Pet Anxiety

Does your dog get nervous when he sees you getting ready to leave? Does he act as though it's been years since he's seen you? Is he destructive while you're gone? If so, your dog may have separation anxiety. This is one of the most common forms of anxiety in dogs. It's a serious condition and one of the main reasons owners get frustrated with their dogs and give them up. Dogs with separation anxiety can become destructive. They can destroy furniture, bark excessively, whining, excessive howling, or have accidents in the house. This destructive behavior can occur whether you’re gone for hours or 5 minutes.

Signs of anxiety

Howling, Barking, Whining, Whimpering

Drool and Pant

Pacing, often in an obsessive pattern

Trying to escape

Trembling

Withdrawal and Hiding

Self-mutilation

Avoidance of eye contact

Accidents in the home, even though he’s housebroken

Destructive behavior in the home

Tips to help your dog relax Give your dog a puzzle toy stuffed with his favorite treat (peanut butter) each time you leave. This will keep him distracted while you are away. You should only give him this treat when you're gone, and take it away when you're home. Try changing your routine when you're getting ready to leave (putting on your shoes or picking up your keys, etc.). Ignore his anxious behavior when you come home. You can leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you. And, desensitization and counter-conditioning can help if treated early. Make sure your pet gets a lot of exercise every day. A tired, dog will be less stressed when left alone. It's also important to challenge your pet's mind. You can use interactive puzzles, training games or fetch. This will keep him happy, busy, and tired while you're away. 

Does your dog get nervous when he sees you getting ready to leave? Does he act as though it's been years since he's seen you? Is he destructive while you're gone? If so, your dog may have separation anxiety. This is one of the most common forms of anxiety in dogs. It's a serious condition and one of the main reasons owners get frustrated with their dogs and give them up. Dogs with separation anxiety can become destructive. They can destroy furniture, bark excessively, whining, excessive howling, or have accidents in the house. This destructive behavior can occur whether you’re gone for hours or 5 minutes. 

Most fears, phobias, and anxieties develop during social maturity, from 8 months to 2 years of age. It's important to expose your dog to a variety of social environments when they are puppies. Puppies that are not exposed to social environments can develop anxieties and phobias.

Older dogs may experience anxiety due to a decline in thinking, learning, and memory. This decline can make them restless at night and sleepy during the day. It can cause them to stare at objects, wander aimlessly or vocalize more. It can also lead to poor grooming and poor appetite. They can also forget learned commands or habits, such as house training. Their anxiety can increase causing them to react in normal situation aggressively. Their social relationships may change with you and other pets in the home. Some pets may become more clingy and overly dependent. And others may become less interested in affection and interaction.

Adopted pets anxiety could have happened in the past and went unnoticed. It’s also possible that some dogs are prone to anxiety. They get upset anytime there is a change to their routine or environment. These dogs will have their tail tucked between their legs and can't settle. They may also avoid eye contact or run and hide. 

Diagnosing Fear and Anxiety

A veterinarian will need to rule out any medical illness before prescribing any treatments or medications.

Some common causes of sudden onset anxiety are:

Hypothyroidism

Thyrotoxicosis: also called Grave’s Disease

Encephalitis

Pre-diabetes

Hearing or vision loss

Toxicity

If your pet suffers from fear anxiety, there are a variety of treatments. Such as, counter conditioning, desensitization, Certified Animal Behaviorist, or medication. Most dogs may need a combination of medication and behavior modification. It's important to remember not to punish your dog for his behavior. He may become more upset and the problem could become worse. 

Schedule an appointment with us today if your pet is showing signs of fear anxiety. One of our doctors will help tailor a treatment plan that's right for your pet.