How to Detect Pet Anxiety

At Westside Animal Hospital in Augusta, Dr. Hawkins provides care to pets suffering from anxiety. Our vet is the leading animal doctor specializing in addressing undesirable animal behaviors, including howling, panting, and digging.

Understanding Pet Anxiety

Pet anxiety can stem from various sources. From thunderstorms and fireworks to being kenneled or left alone for extended periods, triggers can vary widely depending on your pet and its past experiences. Understanding the symptoms and causes of your pet’s anxiety is essential to address it and correct unwanted behaviors.

Symptoms and Causes of Pet Anxiety

The symptoms and causes of pet anxiety are deeply rooted in the primal survival instinct. Pets experience this instinct strongly when certain triggers activate their minds. When you comprehend what your pet is going through, you can take steps to improve their lives and help them feel safe, protected, and comfortable. Your vet can offer excellent advice to assist you.

Recognizing Symptoms of Pet Anxiety

Symptoms may include:

• Rapid panting
• Salivating or lip-licking
• Rapid heart rate
• Trembling
• Cringing
• Howling
• Digging
• Tucking in the tail
• Inability to focus on treats or toys
• Irritability, snapping, or biting
• Desperation to run and hide or escape
• Muscle stiffening
• Lowering the head to the ground
• Refusing to eat or drink

Understanding Causes of Pet Anxiety

Stimuli that can trigger anxiety include:

• Fear of impending doom
• Fear of the uncertainty brought on by sudden changes in routines
• Anticipating a threat or danger
• Fear stemming from past experiences, such as abuse
• Fear of being abandoned
• Sound sensitivity

Remedies to Ease Pet Anxiety

There are two types of remedies to ease your pet’s anxiety: temporary and permanent. Your animal doctor can help you determine the best therapies for your pet. Temporary remedies work quickly but don’t address the underlying phobia causing your pet’s behavior. Permanent remedies tackle those fears but take longer to work since they involve repetitive behavioral therapies.

Temporary remedies include:

• Medications
• Homeopathic supplements
• Aromatherapy
• CBD oil
• Body jackets or wraps
• Permanent remedies involve:
• Desensitization training
• Therapy sessions
• Transforming the negative trigger into a neutral or positive stimulus

Contact Westside Animal Hospital Today

At Westside Animal Hospital in Augusta, our veterinarian’s mission is to assist your pet with any condition requiring treatment or improvement. Our vet dedicates the time and care needed to provide your pet with the best possible treatments and therapies. Contact our friendly office staff today to schedule your pet’s appointment. We are available by phone or through our online appointment request form. Let’s help your pet live a happier, more active life.