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What is considered severe anxiety in dogs?

Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Excessive fear and anxiety is a common problem in dogs. Anxiety related disorders can take many forms. Separation anxiety associated with the dog being left alone is the most common; some experts estimate that about 14 % of dogs suffer from this disorder to some extent. Other common triggers for anxiety behaviors are loud noises, riding in the car, or any confined space. Excessive anxiety, especially toward a specific and inexplicable trigger, is called a phobia. Dogs can develop phobias in response to unlikely triggers like people with glasses, children, or even toasters. Excessive anxiety and phobias in relation to different people and strange situation are commonly the result of poor socialization at a young age. There are several specific windows in a dog’s development when socialization is very important: between eight and fourteen weeks of age, when puppies first start to become shy of strangers, and between five and eight months, as they may develop fear and aggression toward unfamiliar groups of people. It is extremely important to expose dogs as much as possible to new situations and people in these time periods, always in a non-threatening way so that they feel comfortable and safe and don’t develop irrational fear or anxiety triggers. Occasionally dogs can acquire unusual phobias later in life especially during a stressful or traumatic time period. Genetic factors can also play a part. Many dogs are predisposed to develop anxiety disorders based on their breed or temperament. Fearful behavior can quickly turn into aggression, so dogs with anxiety disorders make less good pets and can even be dangerous, especially around small children. Dogs that develop fear or anxiety can sometimes be reconditioned to reduce the behavior to a manageable level, however this requires more work than initial socialization when a puppy’s age makes him predisposed to adjust and learn new information.

Fear is a normal response to some situations, but extreme fear or anxiety in dogs is a sign of behavior problems. Anxiety related behaviors can become aggressive quickly, so teaching your dog to avoid these responses can be a very important part of training.

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Symptoms of Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

These are some of the signs that might indicate your dog is excessively fearful or anxious.

  • Pacing
  • Posturing with flattened ears and tail between the legs
  • Cowering and hiding
  • Hair raised on the back of the neck
  • Drooling
  • Trembling
  • Panting
  • Whining or whimpering
  • Yawning
  • Dilated pupils
  • Excessive grooming
  • Chronic barking
  • Chewing on objects such as furniture or shoes
  • Incontinence of bowels or urine
  • Growling
  • Snapping

Types

These are the most common types of anxiety in dogs.

  • Separation anxiety – occurs when the owner leaves or whenever the dog is left alone
  • Noise anxiety – loud noises such as thunder, fireworks, or noisy trucks
  • Travel anxiety – becomes anxious riding in the car
  • Confinement anxiety – reacts negatively to confined spaces
  • Phobia – unexplained anxiety reaction in relation to various triggers

Causes of Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Many factors can be related to excessive fear and anxiety in dogs. These are some of the most common.

  • Poor socialization in early life
  • Predisposition due to breed or temperament
  • A stressful or traumatic event
  • A medical condition or illness
  • Age related degeneration in the brain

Diagnosis of Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Most anxiety disorders develop in the first year and a half of a dog’s life, so this is the time to watch your dog closely and discuss any abnormal reactions with the veterinarian. Anxiety disorders are first diagnosed through the careful attention of the owner, so you should watch your dog and document unusual behaviors in a log if necessary. The veterinarian will examine your dog physically to determine if there is a medical condition that could be causing or contributing to your dog’s symptoms. If you have any information about the dog’s breeding history or the temperament of the parents this will be relevant. In older dogs, past experience can also be extremely important since a history of abuse will often give the dog a lifelong predisposition toward anxiety. Some dogs may also develop more pronounced anxiety as they age.

Treatment of Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Depending on the severity of the problem, the veterinarian may give you training exercises to do at home or recommend an animal behavior specialist for more extensive reconditioning. The best way to react to signs of anxiety in your dog is not to encourage it. Petting or comforting the dog may be the most natural response for an owner, but the dog will see this as encouragement to continue. Putting a dog through his typical training routine during an anxiety attack may seem harsh, but it will help assure the dog that things are normal and can discourage the behavior in the future. To the dog, you are the leader of his pack, so if you act as if everything is fine, the dog will assume this is true.

