by Evangeline Uriyu

Created on: September 16, 2010

It’s difficult to believe that even our most pampered beloved dogs and cats suffer from anxiety. In fact it is often the pet parents though loving and attentive, who exacerbate their pet’s nervousness.  Before addressing remedies that help alleviate our pet’s anxiety, we must understand the causes of companion animal anxiety.

Nervous anxiety in dogs

There are several causes of anxiety and stress in dogs, but the most common are separation anxiety, and loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks.  Dogs clearly demonstrate fear anxiety by panting, drooling, clinging to their people, shaking, pacing, and hiding in strange places like the bathtub or behind the toilet.  Separation anxiety is often mistaken by the dogs’ caregivers as rebellious, spiteful behavior when it isn’t.  These behaviors include urinating and defecating in the house when left alone, scratching doors, chewing furniture, tearing holes in carpeting, howling and barking, even scratching and biting themselves in self-destructive behavior.  This is especially prevalent in rescue dogs or dogs that have bounced from family to family. 

The remedy for anxiety in dogs involves some behavior modification and often the use of either natural remedies or medications.  In the case of fear anxiety of thunderstorms and fireworks, it is important not to soothe and baby the dog that is showing anxiety.  This only reinforces his conviction that a very threatening, event is happening.  Punishment will only increase his anxiety; never punish an anxious dog. Instead try these remedies for a dog who suffers from thunderstorm or loud noise anxiety.

Change his environment.  If possible, place him in a room with no outside walls or windows.  Leave a dim light on and white noise like radio or fan.

If he is used to a crate, create a safe place by putting a blanket over it and let him go in there, but leave the door open.

Always show him that you are calm and unaffected by the noise.

Natural remedies like Bach’s Flower Essences rescue remedy for dogs are completely safe and they work. Rescue Remedy is a combination of flower essences that work to alleviate fear and anxiety.  They take about an hour to work, so don’t wait until the storm is upon him to administer.  You can either place drops in his mouth, twelve drops in his drinking water, or use the cream form to rub into his ears and paws.  It is best to

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