Like humans, our dear pets can experience anxiety that can affect their behavior. As a pet owner, what can you do to help your pet overcome the stress or anxiety? Consider these three stress management tips for pet owners:
There are many possible reasons why dogs and cats get stressed out. It can be the presence of an unfamiliar object or another animal, loud noises, or an unfamiliar situation. Find out what’s causing your pet to be stressed out or agitated and do something about it. If it’s an object that’s inducing stress, get it out from your pet’s sight. If it’s the surrounding, take your dog or cat to another area where it can feel safer, more calm.
If it’s not possible to remove your dog or change the situation, give it a place to hide like a crate or shelter, and make it as comfortable as possible by providing cushion, toys, or treats.
Don’t add up to your pet’s agitation.
A pet owner’s initial reaction might be to take it into his or her arms to cuddle it and give it assurance. However, such action would only strengthen the fear that your dog or cat feels. It sends out the wrong message that there is a reason to be afraid, and will only encourage panic.
The best way to react when a pet is agitated is to not to show any sign of concern. Just treat your pet as you usually does. Talk to it in a calm voice and praise it if it’s showing good behavior.
Try a natural stress reliever.
If agitation continues and it seems that your pet’s anxiety is getting out of control, herbal products that offer stress relief for pets could help. For instance, certain flower essences have a calming effect for pets, such as dogs and cats. Flower essences are commonly used on pets that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.
For example, giving your pet a small amount before a thunderstorm can help it to calm down. As the pet uses the product, behavioral issues should lessen or completely go away. When the pet fully overcomes anxiety, you can wean it off of the essences. Other pets like birds, horses and hamsters can also benefit from herbal anti-stress products.
It is also good news for people who have just brought home a pet or adopted a pet. Anti-stress products can help pets get adjusted to their new surroundings more quickly. The essences are ideal for dogs and cats who show signs of separation anxiety or depression. People who have several dogs and cats at home can also use herbal essences that promote calmness to avoid fights between pets.
You can check out such products that will help here. However, when considering products for dog anxiety, remember to do your research and make sure that the product is safe for pets.
Typical dog fear stance: ears back, whites of the eyes showing, head lowered and back hunched.
A dog anxiety survey of 2000 dog owners found that approximately 13% of dogs suffer from noise phobias, defined as a persistent, irrational fear response.
Yet of those surveyed, only one third of the respondents whose dogs exhibited symptoms had sought any treatment or professional advice to manage their dog's condition.
Furthermore the Bristol survey found that 50% of owners did not recognize that behaviors they reported in response to loud noises were in fact fear related symptoms.
Here are three effective treatments for reducing canine anxiety caused by fireworks, gunshots and thunderstorms.
Causes of Noise Phobias and Anxiety
Some dogs exhibit fear of loud noises from an early age while others display a sudden or slowly increasing fear of loud noises over time.
Certain breeds, such as the gun dogs, (labs and spaniels) tend to have a higher tolerance for loud noises, while other breeds, such as the border collie, have a high incidence of noise phobia, suggesting there is a genetic component to noise sensitivity.
As dogs age, their sensitivity to noise may increase, and negative experiences such as being outdoors during a severe thunderstorm can create new phobias where one never before existed. Once a phobia has developed, particularly regarding thunderstorms, dogs may associate atmospheric changes with the noise. Changes in barometric pressure, increased static in the air and rain alone can trigger the fear response.
Dog Anxiety Symptoms
Dogs with noise phobias may manifest a variety of dog anxiety symptoms. Symptoms may be obvious, such as panting, pacing, barking, trembling or shaking, seeking human company or hiding under beds, in bathtubs and behind furniture or toileting in the home.
Less obvious anxiety symptoms that are often misread include increased salivation, licking, urinating or defecating indoors, and in some cases destructive behavior including; carpet and upholstered furniture digging and scratching at doors or walls. In severe cases of noise phobia, dogs may become aggressive resulting growling and biting behavior. It is important to realize that these behaviors are born out of real terror; the dogs are not "acting out."
While we can’t control thunderstorms, random gunshots or fireworks, we can take steps to manage our dog’s reaction to the noise stimuli and reduce their anxiety level. These steps can include removing the dog from the stimuli, natural anti-anxiety medications with desensitization therapy and easy massage therapy. Any combination of these approaches can be applied.
