How to deal with nervous and anxious behavior in pets

 Anxiety in Pets

Pets can suffer from anxiety in one form or another.  They can have separation anxiety or become depressed and stressed because of loneliness. There are solutions to this type of behavior.  I am not a dog behaviorist like Cesar Millan but I do have some experience working with anxious pets.

I worked in a pet salon for a number of years and witnessed a lot of different forms of anxiety in pets.  Separation anxiety occurred frequently because they were dropped off by their owners in an unfamiliar environment. 

Some dogs were easy going about it, some dogs loved it, and others were pretty frightened by the whole ordeal.  Sometimes they would become frightened enough that I would offer an express service. This ensured the dog would wait in a kennel at all.  

      

Tending to a dog or animal with separation anxiety can be as simple as giving them reassuring toys, blankets, or comfort items while you are away.  Other forms of anxiety can be difficult to deal with.  

Separation anxiety can be a real problem among pets and can create destructive habits.  This article is aimed to provide you with ways you can help your pet when they become anxious.  

Pets can become anxious during a storm or when you leave.  They can become anxious around strangers or when they hear strange noises.

       

Dogs can vocalize their anxiety or feelings

       

Solutions to anxiousness in pets

       Separation anxiety happens when you leave your pet and they become uncertain and become overwhelmed.  They can bark, scratch, and sometimes chew themselves so hard they bleed.  They can rip up cushions, destroy furniture, or wet the floors.  

 If your pet barks excessively while you are away you could get an ultrasonic frequency emitter.  They emit a loud noise that only your pet can hear when they bark.  This deters further barking.  In my experience, the bark egg actually did work for my dog. 

If the anxiety of your pet is severe there are medications available from your veterinarian that will definitely make a huge impact on your pet's nerves.  Sometimes it just takes a push to develop healthier feelings while you work toward better behavior.  

There are some ways to calm a pet during these times.  Sometimes they can be put in a dog crate or put in a kennel and this will allow them to feel more secure.  This can also prevent destructive behaviors. 

Be sure to get the appropriate kennel size for your pet so they have space to move around. Otherwise, they may become more anxious.

There may be underlying health issues that are causing your pet's anxiety.  Perhaps, a vet could address those issues. 

Talk to your vet about available options

There are pheromone products that release a scent into the air.  These are designed to relax your pet and allow them a sense of calm.  They are available in room sprays, collars, and scented oils that are much like glade or air wick and plug in the wall. 

There are also holistic approaches to calming nerves that can be found online or at pet stores.  They can be given in the dog's water, as a treat, or in pill form.  There are various different products varying in their effectiveness.

It may take time for healthier habits to become established and then your pet may be able to be taken off the medicine. This can create a lot of balance and happiness in a household.

Comfort during a storm

-Conclusion-

Sometimes anxiety can stem from how often they are left alone.  This can affect their well-being.  These are just a few tips.  If you have questions please let me know in the comments or send an email.

Some of the tools available are- Supplements, thunder shirts, anxiety prescriptions from a vet, calm collars, pheromone plugins, pheromone sprays, extra walks, and crate or kennel training. Thundereas products have higher reviews.

I hope this article helps you! 

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