Dog Anxiety Awareness Week 2023: Know What Experts Say About The Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Options For Our Furry Friends

Dog anxiety awareness week is commemorated throughout the first week of May to spread knowledge about the frequency of anxiety in dogs which can have a severe impact on their quality of life.

(Representational Image) ( Image Source :Getty )

New Delhi: Dogs are amazing friends who bring joy and affection into our lives, but they, too, can suffer from anxiety. As pet owners, we are constantly seeking new ways to keep our animals happy and healthy. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from anxiety and stress, which can have a severe impact on their quality of life.

Dog anxiety awareness week is commemorated throughout the first week of May to spread knowledge and raise awareness about the frequency of anxiety in dogs. Anxiety is a mental disorder that is caused by the body's natural reaction to stress and continuous fear. Dogs, like people, experience anxiety and according to veterinarians, is a rather benign manifestation of a dog's feelings, but it can quickly escalate into something tragic.

The purpose of dog anxiety awareness week is to raise awareness about the origins, trigger points, symptoms, and treatment of canine anxiety.

In this regard, Ambarish Sikarwar, who is the business head at Zigly said, "Anxiety in dogs can be identified through various symptoms, such as trembling, whining, aggression, accidents, destructive behaviour, and clinginess. It is important for dog parents to recognize these signs and take proactive steps to address the issue. By tackling the issue of anxiety head-on and providing comprehensive support, our furry companions will be able to live a happy and stress-free life."

Anxiety is a reasonably typical emotional manifestation that almost all dogs have. Regardless, they must be consoled and cared for, especially during times of unexpected panic attacks and anxious episodes.

Dr. Riyazuddin Khan, who is a veterinary Doctor at R K Wellness Pet Clinic, reaffirms this by saying, "Pet parents must understand that anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion that dogs experience. However, it can become a serious issue if not addressed. Fear, separation, and ageing are some of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs."

Loud noises, strange persons or animals, visual cues such as hats or umbrellas, new or strange locations, specific circumstances such as the vet's office or automobile rides, or surfaces such as grass or wood floors can all produce fear-related anxiety. Although some dogs may only have brief reactions to these types of stimuli, they may have a greater impact on anxious dogs.

On the other hand, separation anxiety is a typical problem in many dogs. While it is natural for dogs to be upset when their owners leave, some dogs experience more severe forms of separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour, excessive barking, and even physical harm. 

Age-related anxiety affects older dogs and is linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Memory, learning, perception, and consciousness begin to diminish in CDS dogs, comparable to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in humans. This naturally causes confusion and distress in older dogs.

A vet can assist you in determining the sort of anxiety that your dog is experiencing, as well as the various reasons and triggers. The vet can also help you assess whether your dog's anxiety is simply situational or whether it is becoming an overpowering issue and also rule out any other medical disorders that may be causing your dog's symptoms.

Additionally, a veterinarian will also assist you in developing a treatment plan because excessive anxiety is often caused by a combination of factors and the most effective treatment is usually a combination of training, preventive strategies, and, in some cases, medications.

Lastly,  Dr. Shashank Sinha, who is the CEO of Drools Pet Food said, "As pet parents, it is our responsibility to provide our furry friends with a safe and comforting environment, especially during times of distress. Simple acts of affection, like cuddling and playing with your pet, can go a long way in creating a calming environment."