How to Recognize Anxiety in Dogs (and How to Treat It)

In a recent study, it has been found that nearly 70% of dogs have anxiety. Is your furry friend a part of this statistic? Some signs of anxiety in dogs are more obvious than others, so it is important to know what to look for.

While it is common for dogs to be anxious, it is essential to take the proper steps to deal with it to prevent any negative long-term effects.

Here’s what you need to know about recognizing anxiety in dogs.

What Makes Dogs Anxious?

The first step in determining how to treat your pup’s anxiety is to decide where it is coming from in the first place. 

For most dogs, anxiety comes from the fear of separation from their owners. Separation anxiety in dogs is incredibly common, especially in dogs who have not grown up being left alone often or rescue dogs who have experienced abandonment in the past. 

Other dogs get anxious as a response to certain situations like loud noises or environments they aren’t familiar with. Many dogs have a fear of thunderstorms, the vet’s office, or loud car rides.

If your senior dog is suddenly exhibiting anxious behavior, then they may have Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CDS. CDS is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans and can affect your dog’s learning and memory. This may lead to confusion and anxiety in your furry friend.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

Recognizing anxiety in dogs can be easy if you know the signs to look for. Here are a few signs that your dog may be dealing with anxiety. 

Restlessness

Just like humans, dogs will pace around the room when they are anxious or worried. If your dog can’t seem to sit still, then they may be anxious. Another physical sign of anxiety is constant shaking.

Excessive Drooling or Licking

Every dog drools from time to time if they are expecting a treat or dinner, but if your dog is drooling for seemingly no reason, it could indicate anxiety. Excessive licking is also a telltale sign of an anxious pup.

Panting

If your dog is panting even when it’s not hot, then they may be anxious. This is a major sign that your dog is stressed about something and is therefore breathing harder and faster than normal.

Frequent Urination

The loss of bowel function is a major indicator of stress. If your dog can’t seem to control when they go to the restroom, or they urinate after loud noises or meeting a new dog, then it might be time to visit your veterinarian. 

Hiding

Does your dog run away at the first sign of a loud noise or a new visitor in the home? Hiding is one of the most obvious signs of anxiety in dogs. Many owners exhibit this behavior during events like thunderstorms or doorbells ringing. 

Not Eating

There are many reasons why your dog may not be eating, but anxiety can certainly be one of them. Ignoring food is a sign that your dog is experiencing stress and has therefore lost their appetite. This is an issue that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible as it can affect your pup’s overall health.

How to Help Your Dog With Their Anxiety

Once you have decided that your dog is dealing with anxiety, then you need to take the proper steps to help them. Here are just a few things to try out.

Remove Them From the Situation

The first step is to remove them from the situation if it is possible. If you have the ability to remove the stressor out of your dog’s life, or remove your dog from the situation, then this is the simplest way to ease their anxiety. However, if the stressor is something that your dog can’t avoid all of the time, then this may not be the best option for you.

Proper Exercise

Just like for humans, exercise is a popular suggestion to relieve anxiety in dogs. Many dogs have pent-up energy that can cause anxious behavior, so routine exercise can help them to become calmer in general. It is recommended that you take your dog on a 10-15 minute walk every day.

Behavioral Training

Behavioral training may be especially helpful in dogs with separation anxiety. This type of training uses reinforcements to turn your pet’s negative thoughts on being alone into positive ones. This process can take time, but it is worth it in the end.

CBD 

CBD for dogs is becoming an increasingly popular option for handling anxiety. CBD has calming effects and may be a perfect solution for managing your dog’s anxious behavior. There are many options to choose from such as CBD dog treats and CBD oil.

Take Them to the Vet

If none of the simpler solutions are working, then you may want to take your dog to the vet. The veterinarian can rule out any larger issues and give professional advice on which steps to take next. They can also prescribe your pup a prescription anxiety medication if they feel that they need it.

Eliminate Anxiety in Your Dog Today

If your dog is dealing with anxiety, then there are many things you can do for them. Anxiety in dogs is not uncommon, but it is up to you to do what you can to relieve some of their stress. 

If you want to learn more about CBD for dogs, then check out all of our products designed specifically for your furry friends.