Dogs with more developed anxiety disorders and phobias may need to be desensitized by exposing them to a mild version of the trigger first. Through repeated exposure and training the dog will become desensitized and learn there is nothing to fear. Treats and rewards for good behavior can help to reinforce the process. In extreme cases, classes or private sessions with a behavior therapist may be necessary to help your dog overcome anxiety. This is especially true if your dog is older and has a history of abuse.

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Recovery of Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Proper socialization can usually reduce symptoms of anxiety in young dogs before the disorder becomes a serious problem. Older dogs that develop isolated phobias can often be retrained also. If the dog has a very anxious temperament, you may need to maintain a carefully regimented response to anxiety behaviors and continue long-term training exercises to manage the problem. Rescue dogs or older dogs with severe anxiety may be difficult to retrain regardless of the effort you put in. You may have to compensate for this by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety as much as possible. The veterinarian may be able to give you medication for isolated instances, especially car trips.

Anxiety in Dogs: Your Complete Guide

Does your pup get anxious when you’re leaving for work in the morning? Or when you return home after a long day, do you discover your dog has peed or pooped in the house? Do they often avoid eye contact or hide when you try to look at them? If so, your dog may be experiencing anxiety.

Just like their human companions, dogs can experience anxiety. Whether you have just adopted a new and energetic puppy, or have an older dog who has adapted to your constant presence, anxiety affects each dog differently. If left untreated, their anxiety can develop into an anxiety disorder, and lead to other behavioral issues that are unhealthy and potentially dangerous.

We all know too well how stress makes us feel, and we certainly want to help alleviate our pet’s stress, too. If you have a dog who suffers from anxiety, or are worried about your pup’s overall wellbeing, don’t worry: dog anxiety can be managed. Here, we outline what might be causing your pup’s stress, and how you can support your anxious dog and promote a happier life for them.

What does anxiety in dogs look like?

As a dog owner, you know your pup better than anyone, and sometimes it might seem like their anxiety comes out of nowhere. Other times it’s obvious what’s causing your dog’s anxious reaction, and you’re able to detect what’s triggering their abnormal behavior by closely monitoring their body language. Typically, their anxiety is brought on by a change in their routine, environment, or activity – and some of the most common causes of dog anxiety are fear, separation, and aging.

What are signs of anxiety in dogs?

More than 70% of dogs display signs of anxiety. In addition to a tucked tail and avoidance of eye contact, signs of stress and anxiety in dogs include:

1. Pacing or shaking

A lot of dogs shake when they’re in stressful situations, like visiting the vet. They may also walk in a repeated path around the vet’s office, similar to how people may pace when in uncomfortable or stressful situations.

2. Whining or barking

Dogs are pretty vocal animals, and their barking may become intensified when they’re under stress.

3. Yawning, drooling, and licking

Dogs yawn when they’re tired, bored, and stressed. This type of stressful yawn is more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn, and they may also drool and lick excessively when they’re nervous.

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4. Changes in eyes and ears

Like people, stressed dogs have dilated pupils and will blink rapidly, and may even open their eyes really wide and show more sclera (white) than usual.Their ears also might pin against their heads, causing them to appear startled.

5. Changes in posture

If a healthy dog with no orthopedic problems shifts their weight to their rear legs, they may be exhibiting stress. They may also tuck their tails or become quite rigid.

6. Shedding

Shedding increases when a dog is anxious, although this is less noticeable in outside settings.

7. Panting

Dogs pant when they’re excited, stressed, or when they’re cooling themselves down. If your dog is panting but has not been actively exercising, they may be experiencing stress.

