Introduction
Just like us, our furry friends can get anxious. A survey found that 72.5% of dogs exhibit at least one anxiety-related behavior. Now, we are witnessing more and more cases of dog anxiety. Is this anxiety becoming more common, or are we now able to recognize it better?
Anxiety in dogs is considered normal behavior, but if it persists for an extended period of time, it can lead to irreparable damage. This is the last thing you want to happen to your furry best friend. Let's browse through a helpful guide to understanding dog anxiety, including effective treatments and prevention methods.
Causes of Anxiety in Dogs
First of all, where do you think your dog's anxiety comes from? There are many reasons to worry about beating your furry dog. Experts believe that there are three main causes of anxiety in dogs:
Fear Anxiety
Fear is one of the main triggers of anxiety in dogs. If your dog shows a real or perceived threat from anything, they will develop anxiety. For example: Loud noises, strange people, other animals, visual stimuli such as umbrellas or hats, and unfamiliar or new environments or conditions such as the vet's office, car rides, etc. Some dogs try to respond to fearful stimuli with aggression, but others, especially anxious dogs, are more affected.
Separation Anxiety
About 14% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Some dogs are prone to separation anxiety when they are separated from their family or left alone. If you get a call from a family member saying that your dog is defecating in the house or barking excessively after you leave, this is separation anxiety. This form of anxiety is very prevalent in dogs. They are pack animals, so it's clear why they develop anxiety when left alone.
Age-Related Anxiety
As the name suggests, this type of anxiety is found in older dogs. Age-related anxiety is associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). When a dog develops CDS, perception, memory, learning, and awareness begin to decline as a result of aging. These signs are similar to those seen in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. As a result, your older dog can become confused and develop anxiety related to aging.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs
So you now understand what causes your dog's anxiety. But what do you do if your dog suffers from anxiety? If you look closely, you'll see that something is wrong with your furry friend. Why is my dog sitting alone in another room? Why is my formerly calm fur baby now a belligerent fellow? Destructive dog behavior can tell you about your dog's developing anxiety.
Here are some common signs of anxiety in dogs: aggression, pacing, restlessness, drooling, panting, depression, destructive behavior, excessive barking, urinating and defecating in the house, and repetitive or compulsive behavior.
Aggression and Anxiety
Some of these signs may stem from occasional anxiety-triggering events, but if left unaddressed, they can escalate into more permanent problems. One danger sign of anxiety in dogs is aggression. This aggression can be direct or indirect, depending on the situation. Direct aggression occurs when a dog shows aggression toward people or other animals.
Indirect aggression may occur when a person gets between a dog and the source of its aggression, such as another dog. Even if the dog is prevented from causing injury, aggressive behavior such as growling or barking can create a detrimental situation for both the human and the dog.
Urinating Inside the House
This behavior is primarily seen in dogs with separation anxiety. Dogs experiencing anxiety may become so agitated that they urinate and defecate indoors, regardless of previous house training. Of course, this can be really frustrating for you as you have to complete the unpleasant task of cleaning up after them.
Other Devastating Signs of Severe Anxiety
Dogs with anxiety can exhibit destructive behavior. Dogs in a state of high anxiety may also put themselves at risk. Attempting to break out of a crate, window, or door can lead to painful injuries that require expensive veterinary care.
How to Prevent Anxiety in Dogs
If your dog isn't showing signs of anxiety, that means you're lucky. However, this does not mean that your dog will never develop anxiety. So follow these tips to ensure your dog keeps spreading love and happiness without having to worry:
Understand Their Body Language
If you can only absorb one tip from this guide, keep that one. Try to learn your puppy's body language. What makes them uncomfortable? Are they afraid of something? What makes them happy? Understanding their body language will help you know when they are feeling anxious so you can address their issues immediately.
Consider Obedience Training
Obedience training is another great place to start. It will help you build a strong relationship with your dog and lay the foundation for trust and obedience. Additionally, well-trained dogs are easy to socialize, which is a great way to prevent dog anxiety.
Avoid Triggers
Sometimes, avoiding situations that trigger your dog's anxiety is the way to go. For example, if your dog is afraid of a large group of people, try to avoid this situation for your dog. Of course, you should teach them to socialize to alleviate their fear, but until they are comfortable with it, try to avoid this fear-inducing situation for your pet.
How to Treat Anxiety in Dogs?
