Dog anxiety can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes of dog anxiety are:
Fear: Often triggered by loud noises, strangers, new environments, or specific situations.
Separation: Which affects around 14% of dogs. Dogs with separation anxiety are unable to find comfort when they are left alone or separated from their family members.
Aging: Age-related anxiety affects older dogs and can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
What are the symptoms of dog anxiety?
Aggression
Urinating or defecating in the house
Drooling
Panting
Destructive behavior
Depression
Excessive barking
Pacing
Restlessness
Repetitive or compulsive behaviors
When to Treat Dog Anxiety
It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you identify the type of anxiety your dog suffers from and the possible causes and triggers. Your veterinarian will also be able to help you determine if the anxiety is simply situational, or if it is becoming an overwhelming issue for your dog. Additionally, veterinarians can also rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your dog’s symptoms.
What are Dog Anxiety Meds?
If your dog develops a serious anxiety disorder, your veterinarian may recommend medications or natural therapies. SSRIs and antidepressants are occasionally prescribed for dogs with anxiety, including fluoxetine and clomipramine. For predictable anxiety-producing events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides, your veterinarian might prescribe a medication such as benzodiazepine in conjunction with an antidepressant to help your dog cope with the stress.
What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
Dogs with separation anxiety are unable to find comfort when they are left alone or separated from their family members. This anxiety often manifests itself in undesirable behaviors, such as urinating and defecating in the house, destroying furniture and furnishings, and barking.
What Helps Dogs with Anxiety?
A variety of strategies can help alleviate dog anxiety. These include:
Training and counterconditioning: One way is counterconditioning. The purpose of counterconditioning is to change your dog’s response to the stimuli responsible for anxiety, usually by replacing the anxious or aggressive behavior with a more desirable behavior, like sitting or focusing on the owner. Another training strategy is desensitization. The owner slowly introduces the dog to the source of anxiety, preferably in small doses and at a decreased intensity. Repeated exposure and rewarding positive behavior can go a long way toward managing anxiety.
Anxiety medication (as described above)
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