How To Relieve Dog Anxiety

The Best Dog Anxiety Medication

Dog anxiety medication dosage will vary and should be determined on a case-by-case basis under the direction of a veterinarian.

If your dog suddenly becomes anxious, do your best to get them away from the place or thing that is causing their discomfort, advises Dr. Richter. In a time of crisis and anxiety, always be calm and reassuring towards your dog.

If you decide to try over-the-counter options for treating anxiety in dogs , be sure that you only use products that are specifically formulated for animals, Dr. Richter says.

What Are The Benefits Of High Anxiety Dog Crates

There are two main benefits of the high anxiety dog crate:

• Calms Anxiety. Like we said before, the cave-like feeling in a crate can be quite soothing to a dog with anxiety. As long as your dog loves its crate, it will find relief in using the crate whenever it feels distraught.
• Minimizes Destruction. Containing a dog, particularly in your absence, can help you protect your home from the rage of an anxious dog. If your dog is a chewer and is prone to destroying your property, keeping it in a sturdy crate is helpful.

What Is The Difference Between Separation Anxiety And Normal Canine Behavior

Separation anxiety is a serious condition, and it goes beyond the occasional mournful whimper when you leave the house or the shredded sock waiting for you upon your return. Its also not the same as boredom, and unlike a little mischief when your dog is left alone, separation anxiety is the result of legitimate stress.

Before labeling destroyed cushions or potty accidents as SA, be sure its not a case of inadequate training. Does your dog truly understand good manners, even when youre not watching him? Is he 100% potty trained? One of the best ways to see whats really going on in your absence is to audio or videotape your dogs behavior while youre away.

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Living And Management Of Fear And Anxiety In Dogs

If your dog is on medications, your veterinarian will want to conduct occasional blood testing to make sure your dogs body can process and eliminate the medications appropriately.

If behavior modification does not work over the long-term, your veterinarian may want to modify the approach. If left untreated, these disorders are likely to progress.

You will need to help your dog with behavior modification exercises and teach your dog to relax in a variety of environmental settings. Encourage calmness when your dog appears distressed. Distract him and redirect his attention, following the plan your vet has set for you.

Fearful or anxious dogs may need to live in a protected environment with as few social stressors as possible. They do not do well in dog shows, dog parks or large crowds.

And remember that not all dogs are calmer when crated some dogs panic when caged and will injure themselves if forced to be confined. Absolutely avoid punishment for behavior related to fear, phobia or anxiety.

Contact your veterinarian for a referral to get professional help with your dogs behavior modification.

Dog Anxiety And Disobedience

Our four-legged friends can develop anxiety at any stage of life. Sadly, behavior problems are the number one reason people give up their dogs to shelters. Whether youre caring for a newly-adopted pup or a beloved pet of many years, its crucial to remember that anxious dogs are not disobedient or misbehaving.

Like people, dogs want to feel safe and secure. They lack the capacity to misbehave out of spite dogs simply react to the present based on previous experiences.

Some resources for anxiety in pets point to a lack of discipline as the root cause of all undesirable behaviors. While specific training strategies can help redirect anxious dogs and improve their confidence, pure obedience training is rarely the solution.

If youve ever taken a pop quiz or had a stern teacher, you know that being scared interferes with learning! A dog that is actively afraid will struggle to obey no matter how much they would like to please you.

Always respect your dogs mental state when they are fearful.

Remember: you are their greatest advocate. Finding ways to help your dog cope is much more effective than punishment for reducing anxiety.

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Anxiety Supplements For Dogs

When are supplements used for dog anxiety?

Unlike prescription medications,anxiety supplements for dogs are sold over-the-counter and can be used on a regular basis. However, supplements are not as potent as medication. Anti-anxiety supplements contain natural herbs and extracts like CBD, passionflower, chamomile, L-theanine, and L-tryptophan.

What are the benefits of anxiety supplements for dogs?

• Supports calmness and relaxation
• Contain safe and natural ingredients
• Available in easy-to-use forms
• Do not require a veterinary prescription

What are the risks of using anxiety supplements for dogs?

• Finding the right dose may take time
• Do not work for all dogs, and types of anxiety

Recognize The Signs Of Dog Anxiety

Dogs use body language to communicate how they are feeling, says Ashley Atkinson, CPDT-KA and behavior consultant at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

For example, if your dog seems uneasy or is fixated on licking, they could be communicating nervousness, stress, or fear. There are many subtle signs of dog anxiety.

According to Dr. Susan Konecny, RN, DVM, medical director of Best Friends Animal Society, some clinical signs include:

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Consider Dog Day Care

If possible, you can start planning ahead and leave your dog under the care of a friend or family member when you leave the house. A dog day care is also a possible option if your budget permits. A full day can range from $10 to $40, depending on the package and facilities. This option allows your dog to have more exposure to other people and socialize with other dogs.