If your dog suffers from anxiety, the best option is to consult your veterinarian. They will examine the situation and talk you through the type of anxiety they suffer from, as well as effective treatment options. Generally, your veterinarian will recommend the following options:
Counter-conditioning
This is another great way to treat anxiety in dogs. To do this, try gradually exposing your anxious dog to triggers. In addition, reward them with a snack if they remain calm after being confronted with the trigger. For example, play calming music during a thunderstorm or offer a snack during a fireworks display.
Medications
In severe cases, medications prescribed by your veterinarian may be needed. Your veterinarian will recommend anti-anxiety medications or supplements to help control symptoms. Therefore, give your dog the prescribed dosage to help treat anxiety.
Herbal Supplements
Sometimes, natural remedies can work wonders. Natural supplements such as chamomile, valerian root or CBD can have a calming effect on dogs. However, you should always consult your vet before using any new nutritional supplements.
Noora Calming Supplement
Noora Calming Supplements are an excellently formulated pet chewable supplement designed to help dogs relieve stress and anxiety. Whether your dog struggles with thunderstorms, vet visits, or travel, Noora Calming supports relaxation and helps reduce stress naturally. With a blend of ingredients such as Vitamin B1, L-Tryptophan, and Green Tea Extract, this supplement works to maintain calmness and overall emotional well-being in dogs of all sizes.
Aromatherapy
Another natural way to treat anxiety in dogs is through the use of certain scents. Lavender or chamomile are most commonly used to help reduce anxiety in dogs. Aromatherapy using a spray or diffuser creates a soothing environment for anxious dogs.
Effects of Catnip for Dogs Anxiety
Catnip is widely used in pet cats in order to increase their euphoria. However, this herb is rarely used for dogs as it is often ineffective and pet owners are concerned about its side effects. Although, the effects of catnip for dogs anxiety are milder and not as dramatic as they are on cats, the herb actually has a boosting effect on digestion, mental health and healing of small wounds.
Many dogs become anxious from being left alone or visiting the vet. Catnip can be used to calm dogs in these situations and help them relax. Unlike cats, catnip for dogs anxiety has a calming effect on dogs. Chopping up this herb and mixing it into dog food is the easiest way to relieve dog anxiety, but you can also use whole catnip leaves in a bowl of water or in dog food. For dogs with chronic anxiety, catnip can be offered daily to help control behavior.
Catnip for dogs anxiety is also therapeutic for occasional regurgitation in dogs. This herb is effective in getting rid of digestive bloat, calming the digestive muscles and preventing them from excreting waste too quickly. Since catnip is not very effective in treating diarrhea, it should not be used in cases of severe regurgitation or bloody stools associated with vomiting. Catnip should also not be used to treat your dog's diarrhea for a long period of time; a veterinarian must be called in to identify the underlying cause.
It is beneficial to use catnip when your dog has suffered a minor injury or infection. The antiseptic properties of this herb for dogs were discovered many years ago and an antiseptic treatment can be administered with catnip for dogs anxiety and a small amount of warm water. Rub the ointment into the wound or infected spot at intervals until it begins to heal. It is best to cover the wound with a bandage to prevent the catnip from rubbing off.
When using catnip for dogs anxiety, owners should be aware that many dogs do not seem to respond to the herb. This may have to do with size or other factors. Additionally, it is best to consult a veterinarian first before using larger amounts of catnip on your dog.
Is Catnip Bad for Puppies?
Dogs can eat catnip, which is a health supplement in itself and can be fed to dogs when they are mentally unstable, but the flavor of catnip is not always liked by dogs. Catnip also has a calming effect on dogs. It is not recommended for dogs before eight months because catnip has a certain excitatory stimulating effect on the dog's brain, so puppies should still try not to eat it.
Catnip for dogs anxiety usually does not cause serious side effects. However, due to the volatile oils and phytochemicals contained in catnip, dogs may experience mild digestive discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, these symptoms are temporary and do not cause long-term health problems. However, if a dog ingests a large amount of catnip, it may trigger more serious discomfort.
To ensure your dog's safety, it's best to keep catnip out of their reach. Also, provide your dog with appropriate toys and snacks to keep them interested and happy.
If your dog accidentally ingests catnip and shows signs of severe discomfort, such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures, contact your veterinarian promptly. Your veterinarian will develop an appropriate treatment plan based on your dog's symptoms. If your dog is behaving normally after accidentally ingesting catnip, simply observe its behavior and health to ensure that its symptoms do not worsen. In most cases, the dog will recover naturally and no special treatment is needed.
