Did you know that Fido can suffer from anxiety? Just like people, our canine buddies are prone to certain fears and worries. Below, your local vet Smyrna discusses canine anxiety.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety get nervous when left alone. This is one of the most common behavioral issues in our canine friends. Your buddy may act up if he has separation anxiety, so if you sometimes come home to find your furry pal has made a mess in your absence, he may suffer from separation anxiety.
Travel Anxiety
Many dogs love nothing more than hopping in the car for a joy ride with their humans, but this love of car rides is definitely not universal among our canine friends. Many dogs develop travel anxiety. Carsickness can be one factor here. Dogs may also begin to develop travel anxiety if they are never taken anywhere fun. While we are very dedicated to animal welfare, we are more or less forced to admit that our clinic probably isn’t Fido’s favorite place to visit. Make sure to bring him to parks or fun places between appointments!
Confinement Anxiety
Dogs with confinement anxiety are afraid of small places. This is sometimes seen in dogs that have been kenneled or crated too long or too often, or who possibly did a stint in an animal shelter. Sometimes, however, dogs just have a natural fear of confinement.
Noise Anxiety
Noise anxiety is, as the name suggests, fear of loud noises. Fireworks, thunderstorms, gunshots, and the sound of a hammer are a few things which can be terrifying to a dog with noise anxiety. If your canine buddy is afraid of loud noises, make sure that your home, yard, and leashes are all escape-proof. That way, Fido can’t run away if he gets scared.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety often act up out of distress. Chewing, digging, howling, and other destructive behaviors are not uncommon. Dogs with anxiety may also become aggressive, especially it their fears are very strong.
What To Do
Never, ever punish a dog for something he does out of anxiety. Instead, work with your pup to help him get over his fears. In extreme cases, you may need to enlist the help of a good trainer or behaviorist. Dog-calming products may also help.
Click here for more articles from your veterinary clinic Smyrna.
