Reasons Your Dog Might Be Experiencing Anxiety and How You Can Help

When you first introduce your four-legged friend to your family and move them into your home, it can be difficult to guess whether they will settle in the ideal way you want them to. This article hopes to enlighten you on any possible signs of distress in your puppy and how you can help to alleviate them. From subtle panting to more overt aggressive behavior, anxiety can be demonstrated through a variety of communicative traits. So, as a dog owner, you have the responsibility to recognize these symptoms and do something about it. They are your family now, so why let them suffer?

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Suffering from an Illness

When pets are suffering from an illness or are hurting, they often have to find ways in which to express their pain. This is done through changes in their normal behavioral patterns to unusual, and even sometimes aggressive retaliation. This is to alert you to their pain, so you can help them and sort out the solution they require.

For example, if you notice that your dog is licking their nose a lot, panting, or showing distress, then that is usually an indication that something is hurting them. If this is the case in your house, then the best option would be to take your dog to the vets. Even if it’s nothing serious, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.  

Unfamiliar Situations

Introducing a young animal into a new environment doesn’t always go down the way you originally intended. Big houses can seem like giant mazes to your puppy, meaning you must be prepared to ease the process for them.

To begin with, make sure you don’t leave them alone for periods longer than necessary, except for when it is time for bed. You don’t want them to feel as though they have been abandoned, especially in the first few weeks; however, it is still important to establish a routine where they have some time alone to ease the risk of them suffering from separation anxiety.  The more they get used to this routine, the happier they will be.

Separation Anxiety

It is possible that when you go off to work, or leave the house to run some errands, that your puppy won’t understand that you have only left temporarily. This will automatically cause them to act out. If your puppy has chewed up furniture or drives your neighbor mad by barking every minute until you return, then they have separation anxiety.

This can be solved through a variety of steps:

1.       Take your dog out for a walk before you go. This will encourage them to expel some of that energy they could have potentially used to destroy your new couch, causing them to sleep and remain calm instead.

2.       Don’t let them know you’re leaving. Making a fuss will only associate this behavior with abandonment and the cycle will begin once again. If you leave without letting them know, then they should remain calm and wait patiently until you return.

3.       Try Canna Companion. This helps to keep your four-legged friend calm and therefore promotes a relaxed demeanor.

So, if you’re considering adopting a beautiful puppy or dog this Christmas, I hope you find these three steps useful. By noticing the signs of anxiety early, you can help your companion to once again return to their calm and collective self. This will help to avoid any unnecessary aggression and promote a positive relationship between you and your pet.