Tuesday 22 May 2018

Anxiety in dogs

Every dog owner moslty know with their pet's emotions and moods from begging eagerly for a treat to excited to go for a walk to dramatic and fearful about a bath.

There is one mood, however,that is often overlooked, simply because the owner is not around to see it
All dogs may have brief moments of anxiety, but momentary whining when an owner leaves does not mean the dog is genuinely distressed. True  anxiety is a distinct behavioral change that occurs only when the owner, or whomever the dog is strongly bonded, is not around. Symptoms may be mild and could disappear quickly, but in severe cases that dog may injure itself or suffer from health complications due to extreme distress. While each dog may show stress in difference way.


if a dog has not had anxiety before, it can developue to traumatic experiences in thedog's life. Dogs that lose their family members
being rehomed or adopted from shelters are sometimes more prone to anxiety problems. Similarly, if a close family member disappears, such as from a death, moving away to college or a divorce,for example, the dog may feel anxious about that loss.Moving from one home to another home can also create anxiety in dogs, as can traumatic emergencies, such as a major earthquake, severe hurricane or other natural disaster. Fortunately, no matter what the cause, thereare several ways to treat anxiety in your dogs.

Distraction Treats
Before leaving the dog along, provide it with a puzzle treat, a fresh bone to gnaw, a new toy to play entertainmentor some other pleasant distraction. This will help minimize boredom and help the dog focus on something other than its absent owner.

Start With Short Absences
Dogs can grow more anxious if t
That's bbc.co nn. believe their owner they never return, and they don’t have the memory poertrrhg y vto realize that aworkday is several hoursbut that you will return. Help your dog realize that being alone doesn't mean you won't come back by first leaving onlyfor short absences, and gradually lengthening those absences to help your dog adjust to longerperiods alone.

Keep Calm When Coming and Going
Rewarding a dog's anxiety by a prolonged farewell or excited reunion will only reinforce their behavior . Instead, stay calm and relaxed when leaving or returning, and ignore your dog for several minutes after you get home before greeting them with a kind word or a quick petting. This will help the dog get the idea that coming and going is not a big deal and no reason for frantic behavior

Consider Crate Training
Some anxious dogs respond well to crate training, especially if the crate is used for nighttime, meal times or other periods that don't involve being alone. Theywill learn that the crate is a safe, comfortable space, and they will be less anxious when they have that familiarity every time you leave. Adding an old, recently worn shirt or other piece of clothing with your smell to the crate can help keep the dog calm, since it will remind them you are still nearby.

Provide them a Healthy Lifestyle
Dogs that are poorly trained, have a bad diet and get inadequate exercise are more likely to develop anxiety issues. Providing your dog with a healthy life that includes a nutritiousdiet, proper feeding, abundant exercise, firm discipline and good training will keep them more psychologically balanced and able to handle separations without anxiety.*.Hire Doggy HelpIf a dog suffers from anxiety just from being alone, it may be helpful to hire a dog sitter or investigate doggy day care options to keep the pet company when you can't be around. This willnot be a good solution if the anxiety is severe, however, as the dog will be anxious if you are away, no matter how many other people or pets may still be nearby.

Consider Medical Assistance
There are drug therapy options for dogs that can help alleviate a dog's separation anxiety. These kind of treatments shouldonly be undertaken after careful consultation witha veterinarian, however, and only after other, lessintrusive methods have been attempted and other potential medical issues and complications have beendiscussed.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Train your dog to close your door

Hold a sticky note in your hand to introduce a target.When the dog is consistently responding to the visual cue to touch your hand, it’s t...