It’s easy to tell when your furry friend is happy, but it may be a little harder to tell when they are anxious. If you find your pup excessively panting or drooling, they may be suffering from anxiety. Our team wants to help you learn how to spot potential anxiety signs in your dog so you can help them get the support they need.
Anxiety signs in dogs
Anxiety signs in dogs can be subtle. If your pet is in a situation that could trigger anxiety, such as hearing a thunderstorm, going for a car ride, or meeting new people, watch for the following signs:
- Vocalization
- Aggression
- Destruction
- Inappropriate elimination
- Hyperactivity
- Shaking
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Seeking comfort or hiding
- Excessive licking or chewing
How to soothe anxiety in your dog
Depending on what triggers your pet’s anxiety, some management methods may be more effective than others. However, a multimodal treatment plan generally works best. If you notice anxiety issues in your four-legged friend, try a combination of the following steps:
- Create a safe space — If strangers visit or a thunderstorm rolls in, your dog will appreciate having a safe space to retreat to that’s outfitted with a cozy bed and plenty of long-lasting treats.
- Remove your dog’s anxiety triggers — If your dog becomes increasingly agitated as people walk past your window, block their access. Removing anxiety triggers inside and outside your home can help calm your pet.
- Stick to a schedule — Sudden changes in schedule, such as if you return to your office after working from home, can cause increased anxiety in your dog. Try to maintain the same daily schedule.
- Exercise with your dog — A bored dog is more prone to behavior issues like anxiety. Daily mental and physical exercise will help tire out your pet and give their mind something else to focus on.
If you find that your dog’s anxiety is uncontrollable even after trying the above methods to try to soothe their anxiety, contact our team to schedule a behavior consultation to get your pet relief.