Anxiety in dogs is often misinterpreted by dog owners as bad behavior caused due to boredom or any similar reason. But you must know that anxiety in dogs is as common as in humans. There are various ways dogs can display their stress. Some common physical symptoms of anxiety among dogs include shivering and panting, excessive barking, aggression, licking or chewing excessively, hiding, etc.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of anxiety in your pet and taking the necessary steps to cure it at the first pace is the only way you can help your mate to cope. Here we will discuss the most common ways to identify anxiety disorder in your pets.
Non-stop barking
It’s quite common for dogs to bark at unknown things outside or after hearing a suspicious noise. But if they bark unnecessarily and cannot be soothed easily, it’s a sign that your dog might have anxiety. Doctors often say that even the quietest dog can become big talkers and can become more sensitive to noises. An easy way to calm your dog in such a situation is by making the place more relaxing and distracting them with other soothing noises. For example, you may put your radio to a low volume.
Chewing everything at sight
If your dog starts chewing door frames, window drills, or anything that comes to their sight; or destroys household objects for no reason, it’s a sign that your pet is getting an anxiety attack. This is the way your dog gets his nervous energy out of his system. These behaviors are often common in dogs when left alone at home. Being alone at home for an extended time triggers anxiety. This is also known as separation anxiety.
You can help your dog cope with the situation by leaving them with some chew toy or bone or anything they can hold and lick. The activity keeps them calm and active.
Pacing
Notice if your dog is pacing all around the house.it may be a sign of anxiety in your pet. Although the pacing of dogs is quite normal when they get bored, observing the pattern can help you determine his condition. Dogs, when anxious, pace around in circular patterns or straight lines.
You can help your pacing dogs by giving them more exercise. As tired dogs feel less anxious. Try taking your dog out for a long walk to burn off the energy.
Shaking and trembling
Shaking and trembling in dogs is a common symptom that could easily help you identify that your dog is having moderate to severe anxiety. you can also look out for other physical signs like wide eyes, a furrowed brow, expressive ears as signs of anxiety.
You can help ease the symptoms of anxiety in dogs through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Besides, you can also try to engage your pup through mental challenges by using puzzle toys and making other lifestyle changes.
Hiding
Most anxious dogs will try to escape things, places, and people that scare them. The activity of hiding may look like leaving the room, hiding in between the legs of its owner or down the bed, etc. A fearful dog can be helped in this situation by following a few techniques. Try keeping the dog away from things that scare them. Once they start feeling safe, try to re-introduce the things slowly at a level that the dog can handle and doesn’t get scared of. Use food treats to make him feel easier.
The bottom line
After reviewing this piece, you might have gained the idea that keeping a keen eye on your dog’s behavior is the best way to know if your dog has anxiety. If you notice any of the above behaviors in your dog, the use of CBD oil and a few behavioral therapies can help ease the symptoms of anxiety in your dog. This way you can keep your dog away from the use of toxic chemicals present in prescription medicines and their adverse side effects.