Wagging tails and sloppy kisses are what most dog owners are used to when they come home after a long day of work and see their furry friends. But what does it mean when wagging tails and sloppy kisses turn into incessant barking and destroying the third TV remote in a week?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association anxiety is diagnosed in up to 40% of dogs that display behavioral problems. We hate when our four legged companions are experiencing discomfort and more so when we’re not sure what’s wrong. So let’s take a look at the five most common signs your dog may be suffering from anxiety and how to help.
1. Incessant Barking
Passing cars, the occasional backyard squirrel invader, a ringing doorbell are all perfectly good reasons for your dog to speak up. But when Fido displays constant barking at seemingly benign things, it very well could be a sign that your dog is suffering from anxiety. If your dog seems to overreact to noise or quick movements, this could also be a telltale (tail?) sign that something is up.
2. Chew, and Chew Some More
Have you ever come home to a sofa that ideally should be in one piece but has somehow had its arm rest and insides chewed to smithereens? From chewing on TV remotes to relentless digging at doors, this is a strong sign that your dog is trying to release nervous energy.
A good way to spot the difference from playful toy chewing to more destructive methods is whether the intensity escalates when you’re away and your dog is alone. If the chewing becomes more destructive while you’re away, this is a sign of anxiety in dogs.
3. Shake, Rattle and Roll
Thunderstorms and fireworks are all valid reasons for your dog to shake and tremble. But when it’s a relatively calm environment, such as lying in bed or the family eating at the dinner table, and your dog is trembling, it’s a sign of anxiety. If your pup appears scared, nervous or worried, it’s likely because he is. Also, if the behavior appears to be repeating itself over a period of time, you may need to look into an anti-anxiety medication for your concerned canine.
4. Hide and Seek
On the opposite side of the spectrum is hiding. “Dogs suffering from anxiety will often seek out a dark and isolated space. They may turn away when you call to them or even resist going on walks”, says Dr. Butch McHugh, DVM. If you’ve experienced your dog displaying these patterns, it may be cause for concern, but fear not because there are safe and effective methods for soothing him.
5. Panting and Wagging
“If your dog is panting even though she hasn’t jogged ten miles in the heat of summer, she may be frazzled”, according to Dr. Lynn Buzhardt, DVM. You may notice your dog lying in bed panting or thumping her tail. This can be analogous to a nervous human fidgeting in their chair, twiddling their thumbs or rocking their leg back and forth. Nervous energy, brought on by anxiety, needs to be released and panting and tail thumping are two sure ways to spot an issue.
Generic Anti-Anxiety Medication for Dogs
The first thing to do if your dog displays the above signs of an anxiety disorder is to speak with your veterinarian. Anti-anxiety medicine for dogs such as Clomipramine Hydrochloride tablets have been shown by the FDA to be safe and effective in treating anxiety disorders. The best part is that a new generic version of medicine for treating anxiety in dogs is now available providing significant cost savings for dog owners throughout the United States.
Mizner Bioscience has recently received the first US FDA approval for a therapeutically equivalent generic version of Clomipramine Hyrdochloride tablets. These tablets are used to treat separation anxiety in dogs over the age of six months. Because of FDA approval, dog owners can be confident that they are every bit as safe and effective as its costly name brand counterpart. For more information, consult with your veterinarian or visit MiznerBioscience.com
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