It can lessen your dogs dependency on you and hopefully lessen the anxiety. This however should be a temporary set-up and the long-term goal is to be able to leave your dog alone in the house without triggering anxiety.

Help Dogs Enjoy Their Pet Travel Carriers

For small to medium-size dogs, use a travel crate or small pet carrier for increased safety and security during the car ride. The dog carrier should be large enough so that your pet can lie down comfortably.

Before hitting the road, you should help your pet create a positive association with their travel crate. Through the use of tasty dog treats, we can teach our pets that the carrier is a wonderful spot for snack time or a peaceful place to rest.

Bring out the carrier as soon as you start planning your trip. Keep the door open and place a nice cozy bed or sleeping pad in the carrier. You can make a dog treat trail leading into the carrier, and place a jackpot of treats at the far end of the carrier. Mix up what you put in the carrier every day to keep them coming back to investigate.

Once your pet willingly goes into the carrier, offer them a long-lasting treat. Dog interactive toys will keep your pet engaged and entertained while you slowly close the carrier. Start with short periods of time with the door closed, and gradually build up to longer periods of time with the door closed.

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The Best High Anxiety Dog Crates Reviewed

Here is our list of what we know to be the best dog crates for separation anxiety in dogs on the market.

Summary: If you need a crate that ticks off all the boxes of a good high anxiety dog crate, it is certainly the Otaid crate. The frame of the crate is made from 20-gauge steel and reinforced 0.5-inch diameter steel tubes to give it a sturdy indestructible build. The strong build is not the only great thing about this crate. It has many other features that you and your dog will certainly enjoy.

Pros

• Comes in two sizes and three colors

Cons

• The crate is often out of stock due to its popularity.

Review: Customers absolutely adore this crate. Owners with large, strong dogs like Pitbulls and German Shepherds all say the crate doesnât barge even when the dogs try their best to escape. The easy assembly and maintenance are another plus pet parents get with this crate.

Summary: A large, strong dog needs a crate with a sturdy heavy-duty design that is indestructible. This crate is made of 20-gauge steel and reinforced 0.5-inch-diameter steel tubes. It has strong welds to keep the joints intact and dual latches on the door to keep your dog from escaping.

Pros

• Indestructible and heavy-duty dog crate
• Safe, convenient, and simple design
• Easy to assemble and move around
• Removable tray you can pull out for cleaning
• Comes in two different sizes

Cons

• Available in only one color

Pros

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Comes in three sizes and colors

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Create A Sanctuary Space

Some dogs get so anxious in certain situations that no amount of calming, praising, or rewarding will give them relief. When this is the case, they need a quiet space with no stimulation where they can turn off all the input and simply unwind, says Dr. Konecny.

This can help in many situations, such as if they are nervous:

• When visitors come to your home

Drowning out ambient sounds with white noise may also help them relax in their sanctuary room.

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Take Practice Trips To Ensure Your Pet Travels Well

You can help reduce dog car anxiety by taking short trips in the car while your pet is enjoying a tasty treat in the carrier. Open the window to allow fresh air and interesting smells to enter the car. Your pets comfort is paramount, so if they do not seem to be enjoying the breeze, it might be best to keep the air conditioning on and the windows closed.

Some pets may enjoy looking out the window, while the scenery may cause anxiety in others. If you provide your pet a view and he does not appear to show interest in looking out the window, then turn the carrier to face forward and cover your pets view with a towel. Always make sure they are getting enough airflow.

Every Dog Has Its Days

Sometimes, all it takes is one bad experience, like your dog getting freaked out during fireworks. That frightening memory is etched in his psyche and youre left wondering how to calm an anxious dog. Other things like fear of other dogs, people, or unfamiliar environments may be from lack of socialization in their puppy days. Generalized anxiety, where a dog shows near constant signs of anxiety, may be related to things like changes to their normal lifestyle, inconsistency in their daily routines, lack of sufficient physical, and/or mental exercise, medical conditions or aging, says Stephen DeBono, pet behavior manager at Bideawee. Past abuse and neglect and genetics may also be a contributing factorand these signs of depression could be another clue.

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How To Help Your Dog Relax In The Moment:

If you think your pet is displaying consistent signs of anxiety, there are ways you can help.

The important thing to know about anxiety in dogs, especially recurring anxiety, is that there isnt a magic bullet. Below youll find some techniques to help your dog calm down in an anxious situation, and later well talk about reducing anxiety in the long term.

The first and most important step if youre seeing a consistent, high level display of these symptoms is to talk to your veterinarian to rule out possible medical issues. Sometimes dogs show symptoms of anxiety because theyre sick!

If your vet agrees that anxiety is the cause, there are a few options to help your dog relax in the moment, depending on the type of anxiety theyre experiencing.