#1 Quick Fix: Remove the Dog From The Stimulus
In instances where we can predict the dog will react to a threatening sound, such as Fourth of July fireworks, we can insulate the dog from the sound. Basements without windows are the best area of the house to contain the dog. If the room you select does have windows, close the blinds so he can’t see the bursts of fireworks or lightning which he will have already associated with a corresponding explosion. Turn on music loud enough to drown out the sound of fireworks. Some dogs may have a preference for hiding in a bathroom, which should be respected. The porcelain and tile in these areas may help dissipate static electricity in the air, and help reduce some of the fear stimulus. Crate training can also provide a dog with a safe go-to area. If your dog has been properly crate trained and seeks out his crate as a comfortable rest spot, then the crate should be added to the basement or bathroom for an additional sense of safety.
This is a short term fix; for a long term solution you will need to employ counter conditioning, teaching the dog to be okay with the noises they fear.
#2 Homeopathic Remedy: Melatonin for Dogs with Fear of Thunder and Loud Noises
Melatonin has produced dramatic results for some dogs with fear of thunder. Melatonin is available over the counter; it is a naturally occurring neuro-hormone, with a number of veterinary uses because of its sedative properties.
Melatonin has been shown to help regulate sleep disorders for older dogs, and can help dogs adjust to stressful situations including separation anxiety and noise phobias. Dogs treated with melatonin prior to a thunderstorm remain awake, alert and relaxed. They do not appear to be reactive to thunderstorms at all. Some dogs can actually permanently overcome their noise phobias with treatment on Melatonin. As dogs remain calm while experiencing the stimulus, they can become desensitized to the sounds and atmospheric changes associated with a thunderstorm.
Proper dosage for a 40-50 pound dog is 3 mg (that is the human adult dose). For small dogs under 30 pounds 1.5 mg and for large dogs over 100 pounds up to 6 mg. These doses may be administered 3 times daily as necessary. Flower essences such as Rescue Remedy have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety for nervous show dogs, and can be safely used in conjunction with the melatonin treatment. The most effective, Rescue Remedy, is the form that is added to their drinking water.
Melatonin Pros:
Effective anti-anxiety medication for canine separation anxiety and noise phobias
Antioxidant properties may control free radicals
May help in controlling epileptic seizures
May aid in the treatment of Canine Cushings Disease.
Balances sleep disorders, and allows dogs to sleep through the night
Melatonin Side effects
May affect female reproductive cycle or make her unreceptive to males
Possible drug interactions can occur with medications which the dog is already taking such as sedatives, steroids and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
In rare cases some dogs may become excessively lethargic or increasingly nervous
#3 TTouch Massage and The Thunder Shirt for Anxiety
The Thunder Shirt has been proven to reduce the anxiety of many dogs. Its technology is based on the work of Linda Tellington-Jones and her T Touch Therapy.
The Tellington TTouch is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands on areas all over the dog’s body. The intent of the TTouch is to change the brain waves of the dog by activating “cellular intelligence.” Additionally, endorphins are believed to be released by the massage technique. Awakening cellular intelligence sounds like hocus pocus, but the therapy does work to help adjust behavioral problems and calm cats, dogs and horses.
According to the TTouch website, “Using a combination of specific touches, lifts, and movement exercises, TTouch helps to release tension and increase body awareness. Allowing the animal to be handled without provoking typical fear responses. The animal can then more easily learn new and more appropriate behaviors.”
If nothing else, TTouch builds a better rapport between owner and pet, ultimately increasing trust and building self-confidence in the animal.
TTouch can help in cases of:
Chewing
Excessive Barking
Jumping Up
Leash Pulling
Extreme Fear or Shyness
Aggressive Behavior
Here Linda Tellington-Jones demonstrates the TTouch method. It's simple and looks relaxing. This therapy can be used in counter-conditioning. Teaching the dog the word "settle" or "relax," while employing TTouch therapy on a regular basis, can aid in settling the dog during a thunderstorm. Once the dog knows the command, and has associated it with positive experiences, you may be able to apply the technique during an active storm to calm him. However, you must be careful not to reward nervous and unwanted behavior. If his anxiety levels begin to increase, you should try a different tactic. Rather than rewarding the behavior with massage, you can use a ThunderShirt to apply the principles of the technique without encouraging nervous behavior. Other counter conditioning tactics that may be employed include only allowing him to have a favorite treat or toy just prior to and during a thunderstorm. In time the dog will begin to associate thunderstorms with good things.
