What breeds are prone to anxiety?
Dog anxiety is not unique to any particular breed, but there may be some breeds that are more prone to it. “Any dog can develop anxiety,” says Dr. Burch, who adds that dogs who are highly active, and/or “working dogs that do not have a job” may be particularly prone to developing anxiety. Examples of breeds that could fit into these categories include:
Dogs of any breed can experience anxiety. As Bernal points out, “A study conducted in Finland analyzing 264 breeds found that pet parents thought more than 70% displayed some form of anxiety.” With anxiety being such a common issue for dogs, a multifaceted approach to treat it may be best.
Dogs can’t tell their owners in words if they are feeling stressed and anxious, but there are some signs to watch for in the form of troubling or even aggressive behaviors. According to Michelle Burch, DVM, from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, some of these behaviors may include:
These behaviors are normal under some circumstances, but can be clues as to how a dog is feeling. “Signs of anxiety can range depending on the severity from mild to severe,” Dr. Burch says. “Anxiety and fear can also change depending on the situation.”
You may be wondering, “What can I give my dog for anxiety?” First, it’s a good idea to consider what changes can be made to help your dog at home, says Dr. Burch.
“The first thing I recommend is using pheromone diffusers and collars,” Dr. Burch says. “The pheromones used are synthetic hormones that mimic the ones produced by mother dogs to calm their young. Having this pheromone available for your dog to smell and stimulate the olfactory system can reduce anxiety.” You can buy D.A.P. (dog appeasing pheromone) over-the-counter at your local pet store. It’s frequently sold under the brand name Comfort Zone, Adaptil, or Thunder Ease. Most diffusers are plugged into the wall for a set amount of time and collars should be worn by the dog continuously. Sprays are also available for short term or more specific situations like traveling. Follow the instructions on the package, and consult with your vet for more details.
Another natural remedy to consider for dog anxiety involves compression products such as a compression shirt or jacket, sometimes called a thunder vest. It’s a technique that is used for people who feel anxious, too. “Similar to swaddling a baby or using a weighted blanket, a compression shirt will apply gentle and constant pressure to your dog’s torso,” Dr. Burch says. “The gentle pressure releases the calming hormone oxytocin and endorphins.”
Dog owners should work to identify any anxiety triggers, or sources of stress for your pet. “If you notice any triggers that you can easily avoid or limit, like a loud television or vacuum cleaner, take that step,” Bernal says. “Your dog is relying on you to create a safe environment with as few stressors as possible!”
In addition to removing stressful triggers, Bernal also recommends softly petting your pup when they are stressed, or distracting them with a treat or dental chew. Redirecting their attention to a simple task they can succeed in can help keep them from panicking. Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward good behavior!
Another tip from Bernal involves creating a safe space for your pet such as a small room located far from the main entrance of a space and filling it with comforting items like a familiar toy and of course, plenty of food, water, and treats. “This space will serve as a place to retreat when anxiety starts to take over,” she explains. Offer your pet treats in this area or store his favorite toys here when there’s no stressful activity happening to help build a positive association with the space.
You may also want to play some calming music for your pet. “I have dogs respond well to classical music being played, especially when left at home alone,” Dr. Burch says. “Certain songs are scientifically proven to decrease anxiety in your dog and create a calming environment.”
Lastly, it’s important to consider the role that boredom can play in leading a pet to feel anxious. “Ensure your dog is getting adequate exercise needs or has a job to complete,” recommends Dr. Burch. “Dogs should be exercised daily for at least an hour of cardio.Without regular exercise, stress can manifest as tension—which leads to health problems like chronic pain and digestive issues,” explains Dr Burch. She also recommends adding enrichment into your environment with puzzle toys, Snufflemats, lures, and other novel toys to help keep your dog engaged even while you are away.
If you’ve tried all you can at home to help your anxious dogs but are concerned that they may need more help, it’s important to contact a veterinarian. “Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination to rule out any painful area that can lead to anxiety. Additionally, they may recommend baseline blood work to rule out any metabolic or organ disease leading to the symptoms,” Dr. Burch says. Based on these results, a veterinarian may then recommend some natural supplements or medication.
Before turning to dog anxiety medication, there are some natural supplements your veterinarian may recommend. “Multiple products are available on the market to help reduce our pets’ anxiety for both situational events and long-term needs,” says Dr. Burch. She recommends looking for products containing:
Dr. Burch says it may take up to six weeks to see the full effects of these supplements.
8 Dog Anxiety Medications to Give Your Dog Relief
Credit: Courtesy of Chewy
FIRST: THE INITIAL VETERINARY EXAM
The first thing you’re going to do is see your veterinarian for an exam. Some anxious behaviors turn out to be secondary to pain or illness. Correcting these underlying issues may resolve the whole problem of anxiety in your dog.
Once underlying physical conditions have been ruled out or corrected, your veterinarian will suggest a behavior-modification plan, which may include exercises to do at home, anti-anxiety medications, and/or referral to a veterinary behavior specialist, depending on the complexity of the case.
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Dr. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science (Maj. Vet tech) from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2006. After graduation, she moved to the other side of her beautiful, sunny country, to the most isolated city in the world (Perth, Australia), to begin her veterinary degree at Murdoch University. 5 years later, she received a dual degree in Veterinary Biology and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
After all this schooling, Dr. Stephanie packed her things, her beloved Labrador & fluffy cat, and made the big move to the USA. She lives and practices at a clinic in the “big apple.”
A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1.