Cats and dogs suffer from anxiety or phobia due to past trauma or even on account of their breed. The problem is much more widespread than you think. However, pet owners do not recognize the symptoms right away, or they mistake it for something else. As a result, the problem continues unabated.
According to PetMD, most toy breeds are prone to anxiety. But German shepherds, labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels, greyhounds, and border collies also tend to suffer some form of behavioral problems.
Symptoms of Anxiety for Dogs and/or Cats
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior revealed that the most common problems faced by pets include sensitivity to noise, separation anxiety, and general nervousness.
Based on the survey by the researchers, almost 4 in 10 pet owners they surveyed revealed that their dogs are noise sensitive (thunder, motor engines, loud banging, etc.). Meanwhile, about 17 percent suffer from separation anxiety.
However, the symptoms may manifest themselves in different forms. For instance, not many people are aware that wagging the tail can also be a sign of anxiety. Also, licking and yawning are two other common red flags that something is stressing out your pet.
But everybody associates tail wagging with happiness. So, how can you possibly think that your dog is already exhibiting anxious behavior?
Other symptoms of Anxiety for Dogs and Cats include:
- Stops using the litter box/poops anywhere
- Aggression
- Hiding or shying away from contact
- Constant meowing or barking
- Scratching
- Destroying furniture
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Whimpering after a loud noise
But you should make a distinction between being sensitive to noise or developing a phobia. For example, cats, by nature, can amplify a sound much more than a human can. They can hear a bug rustling from more than 20 feet away.
Dogs, meanwhile, can still hear a sound from 1,300 feet away. So, do not be surprised that they panic whenever there are fireworks. The best you can do is to soothe their fears away and make sure they are calm.
How dogs and cats respond to stimuli may depend on the circumstances and their personalities. With fireworks or firecrackers, for example, they may choose to display aggression or to run away (fight or flight). They can also freeze on their tracks or run around. Of course, when they are in a safe environment, and with their favorite people around, they can learn how to control their responses to the stimuli.
Available treatments
Anxiety for Dogs and/or Cats can also be symptomatic of a hidden illness. Make sure you bring them to a vet for a complete physical checkup to dismiss other possible causes.
Now, if only they could voice out the sources of their anxiety, then it would make your job a lot easier. With that said, you can help your pets keep their calm in stressful moments. You can do this through positive reinforcement, training, and assurance that they are safe with you.
But some supplements will help them relax. Using various herbs, minerals, essential oils, as well as hemp seed or oil, these products will help relieve tension, anxiety, and even motion sickness. They are also safe for everyday use because of the natural ingredients.
You never have to worry anymore about returning home to destroyed furniture when you leave your pets for work. You can leave your furry friends behind, knowing full well that they would be mentally okay when you come back.
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