Dog Anxiety: What Dog Owners Need to KnowDog Anxiety: What Dog Owners Need to Know
Anxiety is normal. And just like humans dogs also experience anxiety and stress which is also sometimes termed as a healthy emotion. Talking about the main reasons and causes of anxiety in a dog is mainly abandonment, loud and rough noises, fear of being alone at home, and once the reason is identified it’s easy to give proper treatment. It is important to notice or to point out the source of a dog’s stress and find ways to manage it.
Though there are different approaches that make the pet more comfortable, which is also quite different in all dogs.
Causes of dogs anxiety and stress
The now common reasons for anxiety in dogs include fears, loud noises, traveling, loss of loved ones, or being around strangers. With this separation, aging and phobias are also major reasons for anxious behavior.
Signs dogs show when they are in anxiety
They majorly show some body language signs and it is quite important for the owners to identify those signs and take action on them.
Some of the general signs and indicators they use are: pacing, shedding of hairs and fur, licking, panting, whining or barking, and many more. These kinds of actions and behaviors are normal but when a dog is under stress or anxious these signs become more anxious and vulnerable. It is also a fact that dogs that are adopted from shelters develop separation anxiety more than those who live with a family from a puppyhood.
Proven ways to calm dogs with anxiety and stress
Both physical and mental health issues can be treated effectively with proper guidance and good treatment. Here are some simple ways and strategies to quickly calm a dog and to relieve them from anxiety:
Daily Exercise
Exercise is a basic keyway in order to get relief from anxiety and stress. Alleviating extra energy and relaxing in some fresh air comforts the dog. As anxiety produces a lot of uncontrollable energy that is why Running, playing are some general ways to cope up with stress and thus make the dog more active and fit. An intense session, or playing, or a 30 minute walk can also help a lot.
Physical Contact
After intense exercise, physical contact is another way to alleviate anxiety. It’s true that there is probably nothing more soothing to a stressful dog than its owner’s touch. Patting, rubbing, and cuddling sessions can help a lot in such times.
Music therapy
Music is something that not only humans enjoy but dogs and other pets too. According to modern research, most dogs prefer classical or soft genre music as compared to loud ones. Music has the tendency to produce a wide range of emotional responses which directly connect with the nervous system and help in mood-boosting. Music therapy allows the treatment of various types of fears and phobias.
Using CBD oil
CBD or cannabis is a plant that is extracted naturally and helps to treat anxiety issues. Website Thedailyworld.com/national-marketplace/best-cbd-oil-for-dogs/ has reported that many dog owners and humans have found this useful in treating other problems as well such as chronic diseases, surgery pains, and inflammation. CBD products are completely safe for pets as they are naturally derived compounds that help in boosting the pet’s wellness and thus help with their anxiety and stress levels.
Also, dog owners should reflect on their own behavioral patterns to see how they might be contributing to the stress.
Anxiety in dogs is common but dog owners should be aware to treat it properly with time. Remember! When noticing a dog is dealing with some kind of anxiety positively, don’t forget to reward them with a treat they are not less than your best friend.
Occasionally, dogs cannot ease out or cope up well with anxiousness in daily life. If that is the case it is more advisable to consult a veterinary behaviorist or a well-experienced trainer.