Is My Dog Anxious? How to Help a Dog with Anxiety
All dogs have a bit of mischief in them, especially as puppies. But if your normally fun-loving dog is starting to show concerning changes in behavior, they might be struggling with dog anxiety.
Is My Dog Anxious?
Some dogs are born anxious, while others become anxious seemingly overnight. Puzzled pet parents often wonder if the sudden appearance of dog anxiety will disappear just as quickly after a few days. For some dogs, this might be the case! But if your dog is constantly acting stressed out and anxious, it’s time to investigate further.
Common Signs Of Dog Anxiety Include:
- Aggression
- Disrupted sleep pattern
- Drooling
- Excessive barking or whining
- Heavy breathing/panting
- Intermittent eating
- Resource guarding
- Skittish behavior
- Unable to settle down
Different triggers can cause dog anxiety — a traumatic event, introducing a new family member or pet to the household, a loss of a loved one or a house move, just to name a few. Certain breeds of dogs may also have a higher likelihood of separation anxiety.
Are There Treatments For Dog Anxiety?
There are lots of ways to help manage your dog’s anxiety, from changes you can make at home to vet-recommended medication. If your mellow dog has become a ball of nerves lately, your first move should be to schedule an appointment with the vet. Talk over your concerns with the vet, giving specific details about your dog’s change in behavior.
Take note of when your dog started acting anxious and if it could be in response to a household or life change. The vet will do a complete exam of your pup and create a treatment plan, which could include behavior modification, medication management or even hiring a trainer for in-home suggestions.
How To Help An Anxious Dog
At home, you can make small changes to your pup’s routine that can help ease their anxiety. Top suggestions include:
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Take a walk. Exercise can help calm a dog’s busy brain (just like it helps human brains relax). Get into a routine with your pup and try to walk them at least twice a day. The fresh air, new scenery and exercise can help lessen your dog’s anxiety.
- Designate a lovey. For small puppies struggling with separation anxiety, designate a lovey for your dog, like a favorite blanket or toy. This lovey should be something your dog can snuggle up to and should accompany your puppy into the crate each night as a comfort item.
- Get a weighted shirt. If your dog is nervous around loud noises or pants excessively during car rides, try a weighted shirt or a vest, which wraps tightly around your pup. Like a weighted blanket for you, the gentle compression feels like a comforting hug, and many dog parents have praised the positive results.
- Set boundaries. It’s great for your laid-back dog to have the run of the house, but for anxious dogs, that’s an invitation for trouble. Designate a safe space in your home to keep your dog while you’re away. A bedroom, an office, the laundry room — any spot with a door will do! Each time you get ready to leave, move your dog’s bed into that space, let your dog outside to use the bathroom and then take them to their designated spot with a treat and lots of praise. Establishing a routine will be comforting to your dog and help to ease dog separation anxiety.
- Think of the bigger picture. It’s essential to think about your dog’s anxiety as a part of their overall health and well-being. Dogs with untreated anxiety can have significant health problems including heart issues or a weakened immune system. Taking care of anxiety helps take care of their minds and their bodies at the same time!
Making the commitment now to help control your dog’s anxiety will help them live a long and healthy life, as well as make your home life more enjoyable. If your dog begins exhibiting signs of anxiety, your best bet is to get in touch with your vet for advice on what to look for and how to help. Your vet can give you personalized advice just for your pup, and help you monitor your dog’s stress levels as you help them manage their anxiety.
Little steps can make a significant impact — don’t hesitate to start making changes today to help your dog’s anxiety!
