When a dog is scared or perceives a threat, a section of their brain (the hypothalamus) signals the production of certain chemicals to prepare the dog for fight or flight. This is good when there is an actual threat present, but in dogs with a nervous disorder--also known as chronic anxiety--the frequent release of these chemicals begin to weaken the immune system and can lead to emotional and physical health problems.
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Types
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There are two types of anxiety in dogs: phobias and unspecified. A phobia is a direct reaction to something specific, and the most common triggers are loud noises such as thunder or fireworks. The more general, unspecified version occurs where there is no identifiable cause for the dog's symptoms. The reaction by the dog in either case is virtually identical, but the cause for the anxiety may or may not be immediately apparent.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of chronic anxiety in dogs range from the typical signs of barking or whining to more severe examples of stress, such as urinating or defecating in the house. Excessive licking and heavy panting are also common signs of anxiety. During especially stressful situations, dogs often find the need to hide from the perceived trigger, usually under the bed or behind the couch.
Diagnosis
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A diagnosis for an anxiety disorder is given after your veterinarian evaluates your dog's behavior. He will also run tests to check your dog's heart rate and digestion. Frequency of urination is also analyzed, as this could be a sign of an emotional problem. The veterinarian will also conduct a blood test, as unusual levels of certain types of white blood cells are associated with anxiety.
Treatment
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The first step is to examine the environment. Domestic stress, such as divorce, a move or a new baby and irregular schedules are two common times when a dog begins to show anxiety. Give your dog extra attention and maintain a regular schedule to see if the behavior improves. Therapy to change the behavior and training techniques to encourage relaxation are also helpful methods of treatment.
Medication
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When changes in home environment are not enough to stem the severity of your dog's anxious behavior, prescription medication is often used to provide fast improvement. These medications are designed to be given once a day to keep your dog calm overall and are not recommended for treating the dog when he is already experiencing a stress-induced anxiety attack. Speak slowly and calmly to him to help encourage relaxation.
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