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Common Stress Behaviors
Lowering your fluffy friend’s stress level can keep them
from hurting themselves or others. Signs of anxiety include:
Excessive barking or howling.
Occasional barking is normal. When it is ongoing or done for no apparent reason, it may be a sign your dog is stressed or suffering from separation anxiety.
Running away from you or hiding.
This may be caused by loud noises, a new person or a new animal in their environment. Running away may be a sign your dog is distressed. Often it is caused by an environmental factor they feel uneasy about.
Destructive behavior.
Chewing is a normal part of teething, but it can be a sign of anxiety or boredom with dogs that are past that development stage. Damage is often around doors and other exit points, and dogs can cut themselves in the process.
Accidents in the house.
For dogs that are housetrained, this may be a sign your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. However, it can also be due to a medical issue or a side effect of a medication, so speak to your veterinarian.
Aggression.
The most serious sign of anxiety or stress, this can potentially lead to your dog harming people or other animals.
SOURCES
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®)
Can Pets Suffer from Anxiety?
VCA Animal Hospitals
Anxiety Vests for Dogs
The Central California SPCA (CCSPCA)
7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog
American Kennel Club
Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Dog Anxiety
Research indicates that dogs may benefit from the sound of classical music, which can mask outside noises such as loud neighbors or barking dogs. Harp music can be a natural sedative, according to the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
PLay Calming Music
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Check with your vet to determine if your dog is getting the proper nutrition based on their age, breed, health status and level of physical activity.
Balance Nutrition
Petting your pal and lightly massaging them where they feel comfortable can calm their nerves and loosen tense muscles caused by stress.
Physical Touch
Lowering your fluffy friend’s stress level can keep them from hurting themselves or others. Signs of anxiety include:
Motion
“Hug” your dog by dressing them in an anxiety vest if they become anxious because of thunder or fireworks. This provides your dog with a calming sense of pressure around their torso, which releases endorphins that promote a sense of well-being. Acclimate them to the vest by putting it on them during calm periods. Always remove the vest after the disturbance has passed. Also, remember the Hy-Vee Pharmacy can fill prescriptions for anti-anxiety pet medications.
Swaddle your Pet
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Motion
“Hug” your dog by dressing them in an anxiety vest if they become anxious because of thunder or fireworks. This provides your dog with a calming sense of pressure around their torso, which releases endorphins that promote a sense of well-being. Acclimate them to the vest by putting it on them during calm periods. Always remove the vest after the disturbance has passed. Also, remember the Hy-Vee Pharmacy can fill prescriptions for anti-anxiety pet medications.
Swaddle your Pet
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