If you have a dog with anxiety, you may be asking “What have I done wrong?” or “Did I treat my furry friend well enough?”… Don’t’ worry. We understand. Seeing your dog suffering it’s frustrating. But we are here to tell you that there is light and the end of the tunnel. And like in many other issues in the dog world”, knowledge is power. So, let’s get into the specifics.
Dogs, like humans, develop anxiety for a variety of reasons that can be hard to decipher. To help you prevent and treat you dog’s anxiety effectively, you need to know why dogs develop anxiety in the first place.
That’s why in this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why dogs develop anxiety. Let’s get into it.
“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.”
Walter Anderson
Why my dog has anxiety? Most common reasons explained
- Genetics.
Just with humans, a dog’s genetics can play a role in their behavior and emotional state. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, are known to be more prone to anxiety. So be sure to do your research beforehand. - Lack of socialization: Dogs are social animals, and they need socialization and interaction to remain healthy and happy. Dogs that lack socialization with other dogs or people can develop anxiety, as they become unsure and nervous in new situations. So, train your dog to meet new people and new dogs since it’s a puppy.
- Past Trauma. If a dog has experienced trauma, such as abuse or abandonment, it can cause them to develop anxiety. This is especially true if the traumatic experience occurred during their critical socialization period (between 3 and 14 weeks of age). For example, strays that have been left in shelters or abandoned, may develop traumas which can be the preamble of an anxiety disorder to appear later in life. So, if you choose to adopt a dog from an animal shelter, ensure that you know their past.
- Separation Anxiety. Dogs create strong bonds with their owners, other humans, and other dogs around them. So, when left alone for extended periods, our furry friends may experience separation anxiety, causing them to become nervous and destructive. While there are breeds that can be left alone for longer and others that develop anxiety more easily, the reality is that not many dogs truly like to be home alone. Dogs are naturally prone to interact with both humans and other dogs, so take this into account when deciding to become a dog owner.
- Fearful Situations. Dogs can become anxious in unfamiliar or scary situations, such as loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms), new environments, or encounters with unfamiliar animals.
- Changes in routine: Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Sudden changes in their environment, such as a new family member or a move to a new home, can cause anxiety. So, maintain a routine at all times if you need to make changes in your life, like changing home or taking your dog to a new kennel, ensure you do it gradually.
- Medical Issues. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, chronic pain, cognitive decline, and hormonal imbalances, can also cause anxiety in dogs. So, if you dog shows anxiety symptoms that you can decipher talk to you vet, to rule out any underlying medical causes of their anxiety.
In conclusion, understanding the reasons why your dog may develop anxiety is the first step in helping them overcome this condition. Prevention is better than cure so provide a supportive and loving environment, plenty of exercise and a stable routine to your furry friend.