According to the Australian Veterinary Association, anxiety has become the most common disorder facing our dogs.
Anxiety in certain situations is normal and can help dogs react quickly to a threat. However, too much anxiety or being anxious when there is no threat can result in consequences such as bites.
What causes anxiety varies from pooch to pooch. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to anxiety while others develop the disorder through lack of training, separation or contact with other dogs in off-lead areas.
There are growing concerns over an increase in separation anxiety as more dog owners are forced to spend extended hours at work or doing extra-curricular activies where their pet is left alone at home for long periods of time.
The signs to watch out for:
- licking lips
- looking away
- panting
- moving slowly or away from you
- ears to the side
- refusing to eat
- moving around continuously
- being ‘on guard’
- barking continuously
- aggression or biting
- destroying furniture
- urinating in the wrong place
DOGSLife recommends speaking to your vet if your dog shows signs of anxiety. The earlier anxiety is detected and treated, the better you can help your dog.
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