Classifications

While every pet is an individual with unique fears or worries, experts agree that pet anxiety typically falls into one of three categories:

  • Noise anxiety – Hypersensitivity to loud or jarring noises, such as thunder, fireworks, car alarms, sirens, gunshots, machinery, or trucks
  • Social anxiety – Commonly affecting pets that didn’t experience positive socialization at an early age, social anxiety manifests as timidity or aggression around other people and pets
  • Separation anxiety – Being left alone, especially for too long or too often, goes against your dog’s pack mentality (and cat’s sensibilities) and causes him or her to react adversely.

Tell-Tale Signs

Depending on the type of anxiety plaguing your pet you may see any number of the following symptoms:

  • Excessive barking
  • Pacing
  • Trembling
  • Extreme shyness
  • Inappropriate defecation or urination in the house
  • Panting without physical exertion
  • Repetitive grooming and licking
  • Clinginess
  • Escape attempts
  • Aggression
  • Destructive behavior

That Time of Year

If your pet is fine around crowds and doesn’t freak out when left alone, chances are he or she has noise anxiety. This is made obvious during a thunderstorm or fireworks display, and it’s not uncommon to feel helpless.

The best thing you can do for your stressed pet is to remain as calm as possible. Remaining in control of the situation will help toward easing your pet’s fears.

Playing Helps!

While noise and social anxiety can affect all pets, some breeds are predisposed to separation anxiety. Obedience training can instill confidence and security in an anxious pet. Likewise, playing with your pet before you leave can help him or her reach a place of relaxation and acceptance. Physical activity also helps wear your pet out, which can allow him or her to rest easy, instead of worry.

Pet Anxiety Safety Tips

If your pet tends to hide or bolt when scared or anxious, it’s imperative that his or her identification tags are current, and update any microchip information. This way he or she can be returned to you when found or picked up. If you take your pet on vacation with you, make a new tag that shows your temporary address, or a secondary phone number, especially if your cell is out of service.

Similarly, don’t leave your pet unattended or outdoors if you anticipate a thunderstorm or any loud noises, like the garbage truck. Sometimes, leaving on the television or radio can help your pet relax indoors on his or her own bed or crate.

The Routine

Your pet relies on the predictability of a daily routine, and sticking to exact meal times and consistent exercise routines will help both of you cope with pet anxiety. This allows your pet to feel more confident and secure, and stress and anxiety may quickly subside.

What Else?

Sometimes, pet anxiety can consume an otherwise healthy dynamic at home. After various troubleshooting attempts, we may decide on certain medication to curb some of your pet’s symptoms, allowing him or her to have a more peaceful, relaxed existence.

Pet anxiety is nothing to trifle with. Please let us know if your pet may be suffering. We are always here to help!