Contributing Author – Lisa Smalls (05-30-2019)
When people think of anxiety it is generally relegated to a mental health disorder that affects humans. However, anxiety in our pets may be just as common, if not more common than with their human counterparts.
What causes anxiety in your pet and the signs?
Understanding what has caused anxiety in your pet may not always be obvious. However, determining if your pet is experiencing symptoms of anxiety are likely easier to identify.
Generally, if your pet is not acting “normal” this is a good indication that something is wrong. For example, if you have a dog who frequently shakes or pants when you leave the home or is suddenly aggressive toward friends, family, and even yourself these are common signs of anxiety. There is no single sign that your pet is experiencing anxiety, however identifying a trigger that leads to uncommon behavior is a first step. After all, if your dog is suddenly destroying your house as you close the door to go to work there is something going on.
While the examples above are more profound, symptoms may be abnormal, but subtle. For example, seeking more comfort than normal, excessive licking or chewing, and even hiding to be alone are indicators that something may be wrong.
While a number of things can cause anxiety in your pet such as a new pet, a terrifying experience, an illness, or even a change in food, the most common source of anxiety is fear of separation.
Three ways to assuage your pet’s anxiety
Identifying that your pet is suffering from anxiety is the first step to helping relieve your best friend from whatever fears or concerns they have. When it comes to your pet, creating a safe and comfortable environment is important to assuage their anxiety. Stepping away from medicine, here are three ways to help reduce your pet’s anxiety naturally.
Sleep with your pet
Studies have shown that sleeping with your pet, especially your dog, helps to reduce anxiety in both the owner and the pup. Sleeping with your pet promotes feelings of safety which counteracts anxiety.
Cuddle and touch your pet
Most pets, such as cats and dogs, are social creatures. Like humans, they require fundamental emotional support. The basic need of touch such as rubbing your pet, playing with its tail, and gently patting it on the back are signs of affection. When your pet is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to show your pet that you love him or her and are not going anywhere. Your pet needs to be reassured that whatever has affected a sudden fit of anxiety does not change your relationship.
Try pheromones
Pheromones are a natural chemical that animals release to affect the behavior and physiology of other animals in its species. For example, when a dog is nursing, she will release a calming pheromone which causes her pups to lay down and relax. Synthetic pheromones are produced for both cats and dogs to aid in calming behavior when suffering from anxiety.
Our pets are our best friends and much like the pain we feel when under stress or anxiety their fears are real. While some pets may subtly hide away, others lash out not understanding why they are so distressed. These comforting techniques may create a comforting environment to help soothe your pet’s anxiety.
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