Dog Anxiety Relief

Dogs show anxiety or fear by cowering, shaking, vomiting, destroying any object within reach, racing about, barking continuously or losing control of their bladders or bowels. Dogs can be anxious because of medical conditions, phobias or the stress of being left alone. Anxiety problems in dogs do not go away by themselves.

  1. Medical Conditions

    • Many dogs become anxious in moving vehicles because they get carsick. They may need medications to help relieve their nausea. Dogs developing arthritis will appear anxious when they are just about to perform usual routines that now hurt, such as climbing stairs or jumping into someone's lap. Dogs losing their vision will suddenly appear anxious about doing anything, especially going outside in the dark. Until the medical conditions are treated, the dog's anxiety will get worse.

    Phobias

    • According to a 2008 MSNBC report, 20 percent of dogs develop phobias to certain sounds such as thunder, firecrackers or a telephone. Some dogs will develop phobias to objects such as vacuum cleaners or to events such as riding in the car. All of these phobias can be cured with gradual desensitization and, if the dog is thrown into a panic, with medication or products such as dog- appeasing pheromone spray. If the phobia is of sound, then a recording of the dreaded sound is played on an extremely low volume. Give the dog a toy that comes out only during desensitization sessions. When the dog tolerates that, raise the volume slightly. Over the weeks, the dog will gradually get used to the noise at any volume. Stay calm yourself, even if the dog panics. Huffing with an open mouth mimics dog laughter, which can help a dog know that there's nothing to fear.

    Separation Anxiety

    • Separation anxiety can also be addressed using desensitization and calm rewards. The dog needs more exercise to make him more prone to napping when left alone. She should be given a long-lasting treat that only comes out at times when she's left alone. Turning the television or radio on can help a dog think that someone is still in the home. Leaving a piece of unwashed clothing can help calm a dog because the clothing will have your scent on it. Don't make a big fuss before leaving but leave as quietly as possible. Dog-appeasing pheromone products have sometimes worked to help a dog stay calm when left alone.