What Is Dog Anxiety?

Did you know that dogs have an intelligence similar to toddlers?

Although it may sound strange at first, both dogs and three-year-olds can experience symptoms of separation anxiety.

Do you worry about your dog’s happiness? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dog anxiety and how to treat it.

What Is Dog Anxiety?

Dog anxiety has a lot in common with human anxiety. If you suspect you may have a nervous dog, it’s easy to sympathize with their distress since you’ve likely experienced many moments where you felt stressed or scared. Even though you may feel helpless watching your dog become anxious, just like your own anxiety, their feelings will pass soon enough.

What Causes Anxiety?

There are many different causes of dog anxiety. The top three reasons why your dog may exhibit symptoms are loud sounds, your departure, or an abusive past.

Since dogs have heightened hearing abilities, sounds that are loud to us are deafening to them. Thunderstorms and fireworks are two of the main culprits of sound-induced anxiety.

Dogs were bred to be our best friends, so it’s understandable why many breeds have a hard time coping with our departure. Separation anxiety is harder to treat than sound-induced anxiety, but proper training can work wonders for their mental health.

If you adopted a dog who had a sad past, it’s normal for them to develop unhealthy behaviors they used to survive terrible conditions. Whether your dog is afraid of big men, other dogs, small children, or raised voices, having patience is crucial for helping them learn that they don’t have anything to fear anymore.

What Are Dog Anxiety Symptoms?

All dogs can exhibit different symptoms of anxiety, but there are plenty of telltale signs. Howling, shaking, pacing, panting, destructive behavior, hiding, going to the bathroom, lip licking, and stiffness are all common symptoms of dog anxiety. Once you learn these symptoms, it’ll be easier to recognize when your dog needs help to feel better.

How to Calm an Anxious Dog

Learning how to treat your dog’s anxiety will help them enjoy a healthier and longer life. If your dog’s anxiety stems from their environment, removing or reducing their triggers can be a quick fix.

If your dog’s anxiety stems from deeper issues like separation or past traumas, you’ll need to train them to give them healthier coping mechanisms and help them feel safe in their living environment.

CBD oil for dogs is always good to have on hand because you can give it to your pet whenever they start showing symptoms of anxiety. CBD oil is a safe, gentle, and natural treatment that allows dogs to calm down and feel comfortable.

Now You Know How to Help a Dog With Anxiety

Although dog anxiety can break your heart, it’s helpful to know that it’s completely normal. As long as you know how to identify and treat the symptoms, you can help your pup thrive.

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