HOW TO DEAL WITH DOGGY ANGST

Getting on top of the problem early will help your pup feel and behave better

- Trudie McConnochie.

Dealing with anxiety is tough if you’re a human, but when you’ve got four legs and a tail, it becomes somewhat trickier. Since dogs can’t tell us when they’re experiencing anxiety, we need to watch for the telltale (or tell-tail!) signs that they’re struggling emotionally.

Vet Dr Claire Stevens, author of Dr Claire’s Love Your Dog (available at bookstores and online), says anxiety is common in dogs, but spotting it isn’t always easy. In fact, you could easily mistake signs of anxiety for misbehaviour – especially if your dog is barking excessively, being aggressive, chewing, digging destructively, or going to the toilet inside. These can all be signs of anxiety, along with pacing, panting, drooling, shivering, cowering, depression and running away.

“Separation anxiety is the most common form of anxiety and we see it daily,” says Dr Stevens. “Thunder and firework phobias are also extremely common.”

Anxiety can also be triggered by loud noises, the outdoors, strangers or people of a specific gender.

“Less commonly, some dogs chronically exhibit signs of anxiety regardless of their situation,” Dr Stevens adds. “These pets may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), which is more likely in neglected shelter dogs.”

What to do