Anxiety is a common experience for many people. However, our dogs can also deal with feelings of anxiety. Dogs cannot vocalize what it is that is making them feel anxious, so its important to monitor our pets to understand their triggers in order to combat the uncomfortable feelings of fear and nervousness. Here are three reasons your dog may be anxious.
Separation Anxiety
When you get ready to leave the house to go to work or to visit a friend, the simple motion of reaching for your keys is enough to make your dog feel anxious. Its estimated that approximately 14% of dogs experience separation anxiety when they are away from their owners. Separation anxiety may be displayed in different ways, some dogs may whine and bark continuously while youre gone, while others may soil in the home or engage in destructive behavior.
Cognitive Decline
As our dogs age, their cognitive function begins to decline. As a result, they may begin to lose their ability to remember or learn new things, they may have difficulty with perception, and they may begin to lose their sense of awareness leading to increased anxiety, agitation, and even aggression.
Feelings of Fear
While anxiety is commonly used to describe nervousness towards something that has not yet occurred, fear-related anxiety is used to describe a dog who is reacting negatively towards something they are experiencing at that moment. Fear-related anxiety can be triggered by many different situations and events, including loud noises, such as fireworks, new people or animals, and strange new environments, including the car or the veterinary hospital.
Signs of Anxious Behavior
Dogs may show their anxiety in different ways depending on the type of anxiety they are experiencing and the unique personality of the dog. However, the common signs of anxious behavior include the following:
Increased aggression or agitation
Soiling indoors
Shaking or trembling
Tucking their tail between their legs
Compulsive or repetitive behaviors or pacing
Symptoms of depression or lethargy
Non-stop licking
Barking or whining
If you notice symptoms of anxiety in your dog and want to learn more about dog anxiety and how to help your beloved pet overcome these uncomfortable feelings, contact your trusted veterinarian today for professional guidance.