Just like humans, dogs experience anxiety. While unpleasant, it’s a normal, even healthy emotion. Dog anxiety can affect all breeds, but may affect each individual dog differently. Although it’s something that all dogs experience from time to time, if disproportionate levels of anxiety are left unchecked, a dog can develop an anxiety disorder. If left untreated, it can develop into an anxiety disorder and lead to behavioral and other issues. What Causes Dog Anxiety? How do you know if your dog has anxiety? What can you do to treat dog anxiety? We’re here to explain everything you need to know about dog anxiety - common causes, symptoms, and treatments. What Causes Anxiety in Dogs? Dog anxiety can have a variety of causes, but some of the most common causes of dog anxiety are fear, separation, and aging. Although some dogs may have only brief reactions to these kinds of stimuli, they may affect anxious dogs more severely. Dogs who experience separation anxiety are often distressed when left alone or separated from their family members.
This form of anxiety affects older dogs and can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). In dogs with CDS, memory, learning, perception, and awareness start to decline, similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This understandably leads to confusion and anxiety in senior dogs. So how can you tell if your dog has anxiety? Some of these symptoms may be the result of occasional anxiety-causing events, but any of these can become recurrent and, therefore, result in more serious issues. The most dangerous symptom of dog anxiety is aggression. It can be directed at people or animals, or triggered indirectly when someone steps between a dog and the source of its aggression. Even if a dog is prevented from harming others, aggressive behaviors such as growling or barking can lead to undesirable situations for humans and dogs, alike. Urinating and defecating in the house is a common symptom of separation anxiety.
Anxious dogs often work themselves up to the point that they pee or poop in the house, even if they’re housebroken. This can be frustrating for owners and damaging to property. Destructive behavior is also common with separation anxiety. The damage usually occurs around entry and exit points, like doorways and windows. However, dogs in a state of heightened anxiety are also at risk of harming themselves. Attempts to break out of dog crates, windows, and even doors can result in painful injuries and expensive veterinary treatments. The best way to treat anxiety is to talk with your veterinarian. They can identify the type of anxiety your dog suffers from, determine whether it’s situational or more serious, and rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your veterinarian will help you develop a treatment plan. Since a variety of factors often cause excessive anxiety, the best way to treat it is usually through a combination of training, preventive strategies, and, in some cases, medications.
There are several training strategies owners can use to treat dog anxiety. One way is counterconditioning. The purpose of counterconditioning is to change your dog’s response to the stimuli responsible for anxiety. With this training method, you’ll replace anxious or aggressive behavior with a more desirable one, such as 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. You might want to contact a professional dog trainer to help you choose the best approach for your dog, as training an anxious dog isn’t always easy. If your dog develops a serious anxiety disorder, your veterinarian may recommend medications or natural therapies. Veterinarians occasionally prescribe SSRIs and antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or clomipramine , for dogs with anxiety. For predictable anxiety-producing events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides, your veterinarian might prescribe a medication such as diazepam (Valium) in conjunction with an antidepressant to help your dog cope with the stress.
Some natural therapies and products can help dogs with anxiety. Some products work best in conjunction with other medications, while others can be used alone, depending on your dog’s case. Natural products use pheromones and aromatherapy to reduce anxiety. Talk to your veterinarian about the natural products best suited for your dog. Some dog owners have reported success in using Medi Bloom CBD gummies oil to treat dog anxiety. Medi Bloom CBD gummies is a compound found in cannabis and hemp that dog owners, as well as humans, have found useful for treating a variety of different health conditions. It’s important to note that while many humans use CBD oil for anxiety treatment, there is limited data on how CBD oil affects dogs. If you’re considering using it as a treatment for your dog’s anxiety, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether Medi Bloom CBD Formula oil might be a good treatment option and discuss different products, possible side effects, and risks. Can You Prevent Dog Anxiety?