Dog Anxiety Awareness Week starts May 3rd! Just like us, our canine pals can suffer from fear, depression, and anxiety. There are several types of doggy anxiety, including separation anxiety, fear anxiety, and age-related anxiety. While the exact steps you’d need to take to help Fido cope will depend on the type and severity of his anxiety, there are some general rules of thumb that you can follow. A Chesapeake, VA vet lists some of them below.

Know The Signs

Fido can’t tell you if he is feeling uneasy, so it’s important for you to know what to look for. Some warning signs include pacing, whining, tucking the tail, hiding, acting restless, or licking the lips. Your pup may also chew, dig, or soil inappropriately. Sometimes, dogs with anxiety engage in pica, which means eating things that aren’t food.

Don’t Coddle Fido

It’s fine to comfort your canine buddy if he’s scared, but you don’t want to go overboard. If you shower attention on Fido every time he acts the least bit nervous, you may inadvertently be rewarding him for his doggy dramatics.

Toys And Playtime

One of the best things you can do for your furry friend is make sure he’s getting enough activity. Offer lots of toys, as well as daily playtime. Once your pooch has burned off his extra energy, he’ll be a little tired, which will naturally calm him down.

Calming Products

There are many different calming products that can soothe our four-legged pals. These may include things like collars, treats, and sprays. You can also get Fido weighted shirts and even hats. (These are kind of like a doggy version of a weighted blanket.)

Desensitization

This tactic can be helpful for pups that are scared of specific things. For example, if your canine companion is frightened of storms, get a CD of thunder sounds and play it in the background. At first, keep the volume down. Slowly turn it up as your furry best friend gets used to the noise.

Safe Place

If your fuzzy buddy gets very nervous, he may actually appreciate having a crate to retreat to when he is feeling frightened. Of course, proper training is crucial here. You want Fido to form a positive association with his crate.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Chesapeake, VAanimal clinic, today!