The ThunderShirt and Its Replicas
ThunderShirt works by applying gentle pressure to the dog’s body, similar to swaddling an infant. This pressure produces a soothing effect. In fact, the TTouch trainers often use ace bandages wrapped around the dog for an additional calming effect during training sessions.
Some experts believe that ThunderShirt helps the body to naturally release endorphins, and 80% of users report benefits to using ThunderShirt for noise and separation anxiety.
Before using the ThunderShirt, the manufacturer recommends you use the Thundershirt as a placemat for your dog’s food bowl. Introducing the ThunderShirt in conjunction with food should make the dog more comfortable with the new apparel. It can be worn all day while you are at work, and is machine washable.
How to put on the ThunderShirt - Easy as 1,2,3
The ThunderShirt does come with a 45 day guarantee. If the shirt does not produce results, you can return it for your full money back.
ThunderShirts can now be purchased in a variety of fashion colors and patterns. Consider combining them with Melatonin treatments to desensitize your dog to thunderstorms and fireworks.
We all know that music can change our frame of mind and elicit feelings of joy and calmness. But can it work for dogs?
YES! Extensive research has proven that calming music promotes relaxation and subdues anxious behaviors in dogs. It can also be used as a tool to re-condition associations and triggers to anxiety.
A dog's spectrum for music appreciation is different from that of a human. Dogs need simpler sounds. Classical music with slow, soothing, and simple patterns in lower frequencies are perfect. Try a music featuring solo piano, cello, oboe, or English horn. Make sure the composition is simple and requires minimal neurological processing. Pick out some of your own favorite songs. Or try one of the many canine specific collections available on-line or at local pet and music stores.
Follow these steps for introducing sound as calming therapy:
Introduce the music when your dog is calm state of mind.
Create associations with the music that are calming such as a light massage or belly rub.
Begin to use the music and relaxing touch as a reward for a calm state of mind.
Eventually use the music as a lead-in to moments of potential anxiety. For example, turn on the music and help your dog relax before a trip to the vet or on a long car ride.
Your own relaxed state of mind and body during the music therapy sessions are key to it's success. A zen dog needs a zen owner. Kick back, relax, and enjoy some tunes with your favorite pooch by your side. Ahhh.... I'm relaxed just thinking about it.
Just like humans, dogs can also show feelings of aggression towards other dogs and humans. Dogs can become so aggressive as to growl, show fierceness and sometimes, bite. However, there is always a reason behind these feelings of aggression.
It is worth noting that dogs will often show warning signs first before resorting to extreme behavior. Therefore, humans can avoid dangerous situations by learning how to read signals of dog aggression.
But first let’s talk about the possible reasons of aggressive behavior in dogs.
What Causes Dog Aggression?
There are many possible reasons why a dog can become aggressive. Fear and anxiety are common causes of aggression. Boredom may also cause a dog to lose its calmness.
Dogs who feel threatened or feel like their personal space is being invaded can also become agitated. Traumatic circumstances that a dog may have experienced can result to aggression too. This is true especially with dogs who have been abandoned or have been treated cruelly by their former owners.
Then again, a dog in pain can also become aggressive. For instance, a dog may snarl at a human who is trying put on a leash and collar. While other dogs may just yelp or scream in pain, some dogs may be startled with the pain and may growl or even bite, unintentionally. Instead of punishing the dog right away, it is recommended to see a vet and have your dog go through physical examination (x-ray, physical check-up, etc.)
If you think that your dog shows aggressive behavior, don’t make conclusions right away. Instead, evaluate the dog’s background, the environment and the dog’s personality to determine the real cause of the problem.
Warning Signs of Dog Aggression
Unusual breathing.A dog that feels threatened or pressured can change its normal breathing pattern. Watch a calm dog and you’ll see that its breathing is obvious through the movement of its rib cages. If a dog is breathing slowly or is holding his breath, it must be observing movements around him or is giving a warning signal.
Body movement.Rapid movements or a complete absence of movement can both be signs of aggression. If a dog is uneasy or is unmoving, it can suddenly shift its gear and explode.
The expression of the eyes.Anxiety, fear, or stress can be seen from the eyes. If a dog looks away or is staring intently, it must be trying to tell something to avoid any dramatic confrontation.
Tension in the mouth.A dog may show signs of fear, anxiousness or stress when its lips tighten. Other possible warnings signs of anxiety or aggression are changes in the whiskers, clenched toes, and increased tension in both facial and body muscles. The more obvious signs are barking, snarling, and growling.
