Just like people can be diagnosed with anxiety, our pets can also experience stress and nerves. As responsible pet parents, it’s vital to recognize the signs of anxiety and help alleviate their distress. We’re here to share some of our expert practical tips and strategies to help you better manage your pet’s anxiety and make them feel better.
How to Spot Pet Anxiety
Identifying signs of anxiety in our beloved cats and dogs is the first step towards helping them manage their condition. Dogs may exhibit anxiety through behaviors like excessive barking, panting, pacing, or even destructive actions. Cats, on the other hand, may hide, over-groom, or become more aggressive. Both species might also show changes in eating and elimination habits. If you’re not sure if these signs are indicative of anxiety, consult your veterinarian.
How to Manage Your Pet’s Anxiety
Just like there are various strategies humans use to manage stress, there are also plenty of different techniques you can try with your pet. Your cat or dog may be feeling anxious as the result of too much pent-up energy, which is why giving them plenty of time for physical activity is a great idea. Dogs should get daily walks or time to run around in the yard, while cats should have enough toys and space to play inside.
It’s also beneficial to establish set routines, so pets know exactly what they can expect every day. Dogs and cats love consistency, so feeding them and walking them at the same time every day is a great step towards managing their stress. In some cases, pets may benefit from supplements and medications specifically for managing anxiety.
Contact Your Veterinarian Today!
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to managing your pet’s anxiety, your veterinarian is here to help. They can listen to your concerns and help you find the right course of treatment for your pet’s anxiety.