Anxiety In Dogs

Anxiety in dogs is a widespread problem in the dog population across the United States and other regions of the world. There are three different forms of stress identified in our canine companions. Canine fear occurs when a new situation, person, or object is perceived as a threat. The response to fear can vary between individuals. Most fear responses are learned and can be resolved with regular exposure to the situation that produces the fear. A canine-phobia is the persistent and excessive fear to a particular stimulus. Once a phobic event has been experienced, any activity associated with it can generate a fearful response. Around the world, the most common fear phobias in dogs are produced by noises, per example thunderstorms and fireworks. Separation anxiety is the most common disorder affecting dogs of any age. Separation anxiety is a condition in which the dog becomes anxious when separated from the owner. Dogs with separation anxiety are the ones that follow their owners everywhere, greet them in an exaggerated form when they return after being gone, constantly bark, chew furniture, and urinate or defecate inside their crate when the owner is away from home.

CAUSES OF ANXIETY

(1) Sickness or pain can produce anxiety in dogs.
(2) Old age can create brain changes that manifest in signs of stress.
(3) Poorly socialized puppies tend to develop anxiety when they get older.
(4) Viruses and certain toxicities that can affect the nervous system can also produce behavioral changes associated with stress.
(5) Dogs that suffered a history of abandonment and rehoming are propense to suffer from anxiety symptoms.
(6) Certain phobias and anxiety disorders are due to the dog's inability to get away from stressful situations.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF ANXIETY

(1) Trembling
(2) Tail tucked between the legs
(3) Lethargy
(4) Hiding from people
(5) Running away from home
(6) Frequent injuries without definitive explanations
(7) Episodes of diarrhea or vomiting
(8) Excessive licking and biting of paws

DIAGNOSIS

If your dog is developing signs of an anxiety disorder, please contact your local animal hospital to schedule an evaluation by a veterinarian. The doctor will take a complete history of the problem, a physical exam and blood work.

TREATMENT

If the diagnoses are pure fear, phobia or separation anxiety, a prescribed medication plus the use of a vest known as the Thundershirt may be all that is needed. Sometimes natural pheromones are also included in the treatment protocol. Also, our veterinarians may provide recommendations about the use of certain training techniques that can be used in dogs suffering from these conditions. In the worst cases, anti-anxiolytic drugs may need to be prescribed.