Dog Anxiety: How to Spot It, How to Help It and Do We Cause It?
Stress isn’t just a term for humans; it also relates to our dogs. Dogs experience anxiety and stress similar to humans, triggered by various factors like changes in routine, loud noise or separation. It’s crucial for pet owners to recognize the signs of stress in their dogs, which can range from subtle panting or pacing to more overt behaviors like barking or aggression. Understanding the causes and symptoms of canine stress is the first step in providing a supportive and calming environment for our furry friends.
Sometimes stressed behavior in dogs can be misinterpreted as excitement or poor training and can lead to the dog being labeled as ‘bad.’ While it might seem like something the dog will ‘just get over,’ untreated anxiety can turn into destructive behavior, aggression or even depression. Pet owners should look for these common signs of stress in dogs:
Pacing or shaking
Whining or barking
“Whale eyes” (showing the whites of the eye)
Dilated pupils
Hunched or crouched body
Lowered or pulled back ears
Tucked tail
Yawning, drooling and/or licking
Panting
Increased desire to hide
Stress and anxiety in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, including environmental, social factors and unknowingly owners themselves. Each dog will have their own reaction to certain situations, but as a pet owner, these four situations are the more common ways your dog can experience stress or anxiety throughout the day.
Situation #1: Inconsistency in routines, schedules and discipline is one of the most common things owners do that stresses out their dogs. Dogs need clear, consistent rules and boundaries to know what is to be expected of them. They like to know when things are going to happen and how they are supposed to behave. They have internal clocks that let them know when to wake up and go to sleep, when they get fed, when they can expect their daily walk. Any shift or change to these schedules or boundaries can cause them stress over not meeting their normal routine.
Situation #2: Their environment can cause stress on them with loud noises, unfamiliar scents or new people, places or things. Dogs have sensitive hearing so any loud and sudden noises that are unfamiliar can make your dog anxious, especially if the sound is louder and closer to your dog than it is to you (remember, their hearing is way better than ours). Moving can be a huge stressor for some dogs too, as this becomes a big change in their routine with a new environment, surroundings and scents that are unfamiliar to them.
Situation #3: Leaving your dog home alone can also be a stressful experience, especially if they are used to having someone at home all day every day. There are many reasons that owners need to leave their dogs at home, whether it be work, errands throughout the day, going back to work after having a baby or just going on a day trip; but for a dog that is used to having someone at home, this situation can cause them to act out due to their stress level of being left alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which can escalate to destructive behaviors. As owners, we tend to make a big fuss when we leave and come home without thinking that our actions can actually bring on the anxiety and stress for our dogs. This big fuss can help to fuel the anxiety that sets in when we leave.
Situation #4: Boredom and lack of mental engagement can cause dogs to become restless, anxious and even irritable, potentially leading to destructive behaviors or other stress-induced issues. Mental stimulation helps to burn off extra energy, reduces stress levels and promotes a sense of calm.
Knowing how your dog reacts on a regular basis is a great indicator when it comes to looking for signs of stress in your dog. While every dog is different and can exhibit some or all of the signs of stress as stated earlier, you can use these techniques to help curb that anxiety and help your dog get back on a less stressful path.
1. To help reduce the stress in our dogs, one of the best things to do for them is to create a calm and predictable environment. Designate a comfortable and safe place for them to retreat to if things become overwhelming and help to minimize their exposure to loud noises or unfamiliar people.
2. Give them that consistent and predictable routine with regular meal times, walks and playtime to keep them from guessing when something is going to happen.
3. Regular exercise, including daily walks, runs and playtime can help with their mental stimulation to release tension and reduce anxiety. Puzzle toys, training games and interactive activities can also help with that mental and physical stimulation aspect.
4. Offering soothing techniques such as white noise, calming music or massage/physical touch can help to reduce stress on your dog’s body. Calming music and white noise is a great distraction from loud noises and sounds to create a more calm space while massage and physical contact - whether it’s offering cuddles or pets - helps to reduce tension in the muscles, promoting relaxation.
While not every dog becomes stressed or anxious in all situations, any dog, regardless of age, breed or sex, can become stressed. By understanding and addressing the potential causes and implementing techniques to reduce anxiety, owners can significantly improve their dog's well-being and create a happier, healthier life for their furry companions. Remember, every dog is unique, and consistent, loving care tailored to their individual needs is key to managing stress effectively.
Daily walks outside with fresh air are just what your dog needs with the warmer weather upon us. Giving them that mental and physical stimulation of being active outside while exploring with their nose helps to curb those anxious and stressful feelings while you’re away. Going Mutts Pet Services wants to give you that peace of mind with daily dog walks, check-ins and extra playtime with your favorite furry companion while you’re away from the house. Contact us today to see how we can help customize a plan that makes everyone want to wag their tail in excitement!
Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/06/06/729328198/you-may-be-stressing-out-your-dog
https://www.joiipetcare.com/health-conditions/dog/stress/
