Does your dog have anxiety? There are ways to notice and help.
The month of May is a time dedicated to bringing awareness of mental health issues. In the dog world, the first week of May is also a time for recognizing anxiety in dogs. Dog Anxiety Awareness Week in 2022 is another yearly reminder of how our pets can also suffer anxiety that deserves attention and care. Here’s what you can do if you notice it in your pet.
Signs of Dog Anxiety
It might not always be apparent if your dog has anxiety, especially if you are a new dog owner or altogether inexperienced with dogs. Some signs are more obvious, but some might be easily misunderstood. Common symptoms of canine anxiety include the following:
- Barking
- Growling
- Whimpering
- Lunging
- Trembling
- Ears back
- Avoiding eye contact
- Pooping or peeing excessively
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sleeplessness
- Restlessness
- Freezing in place
How to Handle Dog Anxiety
Notice the Cause(s)
Take note of what situations trigger your pet’s anxiety. It could be other dogs, thunderstorms, crowded places, when you leave the house, or when you go to the vet. Whatever pattern occurs when your pet displays anxious behavior, you are likely to find the source of the fear.
Plenty of Exercise
There are multiple ways to calm your pet down. One is to give your dog plenty of exercise before going through an anxiety-inducing situation. When your dog is more worn out, it will not be as likely for your pet to become riled up.
Your Guidance
A calm demeanor will help your dog feel calm. When you as the owner are calm, your dog is more likely to realize that it can also relax. A calming touch or voice can also help your dog feel more at ease in a tense situation. You can also help by keeping your dog away from stressors, such as crowds, loud noises, etc.
Expert Advice
Your vet can help you determine the root cause of your pet’s anxiety and prescribe different types of treatment. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can also find medications that will help calm your pet’s nerves. Of course, it is best for a trusted vet to prescribe medicine for your pet.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!