Do You Have an Anxious Dog?

Do You Have an Anxious Dog?

Not everyone experiences having an anxious dog. Some people live their whole lives with multiple dogs that don’t suffer from it. But what about those that do? It is heartbreaking to witness your little pooch go through fits of anxiousness like trembling, whining, clinginess, drooling, hiding or panting. Dogs can’t tell us what is bothering them and it is hard to know because they don’t get anxious for the same reasons as we do. But there are some things you can do to help them and some things you shouldn't do.

They Need a Nurturing Hand

Dogs suffer from several types of anxiety, with the most common being separation anxiety. Other types of stress can include confinement, fear of confined spaces; noise, fear of thunder, fireworks, or gunshots; and travel, a fear of being in a vehicle. Dogs can even suffer from canine post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s not uncommon for dogs to experience more than one of these anxieties. Luckily there are things you can do to help your pet through their fear, but first, let's go over a few things not to do.
First things first, don’t punish your dog. It’s not their fault that they are behaving nervously, punishment will only make things worse. Types of punishments to avoid are yelling, hitting, putting them in their crate. This can make things worse and set you back from what you are trying to accomplish. Don’t use bark collars. Even though it will stop the barking, it won’t stop the panic they are feeling. Dogs are pack animals and love being a part of one. So thinking that they will let go of their separation anxiety by you spending less time with them won’t work. They won’t just get used to being alone like you think.
Now here are a few things you can do to help your pet feel better. After you figure out what is triggering your dog's anxiety, the best thing to do is remove it. Maybe try to work from home if your dog suffers from separation anxiety. After they are calm, you can start on a program to help reduce your dog’s anxiety. Also, if your pet is scared of thunder, fireworks, or any loud noises, the best thing to do is either get your pet away from the situation or find a place to put them to help reduce the sound.
Another thing you can try are gadgets that can help ease your pet’s anxiety. Thunder Shirt is a product that helps reduce anxiety; it mimics swaddling. It can be used on dogs and cats, and it can also help with car travel, air travel, and vet visits.
It is always a good idea to consult with a professional so that you have the right support system. These professionals may have other helpful tips and medications your dog can take to help them get through this rough time.

Taxi My Pet Can Help

We do what we can to help our pets through their anxieties. One way that can help is by taking your dog to a doggie playdate or boarding facility. But if you don’t have the time or a way to get them there you can call on Taxi My Pet to get them there safely. Call on us to help you get your pets to see the vet, groomer, or playdate. We will even pick them up and take them back home or to your place of work. Call 325-386-7600 or visit www.taximypet.com to book a ride.

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