ANXIETY IN PETS – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Pet anxiety is more common than you might think. Pets
can experience stress and anxiety, just like people can. A common
form of pet anxiety is pet separation anxiety. This is
caused by the departure of their owner and is similar to the
stress a baby feels when taken away from their mother or the
anxiety that occurs when you take your small child to daycare
for the first time. Your pet experiences fear and anxiety about
being left alone. Unfortunately, our pets cannot communicate
in a way that we understand. They often exhibit strange behaviors
that can wreak havoc on your home and belongings or even damage
your pet himself. Pet separation anxiety can manifest itself
as chewing, digging, tearing up your favorite shoe or peeing
on everything around them. Some pets even become depressed and
lethargic. If any of these behaviors sound familiar and occur
most often when you are not home, they may be linked to anxiety
in pets, rather than a rebellious streak.
There are a few things you can do to try and relieve anxiety
in pets. You can create a safe space or “home”
for your pet. Your pet may find comfort in a crate or confined
space. Whether or not this is the case, make your pet's personal
space as comfortable as you can. Provide bedding, a pillow or
a comforting toy. You can even include items that may smell
like you, like an old item of clothing. Another way to relieve
anxiety in pets is to utilize the many toys on the market that
are designed to keep your pet occupied. Try a few and see which
one your pet responds to. Finally, if needed, consult your veterinarian
about the kinds of drugs on the market designed to alleviate
pet anxiety and pet separation anxiety.
Anxiety Relief Medicine For Pets
Anxiety is common in pets, just as in humans, and is actually
quite a bit more common than many people believe. When pets
suffer from anxiety, it can come from a number of causes. The
most common is pet separation anxiety which is similar to what
we see in babies, children and even adults when they are separated
from a loved one or their social group. In dogs and cats this
can lead to depression, but it can also lead to destructive
behavior where they act out. Cats can scratch up furniture or
get themselves into other forms of trouble. Dogs will tend to
bark incessantly, dig and scratch or chew on things that belong
to you. Both types of pets also sometimes resort to inappropriate
urination or defecation that they would not typically be prone
to. Some animals even shake or quiver uncontrollably.
Some common causes of anxiety in pets are the arrival of a
new baby or member of the household, including a new pet. Loud
noises can cause anxiety, especially in situations such as your
home undergoing remodeling or other alterations. Car rides and
similar unfamiliar situations can also induce anxiety, as can
being in crowds of people.
Pet anxiety medicines are intended to help you treat
your pet for stress that can be caused by separation from you
and your family, but it is important to have your vet determine
that there are no other treatable medical conditions affecting
your pet before you turn to this kind of medicine. Symptoms
can sometimes be difficult to diagnose and this is why you should
have your vet's advice.
In many cases, anxiety medicine for cats and dogs is only needed
as a temporary solution to help them be able to get through
a difficult period. Used in conjunction with training new coping
skills, this can be a very powerful remedy for behavior problems.
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