Stress and Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety in dogs is not uncommon in the canine world. Dogs suffer from anxiety caused by different things - loud noise, strangers, children, being alone... This page focuses on two common types of dog anxiety - noise anxiety and social anxiety. It looks at the causes and treatments for each type of anxiety. Natural remedies such as herbs and homeopathy can be used to safely and effectively calm down a dog with anxiety.

Occasional stress and anxiety in dogs is common and normal - all dogs feel stressed out, anxious, depressed, or nervous from time to time. However, it is a different story if your dog suffers from chronic stress and anxiety. You need to find out if "anxiety" itself is the problem, or if it is as a result of some other deeper underlying physical problem within your dog.

Three Main Types of Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs suffer from different types of stress and anxiety, who will behave differently depending on the cause of the problem.

Three main types of anxiety that dogs experience are social anxiety, noise anxiety, and separation anxiety. This page will focus on social anxiety and noise anxiety. For information on separation anxiety, please visit this page.

Social Anxiety in Dogs

In most cases, social anxiety tends to affect dogs that have not undergone proper socialization as puppies. Thus, this condition is quite common amongst dogs from puppy mills. As these dogs have not been properly socialized back when they were small, they do not know exactly how to behave around other dogs or people. This causes them to feel stressed and anxious.

Due to a lack of "social skills", when these dogs are around other dogs or people, they usually feel uncomfortable and cornered and, therefore, will become aggressive. Thus, aggressive behavior is the main symptom and warning sign of social anxiety.

Treatment

The best way to overcome social anxiety is by desensitization. This involves slowly and gradually exposing the dog to the stimulus or event that triggers its anxiety. For example, to desensitize your dog from feeling anxious around other dogs or people, slowly introduce other canine or human company to your dog, starting with only one other dog or person, and only for a short time. Let your dog get used to the presence of that "other being", and gradually increase the length and the degree of interaction.

In the case of human company, the dog should be allowed to approach the person on its own time and initiative, rather than having the person approach the dog.

Remember - don't rush! Do not introduce more dogs or people until your dog is totally at ease and comfortable with the one you have introduced first. Also, don't forget to reward good behavior, such as when your dog does not bark or exhibit aggressive behavior in the presence of another dog or person.

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Noise Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs suffering from noise anxiety tend to be scared of loud noises such as thunder, firecrackers, fireworks, or even the noise of a running vacuum cleaner. These dogs will usually behave skittishly and may tremble and often try to run and hide whenever a noise that scares them occurs. Other typical behaviors include whining, drooling, and pacing. In more severe cases, however, dogs that have become scared and anxious by loud noises have been known to chew furniture, tear drapes, break windows, and more.

Possible Causes

Dog overly sensitive to noises may be due to a variety of different factors, such as:

Breed and genetic factors - some dogs are more predisposed to experiencing stress and anxiety than others
Result of some kind of traumatic experience

Treatment

First, if you don't know already, find out the source(s) of your dog's anxiety. Observe your dog's behavior and reactions in different situations that may trigger his fear and anxiety. For example, how does he react in a thunderstorm? During fireworks? While the vacuum is running? Identify what kind of noise makes him most anxious and scared.
Then try to use "Desensitization" to help your dog to overcome noise phobia or anxiety. For example, if your dog is afraid of thunder, try playing a recording of thunder at very low levels. Reassure your dog that everything is fine and no harm will go his way. As he relaxes and does not show any signs of anxiety, gradually increase the volume. This technique requires time and patience for it to be effective. Remember to praise and reward him for remaining calm.
Another way is to try to distract your dog during a thunderstorm by playing his favorite game with him. This will take his mind off the noise and can help calm his anxiety as well.
It is also helpful if you try to talk to your dog softly and reassuringly when he is having an "anxiety attack".
Wrapping him up with a towel or blanket helps too as dogs feel more secure when there is "maintained pressure" on their bodies. There is also a commercial product - Thundershirt for Dogs - that was developed based on this theory.

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Natural Remedies for Anxiety in Dogs

Natural remedies such as homeopathy and herbs that have calming effects can help alleviate anxious feelings in dogs. They are effective, and much more safer and milder than tranquilizers! Please visit our page on Dog Anxiety Remedies for more information.

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