Anxiety

What are the causes of anxiety in dogs?

There are several factors that can trigger or exacerbate anxiety in dogs. These include:

• Genetic predisposition: Some dog breeds are more prone to anxiety than others, for example, Border Collies, German Shepherds, or Labrador Retrievers.
• Early experiences: Dogs that were poorly socialized, neglected or mistreated in puppyhood may develop anxiety problems later.
• Environmental stimuli: Dogs may develop fear of certain sounds, objects, people or situations, for example, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, the vet or being alone.
• Diseases: Some physical or mental illnesses can cause or exacerbate anxiety symptoms in dogs, for example, pain, hormone imbalances, or dementia.

How do you recognize anxiety in dogs?

Dogs show their anxiety in different ways, depending on their personality and the severity of their anxiety. The most common signs of anxiety in dogs include:

• Panting, trembling or salivating.
• Whining, barking or yelping
• Hiding, fleeing or aggression
• Destruction of objects or furniture
• uncleanliness or marking
• Loss of appetite or binge eating
• Self-harm or licking
• Attachment or avoidance of contact

How do you treat anxiety in dogs?

If you suspect your dog is suffering from anxiety, you should first see a veterinarian to rule out or treat possible physical causes. The vet can also prescribe medications that can help your dog reduce his anxiety. However, these should always be used in combination with behavioral therapy.

Behavior therapy aims to teach your dog how to manage his fears. These include:

• Desensitization: this involves gradually habituating your dog to the fear-inducing stimulus in a controlled way, for example by playing sounds or showing him pictures.
• Counter-conditioning: This involves rewarding your dog with something positive when exposed to the fear-inducing stimulus, such as treats or toys.
• Relaxation training: This involves teaching your dog how to calm down in stressful situations, such as breathing exercises or massages.
• Management: This involves trying to avoid or change the anxiety-provoking situations, for example by creating a safe retreat for your dog or adjusting your routine.

How can you help your dog?

In addition to veterinary treatment and behavioral therapy, there are a few things you can do to help your dog overcome his anxiety. These include:

• Give your dog lots of love and attention, but don't overdo it. Avoid pitying or comforting your dog when he is anxious, as this can increase his anxiety. Instead, be calm and collected and give him positive signals that everything is okay.
• Offer your dog plenty of exercise and activity to relieve his stress and prevent boredom. Play with him, take him for a walk or offer him interactive toys that challenge his senses and his mind.
• Provide a healthy diet and good hygiene for your dog to promote his physical and mental health. Avoid giving him too much or too little food, or giving him foods that are harmful to him. Keep his coat, teeth and claws clean and trimmed.
• Respect your dog's boundaries and needs and don't force him to do anything he doesn't want to or can't do. Learn to understand and interpret his body language to recognize his mood and signals. Be patient and consistent with him and set clear rules and boundaries.