Dogs can certainly experience anxiety. How do you know if your dog has anxiety? Here are some of the symptoms:
* Constant barking while you are away
* Vomiting, especially in the car
* Destructive chewing
* Soiling the house
* Panic over loud noises
* Following you around the house; fear of letting you out of his sight
* Refusal to walk outside of his “safety zone,” or refusing to go far from the house
* Nipping or aggressive behavior
It’s a good idea to check with your vet or a professional trainer about these symptoms or any other symptoms your dog may be exhibiting. There are other things that can produce symptoms similar to anxiety, such as a dog asserting its dominance, and of course your approach to correcting this behavior will be totally different if it is not anxiety.
What Causes Dogs to be Anxious?
It’s been said that canine anxiety is at an all-time high, probably because owners are away from their dogs during the day when they are at work. This is separation anxiety, and is the most common type of anxiety that dogs experience. Other types of anxiety are general, and may be caused by past trauma or poor breeding.
How Can You Treat It?
Here are some ideas for helping your dog cope with his anxiety.
* Coping with absence – When you have to be away (and who doesn’t?), make sure your dog is comfortable and in her own space with plenty of water and some toys. Crates are fine, experts say, or you can simply close off a corner or hallway. Dogs are den animals by nature, and actually appreciate having their own “spot.” This also keeps your dog out of the other rooms in the house where she can do serious chewing damage.
* Toys – Toys that require lots of chewing and attention, such as a hollow rubber chew toy filled with peanut butter or with a biscuit wedged inside, can help. Your dog may just tire himself out chewing and go to sleep. Either way, it provides something constructive for the dog to do.
* Spend time together- When you are with your dog, make a point of spending time with her. Take walks, play a game, or just sit and pet her for a while. It’s easy to get busy and distracted and forget that your dog needs your affection.
* Obedience training – Many owners neglect serious obedience training. They either don’t have time or don’t think it’s necessary. But dogs tend to feel much more secure when they are sure of their place and role. They like routine and knowing what you expect from them. Training helps you establish a certain communication with your dog that can work wonders for his anxiety (and maybe even help yours!).
* Medication – Just like for humans, medication for anxious dogs is an option. Discuss this possibility with your vet to determine if your dog’s symptoms are severe and unresponsive enough to warrant a drug.