Dogs are emotional animals and can display an incredible range of different feelings. As any dog owner will tell you, our canine companions aren’t shy about expressing themselves. A wagging tail is the universally recognised sign of a happy dog (although some dogs can wag their tails while whining, barking, or even biting if they are scared or confused). However, an anxious dog can be more difficult to identify, but doing so is an essential skill for owners.
Anxiety in dogs can often be treated at home. However, extreme cases may require professional intervention. Regardless, knowing how to spot the signs of an anxious dog is vital and is the first step towards ensuring your dog is healthy and happy. Let’s find out more.
What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?
If you have an anxious dog, one of the first things you’re going to wonder is what the source of the anxiety is. Much like their human owners, anxiety in dogs can stem from a range of different issues. It’s important to understand what these are so that you can identify the root cause of your dog’s anxiety.
One of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs is separation anxiety. Dogs become incredibly attached to their owners. When they are left alone in the house for long periods of time, this can cause a stress response. They will be worried that their owner, who is their source of food, shelter, and affection, will never return, which can lead to destructive or harmful behaviour.
Some dogs can also suffer from social anxiety. Being out of the home and around other dogs or people can cause them to feel afraid and nervous, which could lead to them lashing out. Other causes of anxiety in dogs can include loneliness, illness, and past trauma, which is particularly common in rescue dogs.
What are the Signs of an Anxious Dog?
An anxious dog can express their unhappiness through a range of different behaviours and actions. Some of these will be immediately noticeable, while others can be more subtle and difficult to spot. However, learning what the signs are is essential, it’s the only way you’ll be able to spot anxiety in your dog.
Some of the most obvious signs that could indicate an anxious dog are destructive in nature. These can include chewing or biting objects around the home, ripping up bedding or soft furnishing, or digging at carpets.
Other obvious signs can include things like urinating or defecating in the house, excessive drooling, panting, pacing, restlessness, and compulsive, repetitive behaviours. Some dogs can even become aggressive, with barking, high-pitched squealing, growling, and biting all potential signs of anxiety.
The above symptoms will be easy to spot and are among the most obvious signs of an anxious dog. However, the signs won’t always be so clear. Anxiety in dogs can lead to depression, which can manifest in more subtle ways. Depressed dogs can be quieter, less active, and can sleep more. It’s important you look out for these signs, as they can be symptoms of anxiety.
How to Treat an Anxious Dog
Our dogs are our beloved companions, which means that seeing them suffer can be incredibly difficult. If you have an anxious dog, thankfully there are a number of ways in which you can help your furry friend.
The first step is to identify the cause of your dog’s anxiety, as this can determine the best course of action to take. For example, treating a dog’s separation anxiety will require a different approach from treating illness-related anxiety.
However, there are some general strategies that you can use to help manage your dog’s anxiety and alleviate the symptoms. First, ensure you are spending enough time with your dog. Dogs are social animals; they need to feel like a part of the family to stay healthy and happy. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise too, this will keep them stimulated and ensure they don’t get bored or frustrated. Exercise their mind as well with stimulating games or even practice basic obedience exercises.
There are specific methods for treating certain causes of anxiety as well. Separation anxiety can be managed by helping your dog learn coping skills, social anxiety can be managed through slow and gradual socialisation, and illness-related anxiety can be helped with a vet visit. Some vets practice homoeopathic treatments alongside conventional methods and these can be a great help to the overly anxious dog
While there are ways in which you can help an anxious dog at home, in more severe cases you may need to seek professional help. Extremely anxious dogs can be incredibly difficult to manage. In extreme cases, the owners can become anxious themselves when out with their dog and of course your pet easily senses this and your worry passes to your dog.
If your dog’s behaviour is out of control and you are starting to dread walking your dog or even having visitors to your home, it’s time to call in a professional. Expert dog behaviourists will have the knowledge and experience required to deal with and treat severe anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety doesn’t only affect people. Dogs can get anxious too, and the condition can lead to a number of disruptive and destructive behaviours. Use this guide to learn how to spot and manage anxiety in dogs, but never be afraid to call in a specialist. Speak to Pawsitive Solutions on 07842 050 998 or at enquiries@pawsitivesolutions.com to get the expert guidance you need.