Using harsh words or inflicting physical pain to correct a dog’s aggressive behavior is discouraged as such treatment can only worsen a dog’s fear and provoke an even more aggressive behavior. The best way to handle the situation is to get yourself away from the scene as calm as possible. Avoid any movement that can trigger or provoke the dog’s feelings. Immediately seek help from a professional dog trainer or a vet to help your dog cope with whatever causes his aggression.
Chewing is a natural dog behavior. However, some dogs chew excessively to the point that it can be annoying and destructive. Dogs chew objects for different reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs chew:
Chewing is common to puppies who are teething. Like human kids, puppies also feel discomfort or pain in their gums as they develop teeth. Thus, dogs gnaw or chew on objects to somehow alleviate their discomfort.
This is supposed to be a temporary stage that all dogs go through. To help a pup get pass this phase more easily, you can give him dog toys that are especially designed for teething. Ice cubes or a frozen wash cloth may also help soothe the discomfort of teething.
Older puppies may also get into the habit of chewing.At this stage, puppies may already have grown teeth which can be very sharp and blunt. Some dog owners may tolerate biting when playing with dogs but this can be very dangerous, especially in puppies, because even a gentle bite can cause a skin puncture or wound. Therefore, dog owners must completely discourage their pets from biting or chewing.
What about excessive chewing? If your dog is past the teething stage and still has the habit of chewing objects or belongings, this could either be a sign of boredom or fear. Dogs that are left alone for long hours may turn to the habit of chewing or even destroying belongings.
The best way to deal with this is to spend time with your pet. Take your dog for walks regularly- either in the morning or in the afternoon- whichever fits your schedule. If you’re at work most of the day and your dog is left alone, put things out of your dog’s reach and replace it with dog toys that he enjoys. When you get home, be sure to give your dog some attention.
A dog who is afraid or who is experiencing anxiety may also chew on things.In this case, you need to know the cause of your dog’s fear or anxiety. Usually, you can help a dog recover from his fear through desensitization process.
Another factor is the dog’s personality. Like people, dogs also have different personalities. Some dogs are more active than others. Some thrive for attention while others are quiet. Thus, a dog may chew on your belongings to attract attention.
Even negative attention such as anger can encourage a dog’s undesirable behavior. In this case, the best thing to do is not to pay attention to your dog when he’s behaving badly.
Pay attention and complement your dog only when he’s behaving well. Eventually, your dog would realize that chewing things would not get him the attention he wants, and would stop.
Dog owners should not tolerate this behavior because not only is it unpleasant and destructive, it can also be dangerous for your dog’s health. A dog may chew and swallow sharp objects that can damage his internal organs. If your dog has an uncontrolled habit of chewing, seek professional advice from a certified vet.
When dogs are not responding to us in their best form, they may be suffering from anxiety or fear on their own. Remember that there is always an underlying cause for a dog’s behavioral problem and it is up to us humans to find out what it is. Whether it is from a traumatic episode in the dog’s life or a genetic issue, there are ways to deal about it correctly.
The most important things to bear in mind are:
Never re-assure your dog if he is afraid. Re-assurance only reinforces fear.
Do not force your dog to get over his fear instantly. It takes time and practice.
Do not punish your dog if he is not behaving well because of his fear.
Do not add to the tension that your dog already feels. Instead, introduce relaxation, calmness, ease.
When desensitizing your dog, never forget to
Give your dog the reward he deserves if he’s done well. Dogs respond best when their deeds are appreciated.
Give lots and lots of pats and praises after every practice.
Work at your dog’s phase.
Practice with your dog every day.
Conduct short training sessions with your dog each day instead of long sessions that are done sporadically.
In some cases, it maybe necessary to give medication exclusively for dogs. These are called canine anxiety reducers. It is absolutely important to seek an expert’s advice on these matters. If trying to desensitize your dog on your own does not give out any progressive result, it is best to see a veterinary or an animal trainer for further advice and assistance.
Ultimately, we do love our pets and we want to care for them as best as we can. The one thing every dog owner must always remember is that dogs with anxiety problems can get well. Through consistent practice, accurate information and support, your dog will surely learn to get over these fears. Don’t give up on your dog just because he’s not one hundred percent worry-free. After all, dogs are family too.
The most important things to bear in mind are: