Treating And Preventing Anxiety In Dogs

Many dogs suffer from anxiety or an overload of stress. Sometimes the causes are obvious and short term such as a thunderstorm or a change in routine, other times the dog suffers from ongoing anxiety that is not related to a specific incident. Unfortunately the short term factors seem to affect the dogs with the continuous anxiety even more than most dogs. Here are some indicators that show when your dog is stressed and some hints on how to help relax them.

Often an anxious dog is easy to spot, they are cowering under furniture, shaking or crying but some dogs are less obvious in displaying their distress. Some other signs include a dog that:

Wont make eye contact with their owner or shy away from people
Excessively scratches themselves or sheds
Constantly scans their surroundings (even when somewhere familiar) and has a very sensitive startle response
Has diarrhea
Has a higher than normal rate of breathing
Has difficulty learning new behaviors or performing previously learned behaviors

If there is an obvious cause for your dogs anxiety some extra attention, petting and soothing may be enough to get them through (ending up with a dog in the bed during a thunderstorm is a pretty common situation). If the cause for their anxiety is going to be an ongoing situation (you have to leave everyday for work) you will have to create a routine that soothes the dog and prepares them for the inevitable. For tips on dealing with separation anxiety see Is Your Dog Bad or Is He Just Bored.

If your dog exhibits ongoing anxiety type behavior you will want to have him checked by the vet. They may be in pain and that may be causing their behavior. If you have ruled out that possibility you may just have a high-strung or anxious dog. Like humans, all dogs have different capacities and abilities to deal with anxiety. Some dogs get stressed out more easily.

Make sure your dogs crate is available at all times. When they are feeling anxious being able to go into their cave may make them feel better. Make it as comfortable as possible with a bed, blankets and if you have an open wire crate consider getting a crate cover so they feel more safely enclosed. If you can not be with them put an old shirt that you have worn into the crate with them, your scent will help relax them.

Dog massage can help calm your dog. Slow circular motions over their chest, neck, back and legs applying a gentle but even pressure ease tension and help relax the dog.

Small toy breeds often enjoy being in a carrier. It is a small, warm enclosed space that is close to their owner. If you are able to, put them into their carrier and carry them with you around the house.

If your dog suffers from severe ongoing anxiety you may also want to try some of the homeopathic remedies that are available. Try to limit the frequency of the use of these products to when your dog is experiencing the worst symptoms and be sure to follow all dosing instructions.

Hopefully, with a few modifications to your dogs environment they will start to develop some coping strategies of their own to help reduce their anxiety levels and your dog will go back to their happy, healthy selves.