Toys
Keep your dog mentally stimulated with the help of toys and puzzles. This strategy reduces the anxiety running through their mind and keeps them busy during times when you’re not around to provide stimulation.
Symptom #2 – Destructive Behavior
Another clear symptom of anxiety in dogs is destructive behavior. If your usually well-behaved dog starts chewing on furniture, scratching at doors, ripping apart items in your home, then it’s most likely anxious. This behavior is a coping mechanism dogs use to release pent up stress and nervous energy.
Why It Happens
Boredom – Dogs with excess energy and not enough mental or physical stimulation may resort to destructive behavior to entertain themselves.
Separation Anxiety – When anxious dogs are left alone, they can damage furniture or other objects to self-soothe and cope with their fear of being alone.
Relief of Stress – Destructive behavior could be a way your dog tries to eliminate accumulated stress and anxiety.
What To Do
Exercise
Make sure your dog gets enough physical exercise. Organize regular walks and play games so that the dog gets tired and doesn’t have energy left to cause anxious behavior.
Engage Them with Mental Stimulation
Keep them mentally stimulated with puzzle toys, training, and interactive games to occupy their minds and get rid of boredom.
Crate Training
When done correctly, it’s comforting to a dog to have a crate of their own. Make it comfortable and associate it with positive experiences, like treats and praise.
Symptom #3 – Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits
Anxiety can lead to disruptions and changes in your dog’s eating or sleeping habits. Examples are greedy eating or changes to their normal sleeping routine.
Why It Happens
Stress – Like humans, dogs can lose their appetite or, conversely, overeat when they’re under stress or anxious.
Anxiety – Dogs often have a difficult time relaxing and sleeping when anxious. They’ll become restless, pace, and they can’t seem to find a comfortable position for sitting or lying down.
Digestive Issues – Anxiety can also change the dog’s digestive system, causing digestive disturbances and changes in eating habits.
What to Do
Keep a Predictable Schedule
Always keep a predictable routine for feeding and sleeping. Dogs are creatures of habit, and predictability stands in sharp contrast to anxiety.
Check their Bedding
Provide them with a soft, quiet place to sleep. A comfortable, quiet resting place could be a well-padded bed in a calm part of the house.
Monitor their Diet
Watch the diet and eating habits of your dog. If there are significant changes, contact a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Let’s All Just Chill Out – How to Help Your Anxious Dog
#1 Engage them with Cognitive Stimulation and Physical Exercise
Regular exercise and mental stimulation prevent anxiety. Physical activity burns off excess energy and encourages relaxation; mental challenges keep the dog’s mind busy and away from anxiety-evoking triggers.
#2 Products and Techniques
Consider using products and techniques that would dissolve some of the anxiety your dogs feeling. Here are a few options.
Calming Treats and Supplements –Look for products that have CBD, chamomile, or valerian root in the ingredients.
Anxiety Wraps – Stress wraps or vests like the ThunderShirt, apply firm pressure to the body that’s comforting and calming.
Pheromone Diffusers – This product naturally releases calming aromas that simulate the scent of a dog’s natural pheromones to bring a sense of security and calmness to them.
#3 Speak to the Vet
Some dogs, like humans, develop anxiety disorders. Typically, this is a problem in dogs that experience poor treatment when they’re puppies. They have trauma and might not know how to deal with it, causing them to develop anxiety issues when rehomed.
But this isn’t always the case, some dogs have naturally anxious personalities. Book a consultation with your veterinarian for advice on medication, supplements, and therapies to manage and hopefully resolve your pup’s anxiety issues.