How To Help Ease Your Dog's Anxiety
If your dog is anxious, you may have spotted some unusual behaviors. Your dog may do things such as licking excessively until he has a sore, could bark or whine non-stop, or may even get aggressive. Anxiety in a dog looks different in each and every dog, so if you've spotted some of these changes in his behavior, it could be due to anxiety. See below for some further information about anxiety and how you can help ease your dog's anxiety.
Why Is Your Dog Anxious?
An anxious dog can occur for a number of reasons. Some dogs will get anxious on the Fourth of July when fireworks are lighting off all around. The noise can be bothersome to some dogs. You may notice anxious behavior when there's a thunderstorm as well. Anxiety can also occur when you're away from your dog such as on vacation, or if there's a change in your home routine, such as being away more often, or if there's a new addition to your home. Other reasons for anxiety include, fear, disease, or illness, being abandoned by a previous owner, or neglected can also cause anxiety in dogs.
What Can You Do About Your Dog's Anxiety?
Keeping your dog calm and making him feel safe are the best things you can do to help your dog.
- If your dog feels anxiety due to loud noises, try to keep your dog in a crate that you can cover with a blanket. Try to keep your dog as calm as possible and make your dog feel protected.
- If your dog is afraid of being left alone, start leaving more often, or take your dog to a doggy daycare throughout the day. Leaving more often will help get him used to you being gone and a doggy daycare will get him used to being around other people and dogs. Also be sure to remain calm when you're leaving, don't rile your dog up when you're going to leave or make a big deal about you leaving. If you're calm, your dog will remain calm as well.
- If your dog has higher anxiety when he's been stuck indoors, take him outside for some exercise. Get him outside for a run, walk, or just some playtime. Take him to the dog park for exercise and socializing as well. Getting rid of some extra energy may help ease anxiety.
Dog's experience anxiety for a number of different reasons. Talk to your veterinarian about other helpful ways to ease your dog's anxiety. Companies like Rodney Parham Animal Clinic can help.