Help Your Dog Relax: Understanding and Addressing Canine Anxiety

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Your Dog

• Physical signs: Excessive panting, pacing, trembling, whining, licking, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, flattened ears, tucked tail.
• Behavioral signs: Destructive chewing, excessive barking or howling, digging, house-soiling, separation anxiety, aggression (out of fear), phobias, hiding, appearing withdrawn or anti-social around unfamiliar dogs or people.

Unveiling the Causes of Canine Anxiety

• Genetics: Some breeds are predisposed to anxiety, including but not limited to:
  • Herding breeds: German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies
  • Terrier breeds: Jack Russell Terriers, Wheaten Terriers
  • Other breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Labrador Retrievers
• Lack of socialization: Early exposure to different stimuli builds confidence.
• Negative experiences: Traumatic events can leave a lasting impact.
• Medical conditions: Underlying health issues can manifest as anxiety-like behaviors, such as:
  • Pain: Chronic pain from arthritis, dental issues, or injuries can cause significant anxiety.
  • Ear infections: The discomfort and irritation of an ear infection can make your dog anxious and restless.
  • Skin problems: Itchy skin caused by allergies, fleas, or other conditions can lead to excessive scratching and anxiety.
  • Thyroid problems: An overactive or under-active thyroid can disrupt your dog’s hormones and contribute to anxiety.
  • Neurological disorders: Certain neurological conditions can affect your dog’s behavior and trigger anxiety like brain tumors, meningoencephalitis, neck, back or lumbar pain, IVDD (InterVertebral Disc Disease/Herniated Disk, pinched nerve, Lumbo-sacral Syndrome,
  • Changes in routine: Disruptions to a dog’s sense of security can cause anxiety.

Training Techniques to Ease Your Dog’s Anxiety

• Desensitization and counterconditioning: Gradually expose your dog to triggers in a controlled environment with positive reinforcement.
• Positive reinforcement training: Reward calm and confident behavior to build trust.
• Providing a safe space: Create a designated area where your dog feels secure during stressful situations.
• Exercise and playtime: Regular physical and mental stimulation helps release pent-up energy and reduces anxiety.

Exploring Treatment Options for Dog Anxiety

• Medication: Anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed by your veterinarian in severe cases. Drugs like Prozac and Benzodiazepines like Xanax can be used.
• CBD oil: CBD oil can be highly effective in reducing anxiety in dogs.

CBD helps anxiety by:

• Modulating Serotonin Signaling: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. Low serotonin levels are linked to anxiety and depression in humans. CBD may influence the way serotonin signals are transmitted in the brain, potentially leading to a more balanced mood.
• Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to anxiety and other mood disorders. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties might indirectly contribute to reduced anxiety by addressing underlying inflammation.
• Stress Response Modulation: The amygdala is a part of the brain involved in processing emotions like fear and anxiety. Some studies suggest CBD may influence the amygdala’s activity, potentially leading to a calmer stress response.

Important Note: CBD oil is not regulated, so quality and effectiveness can vary greatly. Only use a veterinarian-developed product like CanineBIoDynamic’s CBD oils and treats.

Professional Dog Training: A Valuable Resource

Dogs look to their families for guidance, safety, and love. However, the majority of people don’t fully understand how to appeal to a dog’s natural sense of leadership and communication. Bark Busters will teach you how to build confidence in your dog, creating a happier, healthier, longer-lasting relationship between dogs and humans.