Seeing your furry friend in any form of pain or distress can be extremely hard. Anxiety especially can be a hard thing to overcome for not only people, but dogs too. May 2-8 is Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. A variety of situations can cause stress in dogs, such as separation, strangers in a home, loud noises like fireworks or construction or being in a new place. Here are some signs of anxiety in dogs and some tips on how we can help them.
Signs of anxiety in dogs:
- Shedding
- Licking/excessive grooming
- Hiding
- Lack of appetite
- Body language like cowering/shivering/tail between legs/flattened ears
- Barking/whining
- Yawning
How can we help our dogs overcome their stress and get back to feeling better?
Exercise can be a huge help! Just like people, exercising can help release stress and build up that confidence again. Getting fresh air and a good walk can help reset your dog’s mind and get back to normal.
Chewing on something like a rawhide or toy can give your pet a release!
Mental stimulation is always a good go to for stress release. Getting their mind off of what’s bothering them and having them focus on another task can be very beneficial.
A safe space is always a good idea too! Somewhere like a crate if that’s where they feel comfortable or a bed in a darker, smaller space can help them. Whatever your pooch feels the most comfortable with!
