Anxiety is a very genuine and frequent feeling that dogs and cats feel. When they are feeling anxious, they are expecting a possible incident, they feel anxiety as a response to an impending threat or scary scenario. While it is upsetting to watch our beloved friends in discomfort, these are natural reactions to the triggers that create them in the first place.
Pets enjoy routine and are accustomed; any significant life change or traumatic incident may have an influence on their emotions; exposing them to a variety of new experiences as newborns is a smart approach to decrease anxiety in adulthood; nevertheless, unfamiliar, noisy, or frightening situations can create anxiety.
You may help your pet by eliminating whatever is causing the anxiety, removing them from the environment, or managing the stress in other ways if you know how to detect anxiety in your pet. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of anxiety in pets, as well as what you can do to help treat and manage their anxiety.
SIGNS
Depending on the pet and the scenario, different indications of stress are displayed. Some of the symptoms are one-time only, while others are recurring and so indicate a more serious problem. The following are common indicators of anxiety in pets:
- Ears back
- Aggression
- Soiling in the home
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Excessive shaking
- Destructive behavior
- Excessive barking
- Pacing
- Depression
- Hiding away
- Trembling
- Tail between legs
- Excessive licking
If any of these symptoms appear and you believe your pet is suffering from anxiety, contact your veterinarian at Franklin Veterinary Hospital, as expert assistance is required to correctly diagnose anxiety in pets. Your veterinarian will do a thorough examination, as well as potential blood testing, to rule out any health issues that might be causing the behavior.
TREATMENT
Anxiety is a complicated and debilitating condition, so if your pet has anxiety, you'll benefit from working with a Franklin Veterinary Hospital veterinarian who can advise you on the best treatment options for your pet. For example, if your dog has severe anxiety, your veterinarian is likely to prescribe prescription medication to help them feel better.
Anxiety vests, beds, and other products can help create a peaceful space for your pet to relax and unwind to, but the best way to help them is to establish an environment that eliminates stress factors that might trigger their anxiety; however, remember that it’s a lot better if before you introduce anything new to your dog's body, you consult first your veterinarian.
There are some typical responses, such as anxiety and fear, to certain triggers, but for some pets, it can be really debilitating dealing with them. Make sure you understand the symptoms of anxiety and attempt to pinpoint your pet's triggers; this will allow you to collaborate with your veterinarian to keep your pet calm and happy.
At Franklin Veterinary Hospital we have treatments to help your pet get back to their cheerful selves. Schedule an appointment today!
