There are a lot of pet owners that deal with some form of pet anxiety. Whether it is a cat, a dog, a guinea pig, or even a horse…animals can suffer from a tremendous amount of anxiety. Although it is a word that most people are familiar with, and they know what it is, the effects that anxiety has on both animals and people can vary depending on the chemistry of the person or animal that is experiencing the anxiety.
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety can come from a plethora of sources for both humans and animals. Some animals and humans suffer from a type of chronic anxiety that never goes away. Other forms of anxiety stem from situations that stir anxiety in the environment.
For example, there are many animals that suffer from separation anxiety. Some vets believe that when puppies or kittens are pulled from their litter before they are old enough to handle it they will be stricken with separation anxiety until either they learn how to cope with it.
There is situational anxiety where the situation that is happening is causing the anxiety, and there is mental anxiety where the brain is telling the body that it needs to be afraid of what is coming, regardless of whether or not there is an existing threat.
Pets Can Be Dangerous
The thing about anxiety is that when it happens it is in response to the fight or flight signal that the brain puts out in order to be able to survive traumatic experiences. Back in the pre-historic times when humans and animals alike could become prey at any given moment, it was important for the brain to be in the state of awareness that it needed to be in to remain alive. As soon as a threat came bounding into the area that had the potential to kill the person or animal, the brain would kick into gear and prepare the body to either run away as fast as it could or to prepare to fight to the death. At one time it was known as fight or flight, now it is known as fight, flight, or freeze.
In any event, when a pet is suffering from anxiety they are in direct defense mode. This means that they are ready to fight or run. When it comes to naturally aggressive dogs, they would rather face the danger and fight than to run away. In this case, it is very important to remain calm and cool when you are in the presence of a pet that is suffering from anxiety.
What to do For Pet Anxiety
The most important thing you have to remember is that when your pet is going through anxiety that you should always remain calm. Offer them a comforting pet and a soft soothing voice. If you yell at your pet when they are acting out from the effects of anxiety you will only make things worse for them, and yourself. Once they start becoming anxious, the only thing you can do is to help them calm down and let the feeling pass.
Some people buy anxiety sweaters and blankets so that they can help their pet feel more comfortable, while others give their struggling furry friends pet CBD. Whether or not any of these remedies will be effective on your particular pet, is not certain. If you are trying to find ways to soothe your pet’s anxiety other than by allowing them to calm down, you may want to have a talk with your veterinarian before you do so. Each pet is different and will have different responses to different treatments.