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As a dog owner, ensuring our pets feel safe falls high on the priority list. Unfortunately, just as people develop anxiety, so do dogs. That’s why it’s vital to understand anxiety in pets and the different triggers that evoke these unpleasant feelings of distress in an effort to minimize anxious situations that make our companions feel uncomfortable while providing them with ample support and love.
Separation
Separation anxiety has been found to affect approximately 14% of dogs. Separation anxiety is triggered when a dog is left by themselves for periods of time. Their anxiety may begin the moment you grab the car keys, and they will only be able to relax once you return. However, there are ways to ease these upsetting feelings for your pet. You may try to desensitize your dog by practicing leaving the house for short periods to get them accustomed to you leaving and returning, or you may try leaving them with a clothing item that smells like you to calm their nerves.
Loud Sounds
A dog’s hearing is very sensitive. As such, loud sounds, such as fireworks or thunder can be very triggering, resulting in severe anxiety. While you cannot always control whether your neighbor decides to set off fireworks, you can control the space your dog is in when these events take place. Create a safe area for your dog during times of loud noises, preferably somewhere quiet with plenty of cozy blankets. Give your dog extra attention and words of encouragement to condone their good behavior when they do not overreact to the noise they are hearing.
Lack of Socialization
It’s important to socialize your dog as much as possible while they are young so they do not develop anxiety towards new dogs and people as they get older. However, in some cases, such as with rescue pets, this is not always possible. To alleviate social anxiety in dogs it’s important to take things slow and prioritize safety, introducing your dog to new people calmly and little by little to avoid triggering their anxiety. When they react positively, be sure to reward them for their good behavior.
Medical Problems
It’s important to note that while anxiety is very real for animals, some symptoms of anxiety may derive from more complex medical problems. That’s why it’s important to consult with your pet’s trusted veterinarian when you identify growing signs of anxiety in your pet to rule out any underlying medical condition that may be triggering their unusual behavior.
To learn more about anxiety triggers for dogs and the ways you can help alleviate your pet’s stress, contact your local veterinarian today.