Dog anxiety can be challenging for owners to deal with. It’s important to remember that it isn’t a sign of anything wrong with your dog. It’s just a symptom of the fact that they’re nervous. While there are some definite causes of dog anxiety, there are also things you can do to help your pup feel more comfortable.
4 Causes Of Dog Anxiety And What To Do About It
Here are some of the most common causes of dog anxiety, as well as some ways to help them feel better:
1) Isolation
If you think about it, isolation is one of the main reasons dogs get anxious and depressed. Dogs need companionship with other dogs and humans to feel fulfilled and happy.
If you isolate your dog from human interaction by keeping him in the house or yard all day, he’ll quickly become bored and miserable. This can lead to dog anxiety, depression, and even aggression, especially if there aren’t enough toys or distractions for him to keep himself occupied.
The solution is to ensure your dog has enough time with you. If your life demands that you leave your dog alone for long periods of time, then consider getting another dog to keep him company. However, make sure that both dogs are well-socialized and get along well before bringing them home together.
2) Changes In Routine
One of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs is change. Changes in routine, such as moving to a new home or having a new family member, can cause stress to your dog. The same goes for changes in their environment and routine. If you’re planning on adding another dog to your household, ensure your current dog is used to being around other dogs before introducing them.
Another example is moving to a new home, getting married, or having children can all cause anxiety for your dog. Dogs are susceptible to change, so any significant change will likely cause stress and anxiety for them. Even something as small as going on vacation can be stressful for your dog if they don’t know where you’re going or when you’ll be back. Make sure to slowly train your pup and let him get used to the change that’s coming.
3) Medical Condition
It’s important to note that, in some cases, anxiety is caused by a medical condition. If your dog has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by your veterinarian, then the first step is to treat the underlying cause of the problem. Once the medical issues have been resolved, you can focus on helping your dog overcome his fear.
The following are some of the common medical conditions that cause anxiety in dogs:
Thyroid Disease:
An overactive thyroid gland can lead to excessive panting and other signs of anxiety. A veterinarian can perform a blood test to determine if hyperthyroidism is causing your dog’s symptoms.
Food Allergies:
Food allergies can cause gastrointestinal distress and anxiety. When your dog eats certain types of food or treats, he may experience vomiting or diarrhea, which causes him to feel anxious about eating again in the future. Your veterinarian may recommend diet changes or allergy tests to identify what types of food trigger allergies in your dog.
Liver Disease:
Liver disease can cause digestive problems and irritability, which often results in symptoms similar to those seen in dogs with separation anxiety, such as excessive barking.
Ensure your dog gets regular checkups with their veterinarian when they’re young so that any potential health issues can be identified early on.
4) Loud Noise
Loud noise is one of the causes of dog anxiety, and it can be difficult to predict when a dog might react. This means that if you’re planning on going out with your pup, you need to know how to manage their anxiety so that it doesn’t affect your day.
Here are some tips on how to help your dog during times of extreme anxiety:
- Keep calm yourself
- Reassure your dog by stroking them or speaking in a soothing voice
- If possible, get your dog inside, away from the noise, and stay there until they’ve calmed down
- If your dog is already inside but needs further reassurance, try petting them on the back or rubbing their belly
Dogs are very sensitive to loud noises, especially sudden, unexpected, and loud ones. For example, fireworks or thunderstorms can cause dogs to become extremely anxious and nervous. If this happens, take the necessary steps to help your pup feel better.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an owner of a dog who’s getting anxious, it can be hard to know what to do. Don’t worry because there are plenty of things you can do to ease your dog’s anxiety.
Remember that dog anxiety is a serious problem, and it can be treated. If you’re worried about your dog’s anxiety, talk to your vet to see if they recommend dog anxiety medication or other forms of treatment. Don’t forget to give your dog extra attention and affection when they need it. They’ll appreciate and love it.
FAQs
Below are some common questions related to dog anxiety.
What are the symptoms of anxiety in dogs?
While different dogs can have different reactions to anxiety, the most common signs include the following:
- Licking lips
- Hiding
- Tail between legs
- Ears back
- Shaking
- Drooling
If you notice your dog performing any of the above regularly, see if you can find what the dog is anxious about and address it accordingly.
How can I prevent dog anxiety?
The best way to raise a well-balanced dog is to expose them to various social situations and environments while young. If you can provide them with a healthy socialization period until they’re around 14 weeks old, you can decrease the chances of them being habitually fearful.
What are other ways to remedy anxiety in dogs?
The best way to combat anxiety in dogs is to give them regular exercises, such as regular walks, games of tug, and other physical activities. Apart from boosting their endorphins, exercise, and similar activities serve as bonding time between a dog and the owner. In addition, incorporating other activities that mentally stimulate the dog can help alleviate anxiety.