Caring for an Anxious Pet

June is Pet Anxiety Awareness Month

An anxious pet may experience excessive panting, drooling, whining, hiding, or could even harm themselves because they suffer from fear, anxiety, or stress (FAS). Although about 50% of pets suffer from FAS, a lot of pet parents may not know what to do for their pets if they are suffering. If you think your pet may show symptoms of anxiety, this is a must-read for you!

 

Anxiety in Dogs

Although it is something all dogs experience every once in a while, if high levels of anxiety are left unchecked, your dog can develop an anxiety disorder. This can eventually lead to behavioral and other issues. 

How do I know if my dog has anxiety? 

Aggression, urinating in the house, drooling, panting, destructive behavior, depression, excessive barking, pacing, restlessness, and repetitive behaviors are a few of the important symptoms to look out for if you are wondering if your dog may have an anxiety disorder. Dog Anxiety can have several causes. The most common are fear, separation, and aging. 
  • Fear-related anxiety can be caused by loud noises, strangers, other animals, “scary accessories” such as hats or umbrellas, new environments, car rides, or trips to the vet. Although some dogs may only have brief reactions to these things, they may affect anxious dogs more severely.

  • Separation anxiety causes dogs to be unable to find comfort when they are left alone or separated from their family members. This anxiety often causes dogs to urinate in the house, destroy furniture, and excessively bark.

  • Age-related anxiety affects older dogs and can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. (CDS) Dogs with CDS can start to lose memory, perception, and awareness and understandably leads to confusion and anxiety.

What can I do for my anxious dog?

  1. Exercise. Use exercise as a bonding time between you and your dog. Exercise can help relieve stress by producing beneficial endorphins. This will also tire out your dog and can hopefully ease their mind if they are left alone.
  2. Physical Contact. There is nothing more soothing to an anxious dog than its owner's touch. Do your best to spot the signs of anxiety in your dog and nip them in the bud early by picking them up or cuddling with them.
  3. CBD Oil. CBD can produce a calming effect and can offer much-needed relief and rest for an anxious dog. Talk to your veterinarian first to see if CBD oil can benefit your fur baby!
  4. Daily Medication. All pets are different and may need different medications to treat their anxiety. Make an appointment today to talk to your veterinarian about the possible treatments for your anxious pet.
  5. Pheromone Therapy. Pheromone products help reduce the signs of anxiety and stress in dogs. At Galloway Village Veterinary, we offer pheromone therapy in the form of sprays, collars, and diffusers. 

 

Anxiety in Cats

An anxious cat may have reactions such as increased heart rates, panting, trembling, and salivation. The most obvious behavior changes are increased movement, hiding, destruction, and excessive meowing. Many fears and anxieties develop as a result of experiences in the first year of your cat’s life. It is important to treat your cat’s anxiety sooner rather than later.

Why is my cat experiencing anxiety? 

Many things can cause cat anxiety, including illness or physical pain, trauma, improper socialization, and separation.
  • Illness or physical pain can contribute to your cat’s anxieties. Aging-related changes in your cat’s body, infectious diseases, and toxic conditions may lead to behavioral problems including fear and anxiety.

  • Traumatic experiences can cause your cat to be fearful and anxious. An experience that didn’t seem traumatic to you could have seemed very traumatic to your cat. 

  • Any changes in routine or schedule can make your cat feel anxious and stressed. Even the simplest thing like picking up a new type of litter at the store can contribute to their anxieties.

What can I do for my anxious cat?

  1. Create a safe space. Give your cat a safe space to escape whatever commotion is causing their anxieties. A tall cat tree, window perch, or a separate room with a cozy spot to sleep may help to calm them down. 
  2. Stick to a routine. Give your cat food and water at the same time every day and clean their litter box often! If you aren't able to avoid schedule changes, do your best to ease your cat into their new routine.
  3. CBD Oil. CBD can produce a calming effect and can offer much-needed relief and rest for an anxious cat. Talk to your veterinarian first to see if CBD oil can benefit your fur baby!
  4. Daily Medication. All pets are different and may need different medications to treat their anxiety. Make an appointment today to talk to your veterinarian about the possible treatments for your anxious pet.
  5.  Pheromone Therapy. Pheromone products help reduce the signs of anxiety and stress in dogs. At Galloway Village Veterinary, we offer pheromone therapy in the form of sprays, collars, and diffusers.