PET ANXIETY - ANXIOUS PETS - FEARFUL PETS 

WHY ARE PETS ANXIOUS?

 

Anxiety and fear in pets can take many forms. Dogs and cats may become aggressive or nip related to underlying fear, but most often the signs are more subtle. Fear and anxiety can come from new people or new environments, separation, car rides, storms, vet visits, or even subtle changes in their environment that we humans may not notice.

 

SIGNS THAT YOUR PET IS ANXIOUS

 

In dogs, you may see destructive behaviors such as tearing up items or urinating/defecating inappropriately. They may tremble, hide, or look out of the side of their eyes, so you see more of the whites of their eyes showing than usual. Some dogs may even jump up more than usual, lick people, and try to get attention. This can appear almost as if they are very happy, but with an added anxious energy.

 

In cats signs can be even more difficult to recognize. Often a sign of stress could be going 'outside the litterbox'. Cats may also hide more, simply change their eating habits, or become more prone to hissing, scratching, or biting.

 

In both dogs and cats, their eating, drinking, or other habits may change. You also may take note of additional shedding during episodes of stress.

 

WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY IN PETS?

 

In both dogs and cats, there can be medical reasons for behavior changes that can resemble fear/anxiety. These conditions range from pain, to underlying hormone diseases. By thoroughly reviewing a history and performing a physical examination, we can often determine the underlying reason for changed behaviors and offer options that can help your pet.

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WHAT TO DO?

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We do not want your pets to be stressed or anxious. If you notice changes in your pet that may be linked to fear or anxiety, please let us know.  Our goal is to be a happy place for your pets to visit. If you know your pet has seemed nervous at a vet visit in the past, they don’t like the car ride, or you have a cat that doesn't want to get into the cat carrier, feel free to call and speak to us about it prior to your visit. We would love to work with you to build a strong bond with your pet.