8. Changes in bodily functions

Dogs’ nerves can cause the sudden urge to go to the bathroom. If they urinate shortly after meeting a new friend, they may be marking their territory and reacting to the strain. Other stress indicators include refusal of food and loss of bowel function.

9. Avoidance of displacement behavior

In stressful situations, dogs may “escape” to focus on something else. They may sniff the ground, lick themselves, or simply turn away.

10. Hiding or escaping behavior

Dogs grow attached to their owners, and will often hide or move behind them to hide in stressful situations. They may even nudge them to prompt them to move along, and may engage in diversion activities such as digging, circling, or slinking behind a tree or parked car.

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re stressed, and the signs of anxiety are often subtle and can sometimes mimic normal behaviors. A dog may exhibit one or more of these behaviors periodically, which can be normal in uncomfortable situations. However, if your pup exhibits many of these symptoms at the same time, it may become a problem, and lead to a constant state of anxiety.

What causes anxiety in dogs?

The most common reasons for anxiety in dogs is abandonment, fear of being home alone, loud noises, traveling, and/or being around strange people, children, or other animals. They may have been forced into an unfamiliar and frightening experience, or been deprived of social and environmental exposure. Any illness or painful physical condition can also increase their anxiety, and contribute to the development of fears, phobias, and anxieties.

Their anxiety can manifest itself in multiple ways, from whining and excessive barking to shivering and whimpering, and even become hostile or aggressive when anxious. They may also lose their appetite, or become completely withdrawn if their anxiety is left untreated. Some forms of dog anxiety include:

1. Separation anxiety

Between 20% to 40% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety, so it’s no wonder why it’s the most common type of anxiety in dogs. It can occur when your dog is separated from the person, or animal, they are most attached to, or a sudden change in routine.

2. Fear-related anxiety

This type of anxiety can be caused by loud noises, such as sirens, alarms, fireworks, or thunderstorms. In some cases, strangers or unfamiliar animals, visual stimuli like hats or umbrellas, and surfaces like grass or wood floors can also be triggers.

3. Environmental anxiety

It’s common for dogs to feel stressed in a new environment, This type of anxiety is presented as a fear of leaving the house, or going to a specific location, like the vet, a new dog park, or staying at a boarding facility.

4. Rescue/former shelter anxiety

Pets that have spent a period of time in a shelter often have memories of being abandoned and left there. They may also have experienced a traumatic event before they were taken into a shelter, or while they were there.

5. Social anxiety

This type of anxiety is presented as being anxious around different people or other dogs. This can occur from past trauma in rescues, or from not being socialized frequently. Dogs experiencing social anxiety typically bark, lunge, and show aggression when around unfamiliar people or animals.

6. Age-related anxiety

This type of anxiety affects older dogs, and can be associated with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). In dogs with CDS, their memory, learning, perception, and awareness begin to decline, similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s in humans. This leads to confusion and anxiety in senior dogs.

Are some dog breeds more anxious than others?

We know that there are many context-related causes of stress and anxiety in dogs, but some breeds are more likely to suffer from emotional problems than others. This is because of their overall temperaments, personality, and daily habits.

  • Border Collie – Border Collies are extremely athletic and thrive when around a lot of people and playing outdoors. For this reason, they’re prone to separation anxiety and don’t take well being left alone for too long.
  • German Shepherd – German Shepherds also enjoy a lot of exercise and social activity, and don’t do well when left alone for too long. They can become nervous and upset, which can lead to depression.
  • Cocker Spaniel – Cocker Spaniels are as cuddly as they are playful, and enjoy being engaged and played with all the time. Because of this, they’re prone to developing a high-attachment disorder.
  • Basset Hound – Basset Hounds are very social dogs who need a lot of attention and love, and can easily suffer from separation anxiety.
  • Labrador Retriever – Labrador Retrievers are family dogs, and if left alone for a long period of time, can easily get bored and slide into depression.

