Dog’s Anxiety Behaviour: Signs You Need To Know.
Dogs in a family tend to take a special place in everyone’s hearts.
These four-legged furry friends become an integral part of any family they get in and spread nothing but happiness.
While dogs express their happiness, anger and other emotions quite conspicuously, some emotions might be misunderstood.
One such major emotion being- anxiety.
Just like humans, dogs suffer from anxiety as well. While it might seem like a devastating issue, it is quite normal. Most dogs suffer through anxiety in different forms and have varied coping mechanisms.
However, anxiety, if left untreated for a long period of time, might lead to anxiety disorders in dogs. This can further lead to behavioural issues and other problems.
So what leads to anxiety in dogs? Moreover, what are some of the signs you should look for when it comes to anxiety in dogs? Read this blog till the end to know more.
Anxiety in Dogs: What Are The Causes?
Dog anxiety, just like human anxiety, can have a long list of causes. While some of them might be common amongst the majority of the dogs, some might not be so common. Here are some of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs.
- Separation Anxiety
As offices open up, and the world transitions from work from home, dogs might take time to do so. Separation anxiety takes place in dogs when they are left alone. Dogs don’t like to be left alone. When left alone, they might howl or whine, create a ruckus in the house etc. - Shelter Anxiety
In case you have a dog that has spent a part of its life in a dog shelter, there’s quite a probability they might be suffering from anxiety.
Dogs from a shelter home have either been through a lot before getting to the shelter or have an unpredictable routine around them. Either of it causes them to be anxious. - Social Anxiety
This is quite common in dogs, who aren’t comfortable around new faces and in newer places. They might showcase their anxiety through aggression, barking and lunging. - Illness Anxiety
Sometimes, a quite common cause of anxiety can be illness, amongst dogs.
Signs To Look For Dog Anxiety Behaviour
So are there any signs which tell you that your dog is anxious? Well, yes. Go through these signs below.
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- Whining: This might be the most common sign of anxiety in dogs. Using their vocals to grab your attention in case they are anxious is quite probable.
- Panting: Dogs tend to pant heavily when they have just played, are excited or stressed. In case you notice your dog panting, even though he hasn’t done either of the three, please check on them.
- Escaping Tendencies: Some dogs might tend to hide or escape when anxious. They might hide behind their owners or engage in different activities like digging, out of nowhere.
- Drooling and/or Licking: While dogs love to lick their favourite people and food, they tend to lick more aggressively when stressed. In case, your dog is drooling excessively or in a very fast and aggressive manner.
- Change in body posture: In case, a dog that has no issues in its bones or stands perfectly on all four, tends to shift its weight to the rear legs, it isn’t a good sign. This might be their way to exhibit stress.
- Pacing: Dogs tend to pace around, just like us, when stressed. Some dogs will prefer pacing in circles or one manner when they are stressed or anxious.
- Eyes & Ears: Eyes & ears might be a good indicator to assess if a dog is stressed or anxious. An anxious dog might have dilated pupils and open its eyes wider than usual. Similarly, the ears of an anxious dog are pinned back against its head.
- Urinating & Defecating: A stressed dog might defecate and urinate at not so usual places, say your home, rather than waiting for their usual walks. Regular bowel movements might get affected.
- Shedding: Anxious dogs tend to shed more than normal. This is quite common when a dog visits the vet as well.
How To Help Your Dog With Anxiety?
Anxiety in dogs might last for a quite long period of time. While we’ll be covering the long term treatments, let’s ensure how to help your dog at the moment when they show anxious behaviour.
- Give them their favourite stuffed toy or a treat to lick, in case they’re anxious. This will distract them from the situation for a bit.
- Make them follow certain commands and reward them for the same, which again brings them to a routine and distracts them.
- Assign a safe space for your dog at your place, where they can be alone and shed that anxiety away.
Long Term Treatments | Prescription Based Medicines
Anxiety can vary from one dog to another based on the degree and type.
However, in case your dog showcases anxious behaviour regularly, please consult the vet as soon as possible.
At Lambert’s Vet Supply, we provide a wide range of dog anxiety and behaviour pet medications. In case your vet prescribes a medication, our range of in-house experts will help you choose and deliver the medication to you in no time.
However, as a pet-loving brand, we always mention that pet supplements can only be a cure for your pet;’s anxiety. Along with, our supplements, ensure that your dog lives a healthy lifestyle and goes through desensitisation training against its stress inducers.
Here’s our range of pet’s anxiety and behaviour medications.
Who Are We?
We, at Lambert Vet Supply, have been providing only the best and the most reliable pet supplies since 1994.
Most of our staff have experience in taking care of pets. So, you know when you are getting the supplies for your pets, it’s delivered with love, care and loads of affection.
Get your pets supplies today at https://www.lambertvetsupply.com/