Dogs can feel anxious for a variety of reasons: from being left alone to thunder or fireworks. — Dreamstime/TNS
Anxiety is an issue not just for people, but also for dogs. Dogs can feel anxious for a variety of reasons. Their anxiety may be caused by their past histories, their socialisation and in some cases, even their genetic makeup.
Stress is a natural response to certain triggers, but in some cases the response can be excessive, and it becomes debilitating or even dangerous to the dog or its surrounding.
In some cases, professional counselling by either a veterinarian or trained behaviouralist (or both) may be recommended.
While there are many causes for anxiety in dogs, the following three are the most diagnosed.
Dogs often develop this type of anxiety when they are puppies, during their senior years, or after a big change.
Dogs with separation anxiety can often engage in destructive behaviour, especially close to the exit area and toward their owner’s belongings.
Other behaviours include endless pacing, restlessness, inability to settle down, vocalization and salivation.
This type of anxiety is often brought on by triggers such as loud noises, unfamiliar people and/or other animals, visual stimuli, and strange or new environments, such as the vet’s office or even a ride in the car.
The ageing process can be associated with anxiety, agitation, and confusion, causing altered responses to stimuli. The term for this condition in dogs is Canine Cognitive Disfunction (CCD) and it can be a challenging condition for both the dog and their owner.
It is not always easy to separate anxiety symptoms from other causes of changes in behaviour but if the symptoms correlate strictly with an event, it is more likely related to anxiety.
The following behaviours are common signs of anxiety: painting, shaking, trembling, pacing, excessive barking and whining, inappropriate soiling, destructive behavior (chewing or clawing at rugs, windows and doors) and tail tucking.
Training techniques such as desensitisation and counterconditioning are two strategies that can treat anxiety and fear. These techniques take time and consistent effort to produce the desired effects.
It is accomplished through repeated, controlled exposure to your dog’s specific fear or anxiety stimulus starting with small doses and at a low intensity at which the dog does not respond with fear or anxiety
Counterconditioning uses positive behavioural reinforcement to train a dog to change their response to the anxiety or fear stimulus. It may be helpful to enlist a certified dog trainer or dog behavioralist.
Medications and alternative methods. Anti-anxiety medications work best when used in conjunction with (not as a replacement for) the techniques below:
Making changes to your dog’s environment may make them feel more comfortable.
During moments of severe noise or excessive stimuli, giving pets a “safe space” they can go to, whether their crate covered with a towel or blanket, or a bed in a quiet interior space may keep them feeling more secure away from noises and vibrations outside.
Play quiet, classical music in the background, as this has been scientifically proven to have a calming effect on dogs.
Calming aids like pheromone collars or anti-anxiety calming wraps may be of benefit to some dogs. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
Dr Jerry Klein is the chief veterinarian for AKC