Ways to calm your anxious dog

Dogs are happy animals, and are naturally inclined towards things and people who excite them and satisfy their needs. So, for pet owners, helping your pup to calm down and make their living environment as engaging as possible is relatively easy to do.

In order to differentiate stress signs from normal behavior, you need to become familiar with your dog’s regular demeanor, to tell if he’s licking his lips because he’s anxious or because he wants a treat. A relaxed dog will have forward facing ears, a soft mouth, and round eyes, and distribute their weight evenly on all four paws. If your dog is stressed, you should remove them from the stressor, and find a quiet place for them to regroup. Resist the urge to overly comfort them, and make them earn a treat by performing an activity (sitting). Performing basic or routine commands can be comforting to a worried dog.

Once you have pinpointed the reason for your dog’s stress and anxiety, you can go about treatment management. The best way to treat your dog’s anxiety is by speaking with your veterinarian, but there are some techniques to help your dog calm down in an anxious situation, such as:

Exercise: If your dog has separation anxiety, the obvious way to ease their stress is to never leave them alone. This isn’t practical for most pet parents, so using exercise as bonding time and to tire out your pup is often an easy fix.

Treats/toys: Licking is a soothing activity for dogs, so giving them something healthy to lick keeps their brains occupied and helps them relax.

Physical contact: There’s probably nothing more soothing to an anxious dog than their owner’s touch. Pick your dog up, cuddle with them on the couch, and give them a good long petting session.

Massage: Massages not only relax and calm anxious humans, but dogs, too. Anxiety often causes tensing of the muscles and massage therapy can help to alleviate that tension.

Calming coats: Calming coats and undershirts apply mild, constant pressure to a dog’s torso, surrounding a dog much like a swaddling cloth on a baby. They’re recommended for dogs with any type of anxiety, whether induced by travel, separation, noise, or strangers.

A new friend: If your pup’s separation anxiety is caused by losing their furry friend, getting another dog may help.

Training and counterconditioning are strategies that change your pup’s response to the stimuli responsible for anxiety, usually by replacing the anxious or aggressive behavior with a more desirable behavior, like sitting or focusing on their owner. Desensitization is another training strategy, where the owner slowly introduces the dog to the source of their anxiety in small doses and at a decreased intensity. Repeated exposure and rewarding positive behavior can go a long way towards managing your pup’s anxiety.

If your pup becomes consistently stressed, and is exhibiting high-level symptoms, see your veterinarian immediately to rule out possible medical issues. Sometimes, dogs show symptoms of anxiety because they’re sick, which can lead to further medical complications. Your veterinarian may refer you to a trainer or veterinary behaviorist to evaluate stress-related issues. In more extreme cases, they will prescribe anxiety-reducing medications if appropriate. They will also be able to help you determine if their anxiety is situational, or if it’s becoming an overwhelming issue.

Your veterinarian will also be able to help you come up with a treatment plan, through a combination of training, preventative strategies, and in some cases, over-the-counter or prescription medication. They may also refer you to a professional dog trainer to help you choose the best approach for your anxious dog.

What happens when anxiety in dogs goes untreated?

It’s important to treat a dog’s anxiety before it reaches dangerous levels. Emotional health issues in dogs can have a detrimental effect on their quality of life, as well as the lives of their pet parents. If you notice any early signs of stress and anxiety in your pup, consult your veterinarian. Many pet owners assume their dog will grow out of it, which can lead to bigger problems.

Most of all, don’t get frustrated with your pup if they’re acting out and behaving this way. They’re expressing themselves, and most likely are just as confused and worried about their anxiety as you are. And remember that stress isn’t always bad. Fear prompts us to avoid potentially dangerous situations, so stress may actually be a protector.

As we have learned, anxiety can crop up for a number of reasons. That’s why Pumpkin’s dog insurance plans can help cover eligible bills for behavioral issues like anxiety that may develop in the future, so you can say “yes” to the best care possible.

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