May 2-8 is Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. Not only dogs, but all pets can suffer from anxiety and it is important to pay attention because they can’t tell us with words, only actions. Since they can’t help themselves, here’s Dr. Frione’s advice on the best products and solutions we can use to help our pets with their anxiety.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PET HAS ANXIETY
- Upset stomach or having more frequent accidents
- Destroying things around the house
- Not eating
- Whining or barking
- Chewing and licking a hot spot constantly and possibly causing bleeding
SEPARATION ANXIETY
One cause for your pet’s high stress behavior could be separation anxiety. For example, your pet could be experiencing separation anxiety if you were working from home and are now suddenly going back into the office every day. Fortunately, there are ways to help your pet cope.
- When you leave, turn the TV or radio on.
- Make sure your pet has a comfy bed and toys for entertainment.
- Invest in an automatic feeder or treat dispenser.
- Check out apps or technology that allows you to watch, talk to and give treats to your pet in real-time from afar.
- Take your dog for long walks in the morning before work to tire them out for the day.
- Go home for your lunch break and spend it with your pet.
- Hire a dog walker to visit during work hours.
- Bring your pet to somewhere with day boarding where they can feed, walk and take care of your pet while you’re gone.
ANXIETY SUPPLEMENTS
Just like us, pets can benefit from high-quality supplements added to their diet. Not all supplements are made alike, some are of better quality than others. Supplementation can be added to your pet‘s diet at any stage of life.
Supplements may work for anxiety conditions if given together with behavioral modification training. L-theanine and L-tryptophan are both amino acids that help reduce the stress response and promote relaxation. A supplement with those amino acids along with a well-balanced diet will help anxiety conditions. Each pet is different and responds at different levels of stress to different stressors.
Pick a supplement that is backed by scientific research and good consumer reviews. Consult with your veterinarian to find out what the best medication and/or supplement is for your baby. Pick a way to administer it that best fits you and your pet’s lifestyle. If it is easier to give your pet a treat every morning, then find a supplement in the form of a treat. If your pet does not like treats, then maybe a powder or liquid form is best for you and your pet.
Your pet’s lifestyle, age, weight, and any illnesses or diseases are important when considering adding a supplement to your pet‘s diet. Your pet‘s veterinarian will help guide you to the best supplements specifically for your pet‘s needs.
CALMING DOG BEDS
A calming bed can be useful for pets with very mild separation anxiety that show minimal signs intermittently. But a calming dog bed isn’t a one-stop solution to get rid of anxiety in our canine companions, they are best used with behavioral modification training and/or medication. Canine anxiety, unfortunately, does not have one easy fix., It is complex and takes time, patience, and consistency to help your fur-baby overcome it.
If your pet is experiencing anxiety, always consult your veterinarian first to find out what products or solutions will work best for your pet. Contact us at Lakeside Animal Hospital for more information or to make an appointment.