Treats/Toys:

Licking is a soothing activity for dogs, so giving them something healthy they can lick keeps their brain occupied and helps them relax. For example a toy stuffed with some canned pumpkin or low-fat cream cheese. Just make sure to account for those calories in your dogs daily caloric intake so they dont put on extra weight. Treats should only make up 10% of your dogs daily calories.

Distract them with trained behaviors:

If your dog is anxious and wont take any food to distract them, you can try engaging them with behavior commands such as sit, paw, lie down, etc. This is a great way to distract them and have them focus on working instead of whatever is causing the anxiety.

Safe spaces:

Massages/touch:

Talk With Your Veterinarian About Your Dogs Anxiety

Once you learn how to detect when your dog is anxious, you can begin to identify the triggers that are causing the anxiety. Write down the signs that you see and describe the situations and circumstances when your dog showed these signs. Then schedule an appointment with your vet so they can rule out underlying medical issues,and help you get the right treatment for your dog.

Anytime a behavior change is noted in a pet, medical problems in other areas of the body could be at play. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to confirm that your pet is otherwise healthy.

In all cases, its best to seek the help of your veterinarian to make sure you are doing everything you can for your dog. When no other cause is found, your veterinarian can prescribe anxiety medication if needed, and/or recommend a veterinary behaviorist.

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What Is Separation Anxiety How To Tell If Your Dog Has It

Some breeds are more susceptible to separation anxiety than others

Posted 21d ago

With lockdown restrictions now feeling like a distant memory, many of us are spending much less time at home with our pets. This could be an anxious and distressing time for pets who have enjoyed the increased time with their owners and are now adjusting to normal life again.

If you have a lockdown pup, then chances are they will struggle to adapt even more if theyre used to having you in the house all day every day.

A Classic Toy That Soothes As It Feeds

Kong Classic Dog Toy at Chewy, available at Chewy and , from $7.99

After almost a decade as a dog trainer, I still recommend this basic, inexpensive food toy for every client I work with. “I think of the Kong as kind of a pacifier,” says Sueda. “You can set it, give it to the dog, and forget it.” Plus, she adds that it’s a good option for pups that are strong chewers.

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Why Pets Matter To Treehugger

At Treehugger, we are advocates of animal welfare, including our pets and other domestic animals. The better we understand our dogs, the better we can support and protect their wellbeing. We hope our readers will adopt rescue pets instead of shopping from breeders or pet stores, and will also consider supporting local animal shelters.

Symptoms Of Anxiety In Dogs

Dogs cant tell their owners in words if they are feeling stressed and anxious, but there are some signs to watch for in the form of troubling or even aggressive behaviors. According to Michelle Burch, DVM, from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, some of these behaviors may include:

• Excessive barking, howling, or whining
• Trying to hide or escape
• Destructive behavior

These behaviors are normal under some circumstances, but can be clues as to how a dog is feeling. Signs of anxiety can range depending on the severity from mild to severe, Dr. Burch says. Anxiety and fear can also change depending on the situation.

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The Most Important Tip Of All: Dont Use Punishment With An Anxious Dog

We never advocate the use of punishment when training dogs but, when working with fearful dogs, using punishment can be seriously damaging and will almost always make your dogs worse rather than better. Why would you want to use something aversive when your dogs are already afraid? It will also likely only serve to hinder or damage the bond of trust you are working to build with your dogs. It will do little to alleviate anxiety in dogs.

How Can I Prevent Dog Anxiety

As a dog owner, there are several things you can do to prevent dog anxiety. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your dog stress-free:

• Avoid Triggers. Obviously, the best thing you can do is avoid potential anxiety triggers. Sadly, this is not always possible. However, it helps if you can minimize the exposure.
• Start Training. Dog training can go a long way in shaping your dogs behavior. If training your dog is more than you can handle, you can hire a professional dog trainer.
• Regular Exercise. Physical activity is vital for preventing dog anxiety. Plus, regular exercise will keep your dog in shape and prevent obesity-related health conditions.
• Mental Stimulation. The dogs mind also needs exercise to stay sharp and healthy. You can prevent anxiety by providing interactive and puzzle toys for your dog.
• Socialization. Socialization can also help prevent anxiety. Enroll your puppy in a doggy daycare and make sure it meets new people and finds itself in different situations.

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How Common Is Dog Anxiety

Based on recent data, dog anxiety is pretty common. A recent Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements online survey by Relevation Research found 63 percent of dog owners have pups who display some type of anxious behavior. About half of those respondents said loud noises are the primary culprits.

Rover, the worlds largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers, also recently conducted an online survey of 1,000 US-based dog owners to find out more about their pet concerns. Similar to the Relevation Research respondents, just over half of this group said their pets are afraid of fireworks. Alarmingly, 84 percent reported signs of separation anxiety in their dogs! This is crazy high and we feel badly for those pups who become stressed when left alone.

If you fall into one of these groups, chances are youre also part of the 45 percent of Rover survey respondents desperate for new ways to combat their dogs anxiety.