It's no secret that dogs are intelligent creatures. They can be trained to do all sorts of things, from fetching your slippers to opening doors. But what many dog owners don't know is that dogs can also be trained to deal with anxiety and fear. In this article, we'll explore some of the ways in which dog owners can help their furry friends live a fuller, less anxious life.

Alarming Trends

Studies have shown that, in recent years, anxiety has become a more common concern among pet owners. Veterinarians across the county observe see more and more anxious behavior in dogs, which correlates with the growing trend of using drugs to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Medication is often one of the first lines of treatment recommended for dogs with anxiety.

A 2021 survey of 409 dog owners conducted by the Center for Canine Behavior Studies reported that just over half of the respondents said they'd given CBD products to their dogs, most commonly to treat fear, stress, and anxiety.

Dog Anxiety and Medication

The most common type of medication used to treat dog anxiety is antidepressants. These drugs work by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood and decrease anxiety. Other types of medication that can be used to treat dog anxiety include anti-anxiety drugs and beta blockers.

While medication can be very effective at treating dog anxiety, it's important to note that it isn't always successful. In some cases, dogs may not respond well to medication or may experience adverse side effects. I often see dogs experiencing a loss of appetite and motivation. Unfortunately, these side effects can prohibit successful behavior modification. Drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain can also stimulate processes in other parts. For example, the brain circuitry responsible to release dopamine, the motivation molecule, can be blocked. However, high levels of motivation are crucial for the initial anxious behavior to change. If not adjusted carefully, anxiety medication can prevent training efforts from creating overall calmer behaviors.

It is important to understand that medication can take the edge off but is not a cure! The behavior is simply masked by elevated "feel good" chemicals in the brain. The risk of creating tolerance to the dosage is high and will require an increase in the concentration over time. In these cases, alternative treatments should be considered.

Many dog owners default to CBD as a more natural treatment for dog anxiety. However, while CBD may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with canine anxiety, it's not a cure-all solution, and shouldn't be used as a substitute for behavior modification and training techniques. Dog owners should always consult with trained professionals when treating any kind of behavioral issue in their beloved animals.

Causes of Dog Anxiety

Sustained Fear

One of the main causes of dog anxiety is fear or discomfort. In animals, fear is the worst feeling. Even worse than pain. It is an extremely strong reaction because it serves a fundamental need: survival and safety. Dogs can become fearful of all sorts of things, from loud noises to unfamiliar people or animals. In some cases, a dog's fear may be so severe that it can lead to debilitating anxiety.

In general, fear is the response to an external threat. For example, stepping on a snake evokes a fear response in all of us including dogs. Being faced with potential threats such as loud noises, other dogs, traffic, and other triggers, can trigger a sudden fear response.

The part of the brain that is responsible for fear is the amygdala. Once activated, the amygdala can trigger a fight or flight response including the rapid release of chemicals supporting the response. Adrenaline makes your dog run or fight and cortisol makes your dog unsettled (whiney). Together, the cocktail of modulators in the brain urges your dog to get out of the situation as fast as possible.

However, a learned fear response also means that your dog will try to avoid any of the threatening situations in the future. In order to do that, memories of the environment, smells, sights, and sounds will make your dog react before the same situation occurs again. This requires heightened vigilance due to the anticipation of a potential threat. Your dog's body reacts to the potential of a treat internally, which causes sustained anxiety. Your dog is constantly evaluating what to do with any given information.

Change of routine

It can be very difficult for us humans to relate because we can layer reasoning over fear and anxiety. Dogs cannot do that. The sensation and perception of the world around them is extremely detail oriented. I explained the mechanisms underlying in my podcast episode here. So even if you walk the same route every day, your dog will experience differences in the smells, sounds, and sights.

If a dog is used to a certain daily routine and that routine is suddenly disrupted, they may become even more anxious. This can include changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, or changes in their family dynamics, such as a new baby entering the family.

Lack of exposure

In contrast, the lack of exposure to new environments can cause anxiety. Well-structured and planned socialization events are crucial to teach the dog coping skills for short-term stress. The COVID pandemic has prevented many dogs from experiencing the "normal" world. Dogs learn in pictures and the more pictures they take during crucial growth periods, the better they will be equipped to handle various situations in the future.

Lack of mental and physical stimulation

Some dogs may also experience anxiety due to a lack of exercise. Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time or who don't get enough exercise may become restless and anxious. The mind and body need to "move" in order to keep everything balanced. I will discuss the importance of movement in a future podcast episode.

