The Anxiety in our pets is hard to observe, being able to pick up the signs & symptoms early can make an enormous difference in the treatment. Anxiety can be identified in several ways;
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Separation anxiety
- Fear Anxiety
- General anxiety
Separation anxiety
There is some excellent information about separation anxiety in dogs here. This blog will provide specific treatments you can do at home to help improve the situation.
Fear anxiety
Most commonly experienced in response to loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Strangers, new or unfamiliar animals as well as unfamiliar settings & surroundings can bring on this anxiety.
General anxiety
Anxiety that is considered normal is often seen as age-related or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). This see's a decline in the dog's memory, learning, perception, and awareness & is considered to be similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This understandably leads to confusion and anxiety in senior dogs.
What are the symptoms of anxiety in dogs?
- Excessive barking or howling
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Drooling
- Panting
- Destructive behavior
- Depression
- Aggression
- Pacing
- Restlessness
- Repetitive or compulsive behaviors
What are the treatments for anxiety in dogs?
The sooner you can recognise the symptoms of anxiety in your dog, the sooner you can commence treatment. Mild anxiety can become worse if left untreated. There are many simple & effective methods of treating your dog with mild forms of anxiety at home. These are often drug-free methods. For more severe cases of anxiety, we strongly recommend seeking the expertise of an animal behaviourist or your vet.
The best natural treatments for dogs suffering from anxiety include:
- Walking! It's free & will set your dog up for the day with those immune-boosting endorphins! Try & keep a routine when it comes to the timing of your walks.
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Healthy diet. Much like humans, a healthy diet will maintain strong
immunity & overall health in your dog. Good nutrition will support your dog's brain & nervous system.
- Lickimat's Licking helps to calm dogs by releasing soothing endorphins. The Lickimats will also work to redirect your dog's focus during stressful situations such as baths or grooming.
- Fresh meaty bones. A great way for your dog to stay busy & display natural behaviours such as digging & guarding their bone. Take care if your dog displays signs of aggressive anxiety.
- Puzzle toys Created to stimulate your dog's mental capability. This is just as important as physical exercise for your dog!
- Treat dispensing toys Perfect for turning on natural behaviours such as seeking in our dogs. These dispensing toys are ideal for dogs that spend some time alone.
- Indie & Scout Snuffle Mat - Simply place some treats into the Indie & Scout Round Snuffle Mat and watch your dog interact with it, exploring every nook and cranny for their treats.
- Thundershirt An effective drug-free alternative for treating dogs suffering from anxiety. The comfortable design applies a gentle, constant pressure that has a dramatic calming effect on dogs.
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VetSense Stress Less - a nutritional paste for dogs that may aid in nerve and muscle functions. Formulated with L-Tryptophan , B group vitamins and magnesium, the paste is designed to assist with anxious behaviours. Stress Less can help your dog with aggression, travel, separation and thunderstorm anxiety
- Comfort toys such as the Sentry Calming range or the Yours Droolly Fill me toy both work on the principles of smell & comfort. Sentry has calming drops to add while the fill me toy needs to be filled with an article or your clothing (something with your scent on it) to provide comfort.
For further information, call in & see us in the store, or email us: admin@weknowpets.com.au
4/72-76 Station St Bowral NSW 2576
PH: 024862 1175
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