HONOLULU (KHON2) — When dogs were first bred to live with humans, their caretakers were always around. They lived on farms and villages or were traveling companions for nomads.
As the millennia have progressed, humans have drifted further and further away from these types of lifestyles. Today, most of us do not work at home, spending most of our time at work or with friends.
This leaves many of our dogs, who were bred to be constant companions, alone. Loneliness can lead to anxiety and depression in dogs.
Anxiety in dogs is like when you feel nervous or scared about something, like before a big test or when you’re in a new place.
Dogs feel anxious, too; and they show it in different ways from how we show. And since they cannot speak a human language, they cannot tell us what is wrong. So, we must learn to read what and how they are communicating to us.
“It’s about understanding what anxiety looks like and recognizing it,” explained Brandy Shimabukuro who is the Communications Director for the Hawaiian Humane Society. “Understanding what the triggers might be for your pet is essential for bonding and health. So, for most dogs there’s a physical tell. You might observe them panting, you might observe them doing excessive barking.”
She went on to explain further.
“Trembling is a number one key for anxiety and fear; there also might be pacing,” added Shimabukuro. I think something that a lot of people don’t recognize as a signal of anxiety and stress in dogs is excessive yawning. It’s kind of a way for them to just like almost have a physical shake for themselves when they feel this stress and anxiety building up, and it’s their way to kind of release that.”
So, KHON2.com decided to do a bit of digging to find out the most common signs that a dog might be anxious and found some tips on how to help them feel better.
Symptoms of anxiety in dogs
Barking or howling a lot: If a dog barks or howls more than usual, especially when their owner isn’t around, it might be a sign they’re feeling anxious.
How to help: Create a quiet space where they can feel safe and calm, like a cozy corner with their favorite blanket.
Pacing or shaking: Just like people might pace when they’re nervous, dogs do the same. They might also shake or tremble.
How to help: Try to engage them in a soothing activity like gentle petting or playing soft music to calm them down.
Hiding or avoiding people: Sometimes, anxious dogs hide or try to avoid interaction.
How to help: Let them have some space but stay close so they know you’re there for them. Over time, gently encourage interaction with treats or their favorite toys.
Chewing or destroying things: Dogs might chew on furniture or shoes or scratch at doors when they’re anxious.
How to help: Provide them with lots of chew toys and spend more time playing with them to help them use their energy positively.
Having accidents indoors: Even if a dog is house-trained, they might have accidents inside if they’re feeling very anxious.
How to help: Stick to a regular schedule for bathroom breaks and be patient. Punishing them might make their anxiety worse.
Changes in body posture: Anxious dogs might tuck their tails, lower their heads or flatten their ears.
How to help: Speak to them in a calm and reassuring voice and avoid sudden movements that might scare them more.
Dealing with dog anxiety:
Routine: Just like in school where a schedule helps you know what to expect, a regular routine can help reduce a dog’s anxiety.
Exercise: Regular walks and playtime can help a lot because they use up energy and can make a dog feel happier.
Shimabukuro suggested making a homemade foraging box. It’s simple. All you need are a cardboard box, shredded paper and treats or food. This gives your dog the experience of foraging which activates their brain and provides as much physical stimulation as a two to three hour walk in only 15 minutes.
Another suggestion from Shimabukuro is creating a homemade puzzle box with a towel and treats/food. All you need to do is place the treats/food in the towel, roll it up and swirl it into a circle or tie it. This gives your dog the same benefits as the foraging box as they figure out how to access the treats/food.
Finally, Shimabukuro suggested what is called a sniffari. This is taking your dog on a long walk where they can simply explore and sniff. This works wonders for mental and physical health.
Training and socializing: Teaching your dog commands and letting them meet new people and other dogs in a friendly way can help boost their confidence.
Professional help: If a dog’s anxiety is very bad, a vet or a dog trainer who knows a lot about dog behavior might need to help. Sometimes they even suggest special calming treats or toys.
Pheromone sprays or collars: Shimabukuro suggested going to a local pet store to pick up some pheromone sprays or collars. These mimic the pheromones the mother produces during breast feeding; so, the dog feels comfort when smelling it. It destresses and lets the pup know that everything is going to be good. These come as sprays, room fresheners and collars.
The thing you must always remember about dogs is that their life revolves around their relationship with you. When you are not home, they wait for you. When you are home, they want to soak up your love and adoration. Food and treats do not replace you, said Shimabukuro; so, it’s pointless, and quite harmful to dogs, to replace your presence with food or treats.
Shimabukuro provides a great amount of important information for you and your dog in the video above. So, don’t forget to check out her full interview.
You can visit the Hawaiian Humane Society’s website for help with locating reputable trainers and other options, and Shimabukuro said you can call or come by to speak someone as well. Click here.
There is help for your dog; you simply need to take the step to ensure they are healthy.
By understanding these signs and knowing how to respond, you can really help a dog feel safer and happier.