How To Prevent Stress and Anxiety in Dogs

Dog Stress

Dogs are capable of coming under stress and anxiety just like us humans. There feelings and emotions play a vital part in the dogs mental state. So how does a dog owner knows if his dog is going under stress and anxiety ? What really causes your dog to be stressed out and what are the most common tell tale signs of your pooch being stressed out? Well let's take a look.

What Causes Anxiety and Stress in Dogs?

Illness
If your dog becomes ill, it can induce stress simply because the dog just doesn't feel like itself and it is wondering what the heck is going on. The dog may become weak and may not be able to function at full capacity and unable to do the natural things it used to do such as running, jumping, and even eating.

Mistreatment
Dogs will become extremely stressed if they are treated badly. They become withdrawn and fearful and will either act cowardly or aggressively towards people and other dogs. 

Lack of Attention
Your dog will always want to solicit your love daily and as such will become stressed and depressed when he or she is ignored.

Too Much To Do
​Some dogs which live on farm homes have a lot to do daily than most other dogs which live in the suburbs.  Some dogs are used as cattle and hunting dogs and have to go out daily to perform their task, kind of like a daily job. Even though the dogs may look as though they may be enjoying this labor at times, too much labor can become quite stressful for the animal, just like us humans.

Passing of Owner
When a dog's owner dies, it can drive the dog into deep stress, anxiety and depression. The dog is suddenly thrust into a place where he/she is no longer receiving the love and care of the passed owner. The dog is left wondering why his owner has suddenly left him all alone and probably wondering what he did wrong for this to happen.  The animal will feel like his owner just doesn't love him anymore and has gone elsewhere. This can push the dog into deep depression. 

Signs of Stress and Depression in Dogs

• Lack of appetite
• Lack of mobility
• Sleeps more than usual
• Barks much less
• Not interested in play

What To Do When Your Dog is Stressed

1. Vet Time

• Get your dog to a vet to ensure that the dog is physically and mentally stable and that there are no underlining ailments which causes anxiety and stress within the animal.

2. New Toy

• Give the dog something new which will be of interest and add some flare and excitement  in your stressed dog life. New things always brings new interest.

3. Spend More Time 

• Spend more time with your canine pal. Play with your dog, pet and rub the animal down. Go out somewhere new and bring your pet. Let your dog enjoy the fresh air of a new atmosphere.

4. Massaged and Groomed

• Stress seems to always go away after a good massage and grooming. Give you canine a treatment at the doggy spa and have her groomed and massaged.  

5. Talk to Your Dog
You would be surprised at what kind words can do. Your dog will understand  phrases like, "Good boy, I love you, great job, or just a general talk like you would an individual.