Do you suspect that your dog may be suffering from anxiety? Look closely at the symptoms and treat them in time.
Depending on their emotions, it will influence their behavior positively or negatively. Joy, sadness, and other emotions are outgoing in dogs, especially when something is wrong.
A study conducted in 2012 by an international group of neuroscientists determined that non-human animals can feel and, therefore, adopt certain behaviors with intention.
What are the warning signs?
Anxiety is another negative emotion that your pet can experience and make you notice it. How? Well, there are many ways to behave that indicate it is going through a moment of nervousness, restlessness, and discomfort.
Usually, anxiety in a dog develops when it starts to feel that something serious is going to happen. At that very moment, the sympathetic nervous system activates, responsible for the body's response to any situation of danger or stress and the pet's misbehavior.
Pathological anxiety will show these symptoms
- Constant state of alertness
- Hyperactivity
- Frequent howling
- Excessive licking
- Aggressive behaviors
- Tremors
- Abnormal fear
- Hair loss
- Digestive problems
- Destructive behaviors (destroys objects)
This last symptom is one of the most evident, as they destroy and bite objects we have at home, such as furniture, pillows, and shoes.
What is the diagnosis and treatment for anxiety in dogs?
If you don't take care of your furry companion's anxiety in time, it can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, increase the incidence of tumors, and alter the immune system. Additionally, it can affect the coexistence with other animals."
That said, the first thing you should do is to address the problem when the veterinarian has diagnosed it, as in the case of behavioral therapy conducted by a behaviorist or ethologist. All this if the case requires it.
On the other hand, you can buy natural chew toys specially designed and made of non-toxic materials that will help your pet release stress and reduce anxiety.
To increase the effectiveness of the toys, you can also dedicate time to play with them, organize a calendar of activities to do together, and even go for a walk to get some fresh air.
How can you help your dog in an anxious situation?
If you have noticed that your pet has anxiety symptoms, you will have to apply these general recommendations to help him:
- Don't leave it alone for so long: if you have to be away for a long time, it will be ideal to leave them something to entertain themselves with, such as a chewy dispenser-type toy in which you can include dog treats. It will keep them busy chewing and feeding.
- Create a routine activity that includes games, walks, and meals.
- Exercise with your dog: there are sports you can practice with your dog, which will give them stimulation, he will discharge energy, and will be able to interact with other dogs.
- Consult your veterinarian about calming pheromones for dogs.
Anxiety in dogs can be dangerous; therefore, the best thing to do is not to let it go and take your dog to the vet, who will be in charge of improving your pet's behavioral alterations.
Taking your dog to a veterinarian is the only way to find out the cause of the anxiety and the appropriate treatment.