Anxiety in Dogs mainly develops as a result of fear or dislike about certain things. The dogs sometimes get scared of being isolated which results in undesirable behavior in them. The dogs suffer from anxiety, which may lead to even panic attacks. The separation anxiety and other forms of stress show undesirable behavior in dogs. The anxiety in dogs may occur due to several reasons which include, fear of thunderstorms or strangers, aversion to people of a certain age, gender or race. The anxiety in dogs also results from aggression of dog toward other dogs or even, toward humans.
Dogs are social animals and the puppies show natural attachments to their mothers. But when a puppy is isolated from its mother, it stars showing attachment with its owner. As a result a strong bond between the owner and the puppy is formed. But at the same time when the dog becomes too much dependent on its owner, it starts feeling insecure when left alone. The feeling of insecurity results in anxiety in dogs. The symptoms of anxiety in dogs are seen in the behavioral disorders in dogs.
The symptoms of anxiety in dogs are seen in excessive barking and whining, destructive behavior, defecation and urination in inappropriate locations, depression, and hyperactivity. The most common form of anxiety in dogs, the separation anxiety results from an abnormal tendency to depend. This occurs due to many reasons like, deprivation of attachment early in life, early separation of the puppy from its mother, a sudden change of environment etc. The dogs suffering from separation anxiety shows some certain symptoms like, becoming anxious at the time of the departure of the owner, following the owner from room to room, whimpering, shaking or even becoming aggressive as the owner tries to depart. The dogs having separation anxiety starts scratching and digging at doors and windows to follow their owner and sometimes chew the household objects. Some dogs become depressed and leaves eating or drinking when the owner is away. Too much separation anxiety symptoms are, diarrhea, vomit etc.
The doge which suffer from anxiety problems get over excited when the owner comes back home and engage in an unusually prolonged greeting.
To treat the dogs suffering from anxiety punishment crate training, and obedience training can be given. Punishment crate training is however is not recommended as an acceptable method of treating separation anxiety. Before treating the problem one has to be sure of the real reason behind the problem. The most favorable form of treatment for separation anxiety is planned departure. In this the dog is made to be accustomed to many short departures. The dog is left alone for a very short interval in the initial stage as stress response occurs very shortly after the departure of the owner. It has to keep in mind that the owner returns before the onset of the anxiety and the once the owner is sure that the dog is not stressed he or she can increase the departure period. Anti-anxiety medications are used in certain cases to treat the dogs suffering from anxiety.
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
|
