| Kelsie Shields

Symptoms and Causes of Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety. It is that sweaty-palm--self-doubt--shaky-feeling you get right before a big job interview or a semester final, and it is a natural emotion when within reason.

While you may be able to identify and overcome your own stress behavior, did you know your dog can also be showing you signs of anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to certain stimuli, but when it occurs in unreasonable situations or in excess it can be detrimental to both the canine's and human's health. Our company's first product, Bedtime Bones®, was directly created as a natural calming solution to a pup's nighttime anxieties.

Many pet owners may wonder why their pet 'acts out' in certain situations or occasionally becomes uneasy, and these initial questions are often what leads to more inquiry about anxiety in dogs.

It is important to pinpoint the emotion because excessive anxiety can lead to  disorders and the unhealthy symptoms that come with it. The emotion manifests itself in many different ways in dogs, but awareness of common anxiety behaviors can help pet owners understand when an issue may exist and how to deal with it--making for a happy, healthier pet. And we all know that means a happier, healthier pet parent, too.

Symptoms

There are four major signs of anxiety in dogs. These behaviors can help pinpoint the initial diagnosis of a problem.

Escaping or Aggression
Some dogs dislike being near others when scared and may avoid being near humans or other animals when fearful. Alternatively, a stressed dog may suddenly become aggressive with growling or snapping at even their most trusted human.[i]
Excessive Licking, Chewing, or Barking
Licking is a calming action for dogs, but when it occurs unnecessarily and repetitively it is a sign of anxiety among animals; this can extend into chewing of feet or legs. Chewing and destruction of objects around your home is also a common behavior of an anxious dog.
Excessive barking and vocalization is also a sign of anxiety. This is most often seen in dogs with separation anxiety where howling and barking when left alone is a common problem.[ii]
Body Language        
Many dogs exhibit specific body language when under stress. Such behaviors like excessive panting, shaking[iii] pacing or restlessness,[iv] tail tucking, and whites of eyes showing[v] may come in any number of combinations and are good indicators that your dog is distressed.
Unwanted Urination or Defecation
Much to the dismay of pet owners, even a well trained pet may urinate or defecate in their home when extremely anxious. Stressed animals can exhibit other sympathetic autonomic nervous system problems such as diarrhea and other digestive system maladies.[vi] 

Causes

Once you have noticed anxious behavior it is time to look for causes. Depending on what has stimulated the anxiety, the cause may be difficult to find. However, there are several common origins of anxious behavior.

Separation
The majority of dog owners have heard of the phrase separation anxiety. Leaving a pet alone can be a stressful situation for both a pet and their owner, and it is believed that 14 percent of dogs are affected by separation anxiety, making it the most common cause of anxiety in dogs.[vii]  Separation anxiety can also be triggered by your bedtime routine as your dog understands that this means a lack of attention for them.
Abrupt Changes
Loud noises like thunder and fireworks are also classic causes of anxiety in dogs. Changes from the usual such as travel and changes to their schedule can also put stress on your pet.[viii]
Past Experiences
Past trauma can cause a dog to develop a phobia or fear of specific events. This is most often seen in shelter dogs that have had a past of abuse or isolation. Puppies that have also experienced isolation in their early development may develop anxious behavior and separation anxiety.[ix]
Aging or Illness
Loss of eyesight or hearing that can come with age may lead to anxious behavior.  Aging may also bring about Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) which is similar to dementia in humans.[x] CDS can cause confusion and anxiety in aging dogs.[xi]
There are illnesses that can also cause anxiety in once calm dogs. Encephalitis, Pre-diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis are several diseases that have been linked to anxious behaviors in pets.  Exposure to toxins can also cause anxiety, and lead poisoning has been seen to do so in certain instances.[xii]  But, before the alarm bells start ringing, know that these diseases often come with other symptoms so please consult your veterinarian.

 

Next Steps

If you observe situational anxiety in your dog, try calming rituals and exercise with your dog.  Training, exercise and, dare we say it, calming remedies like our products, are a good start to aid general nervous energy and situational anxiety like those mentioned above.  If you suspect other issues speak to your veterinarian to rule out causative illnesses and find the best treatment. 

Sources:

[i] Carey, G., Hamilton, K., Burgess, J. E., & Kat. (2012, November 21). How to Know if Your Dog Has Anxiety. Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-to-know-if-your-dog-has-anxiety/702

[ii] Ibid

[iii] Ibid

[iv] Kriss, R. (2019, May 14). Dog Anxiety: What dog Owners Need to Know. Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/

[v] PetMD, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anxiety

[vi] Carey, G., Hamilton, K., Burgess, J. E., & Kat. (2012, November 21). How to Know if Your Dog Has Anxiety. Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-to-know-if-your-dog-has-anxiety/702

[vii] Kriss, R. (2019, May 14). Dog Anxiety: What dog Owners Need to Know. Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/

[viii] Carey, G., & O'Donnell, S. (2012, November 21). What Causes Anxiety in Dogs? Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petcarerx.com/article/what-causes-anxiety-in-dogs/701

[ix] PetMD, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anxiety

[x] PetMD, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_cognitive_dysfunction_syndrome

[xi] Kriss, R. (2019, May 14). Dog Anxiety: What dog Owners Need to Know. Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/

[xii] PetMD, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2019, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_cognitive_dysfunction_syndrome