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Anxiety in Dogs
The four common types of anxiety in dogs and how to treat them
It is no wonder that dogs have been the best friends of humans for thousands of years.
They are brilliant, they are adaptable, and they are eager to please. They are very "human" in their behaviors, and they have an in-built love for us.
They like and find joy in similar things; they enjoy being in a family. They like having friends, want to feel safe, and want to be loved.
Unfortunately for them, they are also prone to feeling anxious, stressed and can become depressed just like humans can.
How to identify and treat and anxious dogs
There are four main types of anxiety that dogs can suffer, but don't worry. There are things you can do to help them.
General Anxiety
This is when your pooch is just generally stressed all the time. They may jump at loud noises, run upstairs if someone new comes into the house, or get defensive and submissive around other dogs.
They are generally fretful all the time, but it is most noticeable when there is a change to the routine or an unknown environment.
This can happen to all dogs and build up over time, but some breeds are more likely to occur than others—species such as Collies, Labrador's, Shepherds, and Spaniels.
How to treat general anxiety
You need to try to provide them with much love and a safe and secure home. On top of this, you need to try to bring them a level of consistency and routine to their day.
However, it would help if you didn't wrap them in cotton wool either, as this could be worse for them in the long run. You should provide them with a new stimulus, but you should plan and manage it to the best of your ability.
For example, if you want to take them to a dog-friendly pub. Don't just drive them there and drag them straight through the doors. Instead, make it a part of a nice walk, so they have enjoyed themselves and are tired by the time you get to the pub. Then let them get used to the outside, let them sniff the plants and tables outside the pub, then slowly make your way to the door. Once inside, please make your way to the table and put down a nice blanket for them that reminds them of home. It is also a good idea if another human they know has made their way inside first, to pick a suitable table and give the dog someone to focus on when they walk in.
Here are our recommendations to help dogs with anxiety.
Health-Related Anxiety
If a dog is poorly or disabled, they are more likely to be anxious, as it is almost like a protection protocol for them. For example, if a dog has diabetes or arthritis, they are more likely to be anxious in general because they know they are ill or are in pain.
HRA is a good indicator that your dog has an undiagnosed issue. If they have been overweight for a few years, and they suddenly become very anxious. Then it would be best if you considered they might have an underlying disease, which they are reacting to. So, you could take them to the Vet and discover they do have diabetes.
How to treat health-related anxiety
If your dog suddenly becomes anxious, and there is no obvious thing that triggered it. Then take them to the Vets straight away and try to identify the health issue.
Prevention is also important here. Ensure you keep them at an average weight, feed them high-quality, nutritious food, give them plenty of exercises, maintain good dental, have regular vet check-ups, and maintain deworming and flea routines.
Separation anxiety in dogs
This is the most common type of anxiety in dogs. Some dogs might be ok with been left alone, but no dogs like it. Some cope better than others.
They are pack animals and prefer to have company. Suppose a dog is calm, fun, and content when with other people or dogs. But they bark frequently, become destructive, or forget their housetraining when left alone. Then they likely have some degree of separation anxiety.
This mental health issue seems to be more prevalent when they form a solid bond with the primary caregiver and owner.
How to treat separation anxiety
The primary way is to prevent them from becoming overly attached to the "alpha." If it is a family dog, then make sure the whole family takes it in turns to feed the dog, get involved in the dog training, have individual playtime, take time to walk them individually. Then on top of all this, make sure there are lots of family pack walks and activities. This means that the pooch will be less likely to identify just one person as their protector.
Another way is to try not to leave them alone, if you have to go to work is there someone else that can look after them, family or friends. Or can you leave them at doggie daycare? But if you have to go to them on occasion, then giving them a good walk beforehand is an excellent way to tire them out, so they sleep for most of the time you are out. Treat stuffed or interactive toys are also a great way to provide them with entertainment while you are out.
Canines do love their humans, but they also love other dogs. So, if you only have one, and they get anxious when they are alone. A great way to help that is to extend the family and get another dog.
Shelter Anxiety
Dogs from Shelters are more likely to be anxious, especially in the short-term. This could be caused by the events that led them to the shelter in the first place or because the shelter is a stressful place for them to be generally. No matter how great a shelter is, it's still nowhere near as adequate as a loving home you can provide.
How to treat shelter anxiety
It is amazing once you give a dog a loving home how quickly they recover from previous trauma.
So, that is what you have to do. Provide them with safety, security, food, warmth, and lots and lots of love.
Patience is also vital. A rehomed or adopted dog can take upwards of 6 months to feel settled in their new home.
It would help if you also were mindful of what seems to be triggering them. For example, do they get anxious when tall men enter the house? If they do, you should recognize this and plan to make them feel more comfortable with that happening.
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For the most part, owning a dog is as simple as giving them regular food, walks, and attention.
But some dogs, some of the time, do require a little extra "work." Like how some people are confident and outgoing in all situations, other people are more nervous and introverted.
Your dog is an individual, so every dog needs to look after it in slightly different ways.
It is worth it, though.
