Dealing with a dog with anxiety issues is daunting. We know. If your dog has developed anxiety, by now you, have probably tried different solutions to help your furry friend. And you may also be wondering if the companionship of another dog may be able to solve the problem. But is this really possible? Well…sort of. Let’s dig into the details.
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”
Charles Spurgeon
Dogs are naturally social animals and often form close bonds with their dog owners, and other dogs. This is why some pet owners may wonder if getting another dog can help a dog with anxiety. In some cases, the answer is yes, but it’s not always the solution.
Getting a second dog to heal your dog’s anxiety: things to consider
Having another dog it’s great! It will provide your current anxious dog with a companion to play with, cuddle with, and receive comfort from, which ultimately help your furry friend reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety. Yes! The presence of another dog can certainly create a positive, calming environment and give your dog a sense of security. However this is alone, won’t automatically solve its anxiety issues.
Can Another Dog Help A Dog With Anxiety? Not always…
Simply adding another dog to the household, will not magically solve all the anxiety issues of your first dog. Anxiety is a clinical issue and needs to be treated as such.
So, address the root cause of your dog’s anxiety first. Work with a veterinarian or dog behaviorist to find the best solution. They will be able to advise if you furry friend may benefit from prescription medication or behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Once a therapy is in place you can then decide if second dog can help. Ask to you vet for guidance.
Consider your dog’s personality
If you do decide to adopt a second dog, ensure you take into account the two dogs’ personalities. Specifically, your new dog, should have a compatible personality with your anxious dog. For example a new dog with an aggressive or dominant personality could exacerbate your dog’s anxiety and create a negative living environment, so do you research before hand.
Consider the investment of resources
Secondly, consider that adding another dog to your household will require you to use a significant amount of time, effort, and resources. This includes additional training, exercise, and financial expenses, so before getting a second dog, ensure you are set up financially and that you have enough time on your end.
Conclusions
In conclusion, having another dog around can provide comfort and a sense of security for a dog with anxiety, but it’s not always a solution to solve the anxiety. If you do decide to get a second dog, consider the compatibility of the two dogs, the additional responsibilities involved, and address the root cause of the anxiety.