From time to time we all feel anxious or stressed and this is perfectly normal. We often only associate these feelings with humans when in fact, anxiety can affect dogs as well. The big difference between humans and dogs is that when a person is feeling anxious, they can speak to someone about their feelings whereas our four legged friends can’t.
As a dog owner it can be upsetting to see your dog in distress or see small changes in their behaviour, especially if you don’t know what the cause of it is. With anxiety amongst dogs becoming more common and a large number of owners unable to tell the standout signs, Lords & Labradors have created a post which looks at helping your dog with anxiety and stress. From the signs you should be aware of to overcoming the issues, a few of the key points have been mentioned below.
What are the signs of anxiety in dogs?
Like humans, each dog has their own personality, meaning that if they are suffering from anxiety it’s unlikely all dog’s will display the same behavioural issues. To begin with, it’s important that you pay attention to any changes in your dogs mood or habits. For example, some dogs who feel anxious will start to chew objects such as items of furniture, begin to howl or you may notice an increase in their heart rate which can result in panting. Changes like these are what you need to be aware of and if you do spot them, you can then try and understand why your dog is feeling this way.
What can make dogs feel anxious?
There are numerous reasons as to why dogs can feel stressed and anxious, with some being more obvious than others. A dog’s behaviour can often change when they’re around other dogs or even cats, so take this into consideration. If for one reason or another your dog is being left alone for longer periods of time than usual, this can also be a contributing factor; as well as the more obvious reasons such as loud bangs and being in new environments. Once you understand the issues which can cause dogs to feel anxious, you’re then in a better position to overcome the problem.
How to deal with anxiety in dogs?
There are a number of simple ways to help your dog overcome anxiety and once you start to implement them, you should start to see a change in their behaviour. Regular exercise is key, especially when you leave the house and when you return. Many dogs can feel anxious with loud noises and as bonfire night is only a matter of weeks away, you may want to purchase an anxiety vest which can help your dog feel calm and secure. Creating a safe space for them is also a good idea, as it allows them to retreat to this area if they do feel stressed.
If you’re worried about your dog then hopefully this post will be of some use to you. Once you have spotted the key signs of anxiety in dogs, you can then start to help your furry friend overcome their issues.
