Dog Anxiety

Did you know that dogs can have anxiety?

It may surprise you, but anxiety in dogs is actually fairly common.

When a dog is anxious, every day normal activities become stressful.

What is anxiety in dogs?

There are different types of anxiety that dogs may have. Behavioural anxiety is when your dog has on going anxiety about something or a specific event. This anxiety lasts even when the event or object isn't occurring or visual. It is on going. Separation anxiety, when a dog is scared to be left alone, is a type of behavioural anxiety. Separation anxiety is the most common anxiety in dogs. Situational anxiety is when your dog is afraid of something specific, such as a certain loud noise, car rides, fireworks, or storms. Your dog is only anxious when this event is occurring. There are also fear related anxiety.

Are you able to tell when your dog is anxious?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell when your dog is anxious. Here are some common signs of anxiety in dogs:

- excessive chewing

- destructive behaviour (not during playing)

- barking

- crying

- restlessness

- pacing

- aggression

- uninterested in food

- trembling

- shaking

- excessive panting or drooling

- hiding and escape behaviours

- tail tucked

- diarrhea

- excessive licking (of self)

- excessive biting (of self)

- aggression

- depression

What causes anxiety in dogs?

- An Illness or pain

- Aging

- Past experiences

- Lack of socialization

- History of abandonment

- Neglect

- Fear

What can you do about it?

There are a few ways you can deal with anxiety in dogs.

It is important to build up their confidence. This can be done with training and mental stimulation. You can also use herbs, essential oils, and Bach Flower Essences. There are products avaliabe in pet stores and on amazon such as the coddler weighted blankets or thundershirts. Working on behavioural training and counter-conditioning with a behaviourist or trainer will also greatly help. Anxious dogs benefit from Reik and massagei. It is also essential to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your dog anxiety.

How you can prevent anxiety in your dog

-Listen to your dog, watch your dogs' body language and know when your dog is uncomfortable or scared so that you can assist your dog, remove triggers, or prevent your dog from developing an on going fear or stress.

- Socialization as a puppy

- Obedience and training

- Exercise

- Nutritious foods

- Avoidance of triggers

If you are interested in working with a dog behaviourist, please consider booking a Consultation to work 1:1. There is no commitment to go through with training once consultation is completed. A consultation is required to discuss behaviour and expectations before trainer creates a plan. Rates vary depending on required number of sessions. After consultation total cost of treatment will be determined. Owner is not required to purchase treatment, but must pay consultation fee. Consultation Fee: $15

Yes, I'd like to book a consultation for my dog !