Dog Anxiety Treatment: 6 Ways to Treat It

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Got an anxious pooch on your hands? If you’re looking for a dog anxiety treatment, we’ve got six ideas for you to try.

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common forms of mental illness in American adults, but did you know that dogs can be anxious as well? It may seem like your dog has an easy life, but the fact is that he can become stressed or anxious about everything from changes in his routine to a specific situation such as a car ride. Keep reading to learn more about anxiety in dogs and how to treat it.

Related:How To Spot True Separation Anxiety in Your Dog

Though your dog may not have to worry about work or family obligations like you do, he can still become anxious about certain things. For dogs, anxiety is usually triggered by fear, separation, or aging. Fear-related anxiety is often triggered by strange people or animals, loud noises, unfamiliar objects, strange environments, or specific situations like going to the vet. Separation anxiety affects nearly 15% of dogs and it happens when your dog feels uncomfortable or anxious when left alone or when he is separated from his family.

Symptoms of anxiety vary from one dog to another and can change depending on the trigger. Many dogs with separation anxiety exhibit destructive behaviors as well as whining, barking, urinating or defecating in the house, and making escape attempts. Some of the more general symptoms of anxiety may include aggression, drooling, panting, depression, restlessness, and repetitive behaviors.

Related:Is Your Anxiety Contagious to Your Dog?

The first step in treating your dog’s anxiety is to talk to your veterinarian so you can identify the underlying cause. From there, you have several options which include the following:

  • Counterconditioning – This is a form of training that works to change your dog’s response to the things that trigger his anxiety. For example, you might train your dog to sit when he starts to get anxious about something instead of pacing or whining.
  • Desnsitization – This type of training involves introducing your dog to the trigger for his anxiety in small doses, working up to higher doses and pairing it with rewards to change his negative response to the trigger into a positive one.
  • Medication – For chronic or severe anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend medications such as antidepressants or SSRIs like fluoxetine and clomipramine. If you know that something is going to happen which could trigger your dog’s anxiety (like fireworks on the 4th of July), your vet might prescribe a benzodiazepine to help him cope.
  • Pheromones – Dog calming pheromones can help your dog feel safer and calmer on a daily basis. They come in several forms including diffusers, collars, sprays, and wipes.
  • Herbal Remedies – For a natural treatment option, you can try teas, tinctures, or tablets made from calming herbs like chamomile, valerian, and St. John’s wort.
  • ThunderShirt – The ThunderShirt is an anti-anxiety jacket that applies calming pressure to your dog’s body much like swaddling an infant and it can help with all kinds of anxiety.

Your dog is an individual, shaped by his individual experiences. The triggers for your dog’s anxiety may not be the same as they are for another dog which is why you need to talk to your vet about your concerns and be prepared to try a few treatments before you find the one that works best.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Shire Horse

The Shire Horse is massive, with an appearance that would make it perfect for a medieval setting. They are popular because they aim to please.
Meowijuana Takes Catnip Connoisseurs to a New High

We know cats occasionally like to partake in a little catnip. We love the take that a new company, called Meowijuana, puts on their mellow catnip products.
Top 5 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes Part 2

We hope you enjoyed Part 1 of our favorite peanut butter dog treat recipes - because it''s time for Part 2! Peanut butter is a staple in everyone''s pantry.
The Pet Loo – An Indoor Potty for Dogs

Suitable for use indoors and outdoors (to keep on your patio or balcony if you live in a condo), The Pet Loo is basically your backyard in a box.
Golden Dox

The spirited Golden Dox brings together the feisty little Dachshund and the friendly Golden Retriever for a playful family dog.
Grouper

Grouper are a large family of saltwater fish characterized by their stout bodies and over-sized mouths. They are hardy, colorful and fascinating species.
Anglo-Francais De Petite Venerie

It''s easy to tell that the Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie is a French hound. Its medium size, tricolor coat, and muscular build are all familiar sights.
Rescue Cat Returns Favor, Saves Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A quiet rescued family cat found his voice at the most important time, warning his family that their house was filling with deadly carbon monoxide.
Ellen Rewards Firefighters Who Pulled Dog Out Of Icy River With A Cari

Firefighters do more than just put out fires – they also jump into frozen rivers to rescue dogs. And when Ellen DeGeneres heard about a team of Wellesl…
Bichonaranian

Bichonaranian, also known as Pomachon or Pom Frise, is one of the more recent additions to the diverse and rich world of designer dog breeds.
Braque Du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais, also known as the French Pointer, is a medium-sized dog with a smooth, short coat and a brown and white spotted coloration.
Gluten Allergies And Intolerance In Dogs

Does your dog need to go wheat free or is it a passing fad? Here''s what you need to know about gluten allergies and intolerance in dogs.
4 Dog Mushing Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Noob

Bad habits are hard to break, so why not avoid them in the first place? Steer clear of these dog mushing mistakes that make you look like a rookie.
Boglen Terrier

The Boglen Terrier is a cross between a purebred Beagle and Boston Terrier. They are intelligent, gentle, and tolerant dogs that are loyal and faithful.
Adams Flea & Tick Spot On Knocks Pests Out With Spot-On Precision

We''re going to take a look at Adams Flea & Tick Spot On, which provides flea and tick protection for dogs for 30 days, as well as protection from flea re-infestation.