Your dog might be acting stressed. What does anxiety in dogs look and feel like? What is separation anxiety? There are many causes for anxiety in dogs. This blog will help you understand the issues your dog could be experiencing. The blog will also give you some helpful ways to deal with anxiety in dogs. Here is some more separation anxiety in dogs info.
What causes anxiety in Dogs
There are many causes of dog anxiety, but here are five of the most prevalent:
Being Left Alone
Dogs are pack animals. Dogs are drawn to being part of the pack and can become anxious if they are separated from their owners or other members. Dogs who are anxious about separation could lead to destructive behavior.
These indicators could indicate separation anxiety
-Peeing in the house in the event of separation anxiety
Move to bark or howl incessantly.
Escape your home by climbing over gates or digging through fences, chewing through walls and doors, and so on.
Chewing on furniture, clothes and shoes. This can help dogs to relieve anxiety.
Tip:
Be sure that your dog has a place to retreat to when you're not there. This will help with separation anxiety. If your pet is alone in a space that resembles a den that is comfortable and cozy can make them feel more secure.
Food toys are another option, as long as it's safe for your pet's stomach if swallowed, or create any danger of choking.
Loud Noise
Dogs may be sensitive to loud sounds, particularly if they are not used to them before.
These are just a few of the most common loud noises that can cause anxiety in dogs:
- Fireworks
- Thunderstorms
- Sirens
Construction
A note of caution: Certain collars and toys that make loud noises can trigger anxiety in dogs.
Dogs who are afraid of loud sounds can be trained so that they decrease or stop their anxiety.
Tip:
Introduce loud sounds for your pet in a constructive manner in order to decrease noise anxiety. You can record thunderstorms or fireworks, then pair them with treats or their favourite toy.
Wraps for anxiety are another alternative. They function just like an infant's swaddle in the event of a dog's upset. Gentle pressure may assist in soothing your dog's fear.
Changes in the home environment
Dogs are awestruck by routine and habits. Dogs are used routines and are aware of the things to expect.
These are some of the changes that could cause anxiety in your dog.
Moving into a new Home or traveling with You when you move to the New Home of your dreams
- Having one of your family members or a packmate quit the house permanently (i.e. death, divorce)
- Additions to the family such as a baby or a pet.
- Changes in your work timetable (e.g. you are now working at home, instead of working from home).
Dogs can be stressed by changes in routine also. Changes in routine can also trigger anxiety for dogs. So, it's crucial to communicate with your dog to reduce anxiety.
Tip:
Anxiety wraps are a good option for dogs that are anxious due to the separation or loss of the family member, packmate or a friend.
Include new family members in training sessions so that your dog learns how to behave around them even when you're away. Also, ensure that any new addition to your family is positive through positive reinforcements such as rewards and praise.
Strangers
Dogs are naturally afraid of strangers. Unknown faces can cause anxiety in dogs.
This can be a sign of anxiety symptoms such as
- When out on walks, growl or bark at anyone who comes near you, your home or family members
- Hidden behind furniture or beneath beds or in the bed when guests are coming for dinner or a visit
Scratching the walls, doors, and windows to get away people they are unfamiliar with.
If dogs' anxiety is caused by the presence of new people, begin training your dog on how to behave around strangers.
Through time and repetition This will make your dog be more relaxed when meeting new people or having visitors to your home, which can lessen their fear.
Tip:
Introduce your pet to strangers slowly. This will help them feel more comfortable with new people. If you wish for your dog to be more comfortable with strangers, you can ask the person to put treats on the ground and allow them to eat the treats. Gradually, you will be able for the person sitting in a chair nearer to your dog. At some point, they'll be able to be able to approach one another.
Cars
Dogs may be anxious when they ride in cars with their owners, especially if they haven't been to such rides before or had a stressful experience.
Dogs with anxiety symptoms can be triggered by car trips may include:
Whining and barking inside the car
- You may feel shaken or trembling in your car
- Try to escape from the vehicle by hiding behind or under the seat
Tip:
Begin to help your dog become accustomed to the idea of being at ease around cars through slow exposure when you are not taking your pet on a trip.
Make sure to give your dog a reward for his peaceful behavior in vehicles, not anxiety or fear.
This will allow them to begin to feel more at ease in the car and eventually ride in the car without anxiety problems!
Conclusion
The bottom line is that dogs' anxiety can result from many things. But, consistency and training can help your dog to feel more relaxed when confronted with the factors.
Start by reducing their exposure to triggers slowly (i.e., car rides) before introducing different environments or people into their life if anxiety is present.
Your dog will be more relaxed when you're dealing with dogs who are anxious.