Anxiety is a frustrating condition for both owners and dogs. For the dog, anxiety is an unpleasant experience that disrupts daily life, while for the owner it can be difficult to know how best to help their anxious dog

This article will look at some of the most common types of canine anxiety and provide advice on how you can reduce your dog’s anxiety levels.

Environmental Anxiety

Environmental anxiety is very common in dogs, but fortunately, it’s often relatively mild and easily dealt with. The most frequent cause of environmental anxiety is fear of noises (i.e. thunderstorms or firework fears). However, problems can arise when the focus of the noise changes (i.e. when a dog is afraid of noises in one context, but not others), or when the noise continues for long periods (i.e. when things like construction work can be perceived as being dangerous)

Before you can do anything to help your dog, it’s important that he is examined by a veterinarian. Many canine anxiety issues are caused by underlying medical problems, including pain or neurological conditions. Once your vet has given your dog the all-clear, there are lots of ways to reduce environmental anxiety in dogs…

Social Anxiety

Many dogs are anxious when their owner leaves, but if your dog’s behavior is causing you distress then it may be social anxiety. The most common symptoms of social anxiety in dogs include destructive behavior when left alone, drooling or excessive whining that occurs in the absence of the owner, and soiling in the home when left alone. If this sounds like your dog, then read our article on separation anxiety for advice on how to help him.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common canine anxiety disorder that results in pets exhibiting symptoms such as: barking and/or howling when left alone, depression and lethargy (this can be worse if the dog eats in isolation), soiling and/or excessively tearing in the home when left alone, destructive behavior when left alone, depression and lethargy (this can be worse if the dog eats in isolation), soiling and/or excessive tearing when you return home after being away.

If this sounds like your dog then it’s important that you seek help from a qualified dog behaviorist.

Take them some CBD oil

CBD oil is a widely accepted alternative treatment for dogs with anxiety problems. CBD oil can help to control your dog’s symptoms, even if they’re caused by another condition such as pain. Visit our article on CBD Oil to learn more about how it could benefit your dog. If you don’t want them to take drugs, CBD oil could be a good substitute for drugs.

Behavioral Modification

Behavioral modification is the technique of helping your dog to unlearn negative associations. It can be valuable in cases where environmental anxiety is caused by specific stimuli that are either dangerous or unpleasant for the dog (e.g. thunderstorms occurring at certain times of the year). If this is the case, it may be possible to help your dog to cope with the stimulus by desensitizing them and helping them to learn more appropriate responses (e.g. that thunder = treat time).

Conclusion

If your dog is excessively anxious, there are a number of steps you can take to help him.

Firstly, make sure that he’s undergone a thorough medical check-up from your veterinarian. If your vet has given him the all-clear then it may be possible for you to use behavioral modification techniques to reduce his symptoms.

Many dogs with anxiety issues are helped by taking CBD oil, but some may also benefit from the use of anti-anxiety medication. If your dog’s anxiety problems are making it difficult for you to care for him, then the behavioral modification will often be more effective if combined with drug treatment.