Dogs with Anxiety and Depression: Do and Don’t

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety and depression too. As we all know, dogs are way too attached to people or also their families. The loss of their loved ones can lead them to a phase of depression. Likewise, other circumstances cause anxiety in dogs. When your dog is struggling with the symptoms of anxiety and depression, you can help them and relieve their pain and discomfort to a great extent. 

What Causes Anxiety And Depression In Dogs?

Several things trigger anxiety and depression in dogs. Among the most common causes of anxiety in dogs are:

  • Fear-related anxiety: this type of anxiety can be caused by noise, strange people or dogs, a new environment, etc. Some dogs temporarily react to these situations, while some dogs can develop anxiety.

  • Separation anxiety: around 14% of the dogs are affected by the separation of their loved ones. When they are separated from their family members, they cannot handle the loss. This leads them into a phase of depression. 

  • Age-related anxiety: age is another factor that potentially causes anxiety in dogs. Age can cause cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs that eventually leads to anxiety.

Symptoms

You must immediately notice a few telltale signs of anxiety and depression in dogs if you want to help them come out of the phase:

  • Aggression 

  • Panting

  • Depression 

  • Excessive barking

  • Restlessness

  • Pacing 

  • Increased heartbeat 

  • Repetitive or compulsive behavior

What You Can Do To Help Your Dog 

Seeing your dog in an uncomfortable condition can depress you as well. You must know that there is enough you can do for your dog. You can help them find the best treatments to treat their condition. 

CBD Oil

If you think your dog is a victim of anxiety or depression, try CBD oil. Studies reveal that CBD oil has properties that treat anxiety-like symptoms in dogs. Several dog owners have reported successful results in using CBD to treat dogs. The top-quality CBD oils mentioned in www.sanjuanjournal.com/national-marketplace/5-best-cbd-oil-for-dogs  can help you find the best product so far. You can take time and choose the one that will suit your dog best. 

Fun Activities

Whenever you see your dog going into a depression phase, try to engage in fun activities with your dog. They are otherwise, a very active animal who loves to play around with you. Therefore, the best way to divert their minds is by including them in activities. You can try some games, tricks or take them out for a walk. 

Get A Companion 

If your dog is suffering from depression due to losing a loved one, you can consider getting another dog as their companion. This may be helpful to get your dog out of the depression phase. Analyze the symptoms and conditions of your dog, and if they seem too lonely, you can get them a new friend.

Training 

There are several training techniques used to treat anxiety in dogs. One of the effective ways is counterconditioning. It helps to change the dog’s response to stimuli that are responsible for anxiety-like symptoms. You can also try desensitization consulting your vet. Similar to therapies for humans, there are training programs for dogs that effectively treat anxiety and depression in dogs. 

What You Shouldn’t Do When Your Dog Has Anxiety 

When your dog is suffering from anxiety or depression, there are a few things that you should refrain from doing:

  • Do not leave your dog alone for too long. 

  • Refrain from self-medicating your dogs without consulting your vet.

  • Avoid putting your dogs in situations that trigger anxiety and depression in them.

Conclusion 

When your dog is suffering from anxiety or depression, know its symptoms and condition before it leads to severe mental health complications. Your dog deserves all your love, care, and affection. Therefore, take care of them like your own.