What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs?
Anxiety in dogs causes many symptoms that differ from dog to dog, including:- Hiding
- Shaking
- Cowering
- Whining
- Tucking their tail
- Barking excessively
- Drooling
- Panting
- Shedding
- Clinging
- Refusing to eat
- Urinating or defecating, especially in inappropriate places
“But dogs pant when they’re hot,” you might wonder. “How can I tell if it’s anxiety?”
The key is to know what is normal for your dog. If normally your dog only pants when it’s hot and you see them panting in the middle of winter, it may be a sign of anxiety. If your dog who normally loves to be the center of attention is suddenly cowering and shying away, anxiety may be to blame.Zuzu, a Yorkie mix, is a prime example of a normally calm dog who began showing signs of anxiety. After a small tornado moved through her neighborhood, she began putting her ears back, hiding, or becoming clingy upon hearing any noise from wind. Previously, wind hadn’t been an issue, but the incident she experienced caused her to become triggered and display anxious behavior. Zuzu’s mom, knowing what was normal for her dog, recognized that she needed help with the anxiety she was experiencing. If you notice unusual behaviors like these in your dog, it’s time for a check-in with your veterinarian. They can eliminate any medical reasons for your dog’s actions and confirm if anxiety is to blame.
But once you know your dog has anxiety, how can you help them?
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How to Treat Anxiety in Dogs
There are many options available to treat your dog’s anxiety. Depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend prescription medication.
For many cases, however, behavioral and environmental adjustments along with natural and safe anxiety supplements for dogs can work wonders.
To start, try to isolate the cause or causes of your dog’s anxiety. For example, does your dog seem anxious during thunderstorms or fireworks displays? Noise anxiety may be to blame.
If you can narrow down the cause, you can take steps to limit or eliminate that anxiety trigger.
You can also make your dog feel more comfortable and safe in his home. Create a “safe space” for your pup by setting up a dog bed with their favorite toys in a quiet corner of your home. Calming shirts are also a great option to comfort your dog.
Last but certainly not least, natural and safe anxiety supplements for dogs provide calming anxiety support for our furry friends.
What Makes an Anxiety Supplement for Dogs Safe?
When we’re talking about any medicine or supplements we give our dogs, safety has to be the first priority.
Anxiety supplements for dogs that are safe mean:
- Responsibly sourced, natural, healthy ingredients
- High standards of purity and consistency
- Quality control in the manufacturing process
- Limited or no side effects (e.g., non-drowsy)
- Effective and easy to use