We want our dogs to be as happy and comfortable in our home as we are. For some dogs, this isn't a possibility without help. Many people don't realize that dogs can suffer from the same psychological problems that people do. This includes, but isn't limited to anxiety disorders. If your dog is suffering from mental illness, it's cruel to not do anything about it. A lot of vets can help your pouch with the right medication. The meds your vet gives your dog are formulated in a similar manner to the anti-anxiety medications given to people.
There are things you can do to help with your dogs stress besides medications. These medications will do a lot, but they can't fix all the anxiety. Many people who have been on anxiety medications tell us that it takes the edge off, but doesn't get rid of the fear all together. We have to assume that it's the same case for dogs. Here are a few things you can do to ease your dogs anxiety.
If your dogs super afraid of thunderstorms, it's probably because he feels that he's not sheltered enough for it. Leaving a crate open is a perfect place for your dog to hide from the storm. If your dogs afraid of storms, you should never leave him or her out in one. This will only make it worse. They hate storms, it's practically torture to leave them out.
Make sure there isn't too much pressure when it comes time for your dog to meet another dog, or person. Don't force the relationship. Look at your dog, see how she or he's responding to this person. Does he look comfortable? If not, you need to make sure he is. Anti anxiety medications can help with fear of strangers, but you need to know that your dog will always be weary around them if he or she has this fear. A little sensitivity can go a long way when helping them get over it.
If you're seeing any problems with the medication, or not seeing any improvement, you should contact your vet right away. There are many options when it comes to anti anxiety medications for dogs, just like there are a lot of options for people.
Anxiety medications can also help your dog with compulsions. Has he been biting at his skin more then usual? Keeps chasing his tail? These are symptoms of Doggy, Obsessive compulsive disorder. Yes, such a thing actually exists. If you'd like your dog to stop with the tail chasing, you need to get him treatment for his OCD. It'll make your dog much happier, and save quite a bit of his fur from being chewed off.
I know you'll find the right solution for taking care of your dogs anxiety problem once you talk with your vet. Dogs deserve treatment just like people do, but they won't get it unless you take the time, and the financial sacrifice to ensure it.
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