Pet anxiety is common in cats and dogs. There are estimations that up to 75% of dogs and 20-25% of cats have experienced anxiety during some point in their lives. Anxiety can be short term that results from a brief emotional experience or from previous emotional experiences that could last long term.
Anxiety in cats and dogs can be the result of environmental experiences including loud noises, moving to a new home, separation from their trusted Guardian (separation anxiety), car rides (travel anxiety), or lack of socialization with people and other pets.
Pets that have been in abusive situations are particularly prone to anxiety.
What are the Signs in Dogs?
- Inappropriate urination
- Destructive behavior
- Incessant barking
- Pacing
- Restlessness
- Drooling
- Licking
- Yawning
- Panting
What are the Signs in Cats?
- Dilated pupils
- Fast breathing
- Tail tucked under the body
- Aggressive
- Inappropriate urination
- Hiding
- Scratching walls, furniture, etc.
- Running away from humans or,
- Remain frozen in place
Some More Thoughts on the Causes of Anxiety in Cats and Dogs
It seems that animals adopted from shelters or rescues commonly tend to have anxiety issues. This is likely due to their past experiences. Also, some purebred dogs seem more prone to anxiety issues.
- Italian Water Dogs and Wheaten Terriers tend to be bothered by loud noises.
- Dogs bred for protection like Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherd, and Malinois, can be stressed by change in their lives.
- Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs can have high levels of fear.
- Active breeds that do not get enough exercise can suffer from boredom, which can produce anxiety.
- Senior cats and dogs that suffer from age related issues like vision loss, cognitive dysfunction, and medical issues like heart and kidney disease, infection, and pain associated with arthritis can all cause anxiety.
What to Do if Your Pet Has Anxiety?
It is important to determine the cause of the anxiety to help control or hopefully resolve the anxiety.
- A physical examination is important to help determine if the anxiety is age related.
- Veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and certified trainers are good resources for difficult situations that often require desensitization and counterconditioning to overcome the anxiety.
- Anxiety issues like aggression can be difficult and may require medication under a vet’s supervision.
- Plug in pheromone diffusers are very effective to calm dogs and cats when they are at home.
- Activity and exercise are important to all pets to remain healthy pets.
- Mental stimulation by way of games, playing fetch, swimming and any other physical activity will help with anxiety and will support a healthy pet.
- Provide a safe, quiet place that your pet can go to like a crate provides security when the pet is anxious.
- Try to redirect or distract your pet when your pet is anxious.
- Therapies like massage and acupuncture can help to relieve anxiety.
Pet Nutrition
- Feeding your pet a high animal protein diet goes a long way to support your pet’s health.
- Herbal calmers and daily calming supplements can really help in calming your pet to provide a calmer state of being.
