Anxiety and Your Pet

Do you have an anxious pet? Is your pet trying to tell you something but you aren’t sure what signs to look for?

Anxiety doesn’t only occur in humans but can also be recognized in cats and dogs as well.

How can I tell if my dog is showing symptoms of stress or anxiety?

Some signs in dogs include but are not limited to:

• Whining
• Excessive panting
• Excessive barking
• Licking paws raw
• Destructive behaviour (chewing walls, furniture, blankets, shoes, etc…)
• Shivering/trembling
• In the worst cases, anxiety can even lead to aggression.

Signs in cats include but are not limited to:

• Excessive grooming (until fur is getting rubbed off)
• Pacing
• Excessive vocalizing
• Aggression
• Hiding
• Decreased eating/drinking

The cause for anxiety is unknown and though you may feel your dog is acting out with destructive behaviours and requires punishment – this is an inappropriate response. Punishment can worsen the anxiety behaviour and cause more stress to the pet.

If you feel your dog or cat is dealing with stress or anxiety and it is impacting their daily routine, please give us a call in the clinic at 905-855-2100 for helpful anti-anxiety products.