What Can Help a Dog With Stress?

Several factors can cause stress in a dog, including changes in his regular routine, separation anxiety, fear of new people or objects, or loud noises. Each dog reacts differently to stressors, and it is important to recognize the signs your dog exhibits when he is under stress. Based on advice from experts at Doctors Foster and Smith, the following article will discuss the ways in which your dog exhibits stress and what you can do to help him cope.

  1. Signs of Stress

    • If your dog is fearful of new people or loud noises, she will often exhibit signs of anxiety and act skittish or shy, hide, or act out in aggression with behaviors such as growling or even biting. If your dog is afraid of loud noises or experiences separation anxiety, she will likely exhibit the following symptoms: whining, pacing, salivation, barking, howling, scratching, chewing, digging, urinating or defecating, or destroying personal items or household objects. Sometimes dogs that experience extreme stress or are highly susceptible to anxiety will express a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands.

    Helping With Stress

    • The most common mistake that dog owners make when helping a dog with stress is comforting the dog when he exhibits signs of stress. By comforting the dog with actions such as petting, you are reinforcing the behavior that the dog exhibits--- letting the dog know that it is OK to act out.
      If your dog experiences anxiety when meeting new people, the best way to help him overcome his fears is socialize him to strangers over a period of time. Let him become used to strangers and praise him when he exhibits good behavior. Inviting people to the house that he does not know is a good way to socialize him in a comfortable environment.
      If your dog exhibits any of the other symptoms mentioned in the previous section, there are several things that you can do to help. There are oral supplements available to help your dog relieve anxiety, such as valerian and chamomile treats; most of these treats are available without a prescription from your vet.
      Separation anxiety can induce destructive behavior and there are several things that you can do to help. Many dogs act out when they are lacking an appropriate outlet for energy --- especially when combined with high levels of stress and anxiety. Take your dog for more walks; more exercise will give him the opportunity to relieve much of his energy. When you have to leave him, make your exit short and sweet; dragging out the process will only make your dog more anxious. Start out by leaving her for short periods of time. As she gets used to your absence, you can slowly add more time to your outings.
      If your dog is releasing foul smelling liquid from his anal glands, take him to the vet. She can express the glands; your dog will be much more comfortable.