Does my pet have a bad attitude, or anxiety?

     Does your pet have some undesirable behaviors, such as tearing things up when you leave the house, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places, or crying/vocalizing all through the night? Less than ideal behaviors seen in our pets can be signs of anxiety. Believe it or not, anxiety is one of the most common conditions we see in our dogs and cats.

     Anxiety can present in many different ways based on the individual pet themselves. Some common signs of anxiety are:

• Destructive behaviors, especially when left alone at home.
• Compulsive habits such as over grooming, especially to the point of hair loss and/or self-trauma.
• Inappropriate urination/defecation, especially in pets that have previously been house-broken/litterbox trained.
• Aggression towards people and/or other pets in or out of the home, especially new aggression.
• Vocalizing excessively; barking, crying, whining, meowing.
• Hiding or avoiding being with the family. On the other end of the spectrum - being excessively clingy.
• Changes in appetite, especially a decrease in appetite.
• Restlessness and pacing as if the pet cannot get settled.

     So what causes anxiety in our dogs and cats? Anxiety in pets can stem from a variety of influences, just as it does in people. It is important to take note of your pet's behaviors as they go about their day and interact with their environment to try to confirm any potential stressors. Some of the most common causes of anxiety in pets are as follows:

• Loud noises - fireworks, nearby construction, audible traffic, or storms.
• Changes in routine - our pets are creatures of habit and significant/abrupt changes to their routines can create a sense of instability.
• Separation anxiety - this is one of the leading causes of stress we see in our pets. Dogs are pack animals and can become stressed when left alone for long periods of time. Cats tend to be more aloof, but still appreciate quality time with their favorite humans and they become upset when they are gone. 
• Tension with other pets in the home - sometimes the dynamic between multiple pets in the home can be stressful. Some pets may be bullied by others, creating fear and avoidance of needs - such as using a shared litterbox or water/food bowls.
• Lack of socialization at a young age - socialization at a young age creates a sense of confidence and trust between pet and owner. Some pets miss out on that and new experiences may be a bit more scary/stressful.
• Underlying health conditions - changes within your pet's body may not be visible or noticed right away but they can definitely contribute to your pet's overall behavior. Chronic pain, hyperthyroidism (cats), or neurologic (aging) changes can all be potential stress factors.

  I think my pet may be showing signs of anxiety, what can I do? The easiest place to start is with an exam with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will gather information about your dog's personality/behaviors and potential stressors in their life based off of a history that you will provide. Your veterinarian may recommend some diagnostics as well, to rule out any potential underlying issues. This may include blood work, urinalysis, and/or radiographs. A treatment plan will be made based on the pet's history, symptoms, and diagnostics. Some pets require long/short term anxiety medications, while others may need a change in routine. Here are some ways to help manage anxiety in your four-legged friend:

• Seek out help from a behaviorist - some pets have stress levels that are simply too high to manage with just medications alone. Working with an animal behaviorist along with giving anxiety medications can help set your pet up for success.
• Socializing/Training - It is never too late to socialize/train your pet; old dogs/cats can learn new tricks! Take your pet on low-key adventures and practice mastering basic commands. Training helps strengthen the pet-owner bond.
• Daily exercise/enrichment - A tired pet is a happy pet! Take dogs for walks/hikes or play with their favorite toys. Have interactive toys for cats such as motion toys or lasers. Puzzle toys with their favorite snacks are great for dogs and cats. 
• Create a predictable daily routine - Animals are creatures of habit and love knowing what is going to happen each day. Try having the same morning and evening routine if possible to give your pet some peace of mind. 
• Create a stress-free space during high stress situations in the home - Some stressors are unavoidable, such as having guests over. In these cases, create a safe place for your pet, away from the hustle and bustle with some of their favorite things so they can calmly retreat if needed. ​

Understanding the root cause of a pet's stress builds trust and strengthens the relationship between pets and owners. Small steps taken today can help create lasting change tomorrow. ​