Does your pup suffer from separation anxiety?
Does your pooch destroy furniture when you’re away?
Is excessive barking part of your dog’s daily routine?
Dog Anxiety Awareness Week is the first week of May, which recognizes the emotional well-being of the anxious pups in our lives. During this week, we highlight the causes, triggers, and treatment for canine anxiety. Like people, anxiety is a common expression of emotion that dogs experience from time to time, but for some it can be a daily struggle.
Symptoms such as aggression, urinating/defecating in the house, excessive drooling, destructive behavior, depression, pacing, excessive barking, restlessness, and compulsive behaviors can all be signs of your dog’s anxiety tendencies. Genetics, sudden residential changes, existing conditions, past trauma, aging, and persistent fear are some of the reasons why dogs can develop an anxiety disorder. Once diagnosed, a combination of medications and/or natural supplements, training/behavior modification, plus a solid exercise routine is the best way to treat anxiety in canines.
It may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your furry companion’s specific needs. While this can be a very challenging and frustrating journey, remember not to give up hope! There are a lot of resources available. Dogs feed off their owner’s energy as well, so the calmer you are, the better able they are to calm down too.
Here are some tips to lessen your dog’s anxiety:
Establish a daily routine for meals, walks, playtime, and quiet rest time. Dogs thrive on predictability!- Provide a safe space such as a comfortable den, covered crate, or bed with familiar toys, blankets, or something with a scent from you. Dogs love a secure quiet space where they can retreat if feeling overwhelmed.
- Exercising, sniffing and foraging activities provide dogs with physical and mental stimulation. Tiring your dog out definitely reduces anxiety!
- Calming music and gentle massage can help to create a soothing relaxing experience.
- Dog pheromone diffusers release synthetic calming signals that may help in reducing your dog’s anxiety.
- Anxiety vests apply gentle pressure, like a hug, which can have a calming effect on some dogs.
Animal Works Veterinary Surgery
Fort Collins
970-694-2625