The level and intensity of exercise needed vary among breeds. Working line breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies, or Vizslas need extensive exercise for their well-being. The lack of proper exercise builds frustration that usually finds its way out in unfavorable situations. Destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, destroying furniture, accidents in the house, and nipping or biting are coming occurrences when natural needs are neglected. Here anxiety is rooted in unsettledness and frustration rather than fear.

The Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

Symptoms of dog anxiety can vary depending on the individual dog, but there are some common symptoms that are worth mentioning. One of the most obvious signs of dog anxiety is excessive barking or whining. Dogs who are anxious may also pace back and forth or spin in circles. Some dogs may urinate or defecate in inappropriate places due to their anxiety. And, finally, many dogs will drool excessively when they're anxious.

Dogs with Separation Anxiety

The diagnosis of separation-related disorder (SRD), a term encompassing a variety of behavioral issues in dogs, has significantly increased in the U.S. since 2019. The professional community moves away from the term "separation anxiety" and towards SRD to emphasize that related symptoms can have different root causes.

Symptoms range from whining and barking to destructive behaviors that can cause harm to the dog. Some dogs inflict pain on themselves to get out of the crate or other enclosures due to severe panic attacks.

Severe separation anxiety can persist for months, and the lack of effective solutions increases the risk of owners surrendering their dogs to the shelter due to uncontrollable behaviors. Some owners compromise their own freedom and social activities to not leave the house. However, such management strategies are rarely feasible long-term as the dog has to be left alone eventually.

A recent study has shown a link between frustration or fearfulness in dogs and non-separation-related contexts. That means that separation anxiety in dogs is an extension of broader ongoing behavioral problems. Focusing only on symptoms of a dog's separation anxiety alone often leads to even more frustration and worse symptoms.

Crate training, short periods of a family member leaving the home, as well as desensitization to certain triggers are crucial parts but very rarely address the root cause.

Tips for Dealing with Dog Anxiety

The first step usually includes desensitization to specific triggers. It is suggested to pick up your keys without going anywhere. Or prepare to leave by putting on shoes without leaving. However, training your dog to be content and calm while being alone, does not start with crate training but with a fundamental change of perception.

My team and I investigated the effect of protocols addressing the neurochemical imbalances associated with general anxiety, fear, and frustration on behaviors typically linked to separation anxiety. As mentioned earlier, anxiety is associated with elevated vigilance and stress which is apparent even in non-separation situations.

Our protocol at Canine Decoded focuses on strengthening behaviors that consequently increase independence and healthy detachment from the owner. Here we differentiate between frustration- and fear-based separation anxiety. Interactions and exercises, done throughout the day build the foundation for treating symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.

Other factors include:

1. Be patient and understanding.

It's important to remember that your dog is not trying to deliberately upset you, they're simply struggling with a condition that makes it difficult for them to regulate their emotions. When you're dealing with an anxious dog, patience and understanding are key. Don't get frustrated if your dog doesn't respond to training or behavior modification right away, and always be gentle and compassionate when interacting with them.

2. Create a predictable routine.

One of the best things you can do for an anxious dog is to create a predictable routine for them. This means sticking to the same daily routine as much as possible and making sure that any changes are gradual and introduced slowly. Having a predictable routine will help your dog feel more secure and calm. Our holistic separation anxiety program sets you and your dog up for success by giving you step-by-step guidance on how to create this routine and introduce incremental changes.

3. Exercise your dog regularly.

Exercise is another important part of keeping your dog anxiety-free. Dogs who get enough exercise are less likely to become anxious due to boredom or restlessness. A tired dog is a happy dog! So be sure to take your furry friend on plenty of walks and playtime sessions throughout the week.

4. Socialize your dog often.

Socialization is another key element of keeping dogs anxiety-free. Dogs who don't get enough socialization may become fearful or anxious in social situations, so it's important to expose them to new people, animals, and environments on a regular basis. This can be done through trips to the park, visits to friends' houses, or even by attending obedience classes or agility training sessions. But be careful not to overdo it. If done too much or without consideration of your dog's stress level, it can also cause anxiety. Socialization is not a spring, but a slow marathon. It never ends.

5. Seek professional help if needed.

If you're struggling to deal with your dog's anxiety on your own, it's always best to seek professional help from a qualified trainer or behaviorist. If you want to learn more about our comprehensive separation anxiety program, feel free to send an email to melanie@caninedecoded.com

Conclusion

Dogs are loyal and loving creatures that provide companionship and security to their owners. However, when a dog experiences anxiety, that loyalty can turn into aggression, destruction, or other unwanted behaviors. In this article, we have discussed the various causes of dog anxiety and some tips for dealing with it. If you are experiencing problems with your dog's behavior, please consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for help. Don't let your beloved pet suffer from debilitating anxiety - there is help available!