February 20, 2023
How to Help Your Pet with Anxiety
How to Help Your Pet with Anxiety.
Pet anxiety can be caused by a number of triggers, which include travelling, moving house, a guest, a new addition to the family, or a visit to the vet. Thankfully, if you notice signs of anxiety in your pet, there are multiple ways in which you can help.
While there are many commonalities, the anxiety of different types of pets can manifest differently, so you should consult a veterinarian to find out what course of action is best for your precise pet type.
If you have a dog or cat and you believe he or she is showing signs of anxiety, the following advice will be beneficial.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
In order to help your dog’s anxiety issues, you need to first watch out for signs. Behaviour and signs of anxiety in dogs include:
- Excessive barking.
- Trembling.
- Hiding.
- Pinned back ears.
- Tail between the legs.
- Paw raises.
- Lip licking.
- Yawning.
- Aggression.
- Loss of appetite.
Dogs can also have full-blown panic attacks. Symptoms of panic attacks include restlessness, shaking, and trouble breathing. Also, dogs can experience separation anxiety, which means they may not display signs of anxiety in your presence.
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Cats aren’t quite as easy to read as dogs, but if you notice any of the following signs and behaviours, it could indicate that your cat has an anxiety problem:
- Running away.
- Hiding.
- Aggression.
- Flattened ears.
- Licking nose.
- Freezing.
- Shaking.
- Inappropriate toileting.
- Excessive meowing.
- A change in appetite.
Cats can have panic attacks. Hiding, freezing, or fleeing can be an indication that your cat is experiencing a panic attack. And cats can experience separation anxiety, which means they might follow your every movement and crave continual love and affection.
Non-prescription Remedies for Anxious Pets
There are various ways in which you can help your pet with his or her anxiety.
For instance, Vetalogica hemp clinical calming treats, which contain a unique formula, are specifically designed to calm dogs and cats. They are also a tasty chewable grain-free treat that your pet will actually enjoy plus they are Australian made and owned.
Another hemp-based product you might like to give your dog is CBD oil. For instance, Honest Paws CBD oil is an organic non-intoxicating product that can help to relax your dog within one hour. The oil can also support your dog’s immune system and relieve joint stiffness. So, compare Honest Paws’ products with others to see if they would be the best solution for your pet’s anxiety.
LickiMat is designed to reduce anxiety and promote calm behavior in your pet by encouraging licking action and stimulating your pet’s tongue. It’s said to calm and soothe your pet as they enjoy their favourite treat by helping release endorphins through the promotion of licking.
Ways to Help Your Dog’s Anxiety
There are other ways to help your pet with his or her stress in addition to using remedies. For dogs, you can:
- Minimise exposure to situations that cause stress, such as storms and fireworks.
- Teach your dog counter-conditioning or desensitisation, which involves attempting to get your dog to perform positive actions during stressful scenarios in order to redirect his or her attention.
- Build confidence and trust in your dog gradually.
Ways to Help Your Cat’s Anxiety
If your cat is struggling with anxiety issues, you can try the following things:
- Provide your cat with several hide holes in your home to help maintain a consistently calm environment.
- Use distraction tactics, which can be especially helpful if your cat suffers from separation anxiety, such as keeping your kitty distracted with puzzle feeders and interesting toys.
- Try pheromone therapy, which involves using plug-ins, sprays, and diffusers to release pheromones that cause a calming effect.
Consult a Veterinarian
As mentioned in the introduction, you should consult a veterinarian to find out what the best course of action is for your type of pet. Different breeds of dogs and cats can have differing anxiety issues.
And, while many pets can be helped in the way that you would go about helping cats and dogs to reduce their anxiety levels, the tactics used for cats and dogs won’t always be the best solutions for other pets, such as rabbits.
Furthermore, it’s possible that your pet’s behaviour is due to a more serious problem than anxiety.
So, it’s always worth speaking to a veterinarian to get expert advice.