Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety in a range of different situations.
In fact, research indicates that as many as 72% of dogs have experienced anxiety in their lifetime. While some of this can be put down to a one-off reaction in a particular circumstance, that still leaves a large proportion of dogs who live with anxiety on a daily basis.
Knowing how to recognise that your dog is displaying anxious behaviour is important, as the sooner you can address the situation causing the anxiety, the better the outcome.
Signs of anxiety
Depending on the situation and the temperament of your dog, the behaviours that a dog will exhibit when feeling anxious can differ quite significantly. Some of the typical signs of anxiety include:
- Excessive barking, howling or whining
- Aggression
- Destructive behaviour
- Easting unusual items
- Hiding
- Trembling
- Repetitive digging or scratching
- Toileting in the house all of a sudden
- Drooling or panting excessively
Common causes of anxiety in dogs
Fear is a natural instinct – for both people and animals – and this can turn into anxiety for some dogs.
There are a number of sources for anxiety that we see quite commonly in the clinic, including:
- Separation anxiety
- Interaction with other dogs or cats
- Anxiety stemming from phobias (such as thunderstorms, particular noises, heights etc.)
- Age-related anxiety due to a decline in cognitive function
Diagnosis
It’s important not to just ignore your dog’s anxiety. It’s a very unpleasant experience for your pet and can lead to an escalation of behavioural issues if left untreated. Anxiety is a medical condition, so it’s important that you consult with your vet if your dog is displaying anxious behaviour. They will undertake a thorough health check to rule out any medical issues such as illness, disease or chronic pain.
Bryants Road Vet owner Dr Caroline has a special interest in animal behaviour and has undertaken further education to advance her knowledge in this area. In addition to conducting a health check, Dr Caroline can perform an in-depth behavioural consultation to assess your pet’s anxiety and formulate a management plan.
Strategies for managing anxiety in dogs
Depending on the result of your consultation, there are a range of strategies for managing anxiety in dogs. Typically, your vet will recommend a multi-faceted approach, which may include a combination of:
- Change to your pet’s environment
- Desensitisation exercises
- Positive behaviour reinforcement
- Use of synthetic pheromones such as Adaptil®
- Medication if required
We’re here to help
Seeing your beloved pet suffer from anxiety is difficult and can also become quite debilitating for your dog. If you are concerned that your pet may be displaying anxious behaviours, please bring them in for a consultation so we can formulate a plan to manage their anxiety and get them back to their happy and healthy self as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, book via our website or call us on 07 3801 1744.