What are the symptoms of anxiety in dogs

If you think that your dog may be suffering from anxiety, it is important to seek professional help – not only will this improve your dog’s quality of life, but it may also reduce the risk that the anxiety will lead to a serious behavioural problem. An obvious first port of call is your local Healthy Pet Club practice. Once the vets there have ruled out any health conditions that may be causing your dog’s symptoms, diagnosed the type of anxiety, and identified possible triggers, you may find that a pet behaviour counsellor is helpful. This article gives you an overview of this complex topic.

Symptoms of anxiety

The most common signs of anxiety are shown below. Of these, aggression is the most serious because of the danger it poses to you and your family.

• Trembling, tail tucked in, hiding, reduced activity
• Urinating/defecating in the house (may include diarrhoea)
• Drooling
• Panting
• Licking/biting body

• Pacing/restlessness/increased activity
• Repetitive/compulsive behaviour
• Attempted escape
• Aggression (includes growling and barking)
• Destructive behaviour
• Withdrawal/depression

If your dog shows any of these behaviours, assessment by a vet is recommended.

Causes of anxiety

Causes of anxiety include:

• Fear
• Separation from others (dogs or humans)
• Lack of social conditioning at an early age
• Old age (cognitive decline)
• Toxicity (e.g., lead) or other disease.

Treatment options

The first thing to do is talk to your vet – they can rule out medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms, and can then help you to manage the behaviour and/or guide you towards another professional who can advise you (e.g., a pet behaviour counsellor).

Prevention

If you have acquired a new dog, either as a puppy or an adult, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce the risk that they will develop anxiety. These include:

Depression and anxiety can affect dogs, much like humans. Here, our Southeast Memphis vets share what symptoms to look for and how to help cheer up your furry four-legged friend.

It's true, dogs are capable of suffering from depression and anxiety. This is because they are intelligent creatures who, like humans, experience a range of emotions.

What causes depression and anxiety in dogs?

A major change or a distressing event in a dog’s life can sometimes bring on symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.

For example, the loss of its owner or a companion animal, or even a sense of grief being experienced by those around them, can all affect a dog's overall emotions.

Big life changes, such as a move to a new house, a new baby or a new pet, may also have an impact on a dog's emotions. Generally, any significant change to your dog’s daily routine may bring on symptoms of depression or anxiety.

How do I know if my dog has depression?

The symptoms of depression in dogs are similar to those experienced by people.

Common symptoms include low activity levels, a loss in interest in the things they once enjoyed, and a change in eating and/or sleeping habits.

Some dogs may also show signs of aggression, including uncharacteristic howling or whining.

How do I know if my dog has anxiety?

Signs of anxiety in dogs may include trembling, tail-tucking, hiding, reduced activity and passive escape behaviors. They may also experience signs of panic including panting, pacing and active escape behavior.

Physical symptoms of anxiety in dogs may include sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity, like diarrhea, or lesions causing them to lick or bite their own body.

How can I help treat my dog's depression or anxiety?

The good news is that dogs can often overcome depression and/or anxiety on their own. Depending on the dog and the situation, it can take days to months. No matter what, the love and care of their owners, and sometimes some guidance from your veterinarian, can help them overcome the blues.

Pet owners can try the following techniques:

• Offer your dog more attention. But wait until you see some signs of happiness, like a wagging tail, and reward them for that behavior.
• Keep your dog active with regular walks, playtimes, and other activities you know they enjoy.
• If your dog's symptoms are related to the loss of an animal companion, consider getting another pet or start socializing them with other pets.

Depending on the severity of their symptoms your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-anxiety medication as well as recommend behavior management techniques.

In some cases, depression and/or anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition in a dog. If your pet has not recently experienced a major life change or distressing event, talk to your veterinarian about what else could be troubling them.

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How do you treat a dog with anxiety?

What dog breeds have the most anxiety?

How do you test a dog for anxiety?