Mental Health Awareness: Understanding Pet Anxiety
As awareness of mental health grows, it’s important to remember that our pets experience anxiety too. Just like humans, dogs and cats can feel stressed, fearful, or overwhelmed by their environment. Recognising and addressing pet anxiety is key to ensuring their wellbeing and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.
Recognising the Signs of Anxiety in Pets
Anxiety in pets often manifests through behavioural changes. Common signs in dogs include excessive panting, trembling, hiding, destructive behaviour, and inappropriate toileting. Cats may exhibit aggression, overgrooming, or avoidance of social interactions. Separation anxiety, particularly in dogs, has become increasingly common post-pandemic, with many vets reporting a significant rise in cases since 2020.
Key symptoms to watch for:
• Physiological responses: Drooling, shaking, or rapid breathing
• Behavioural changes: Increased vocalisation, destructive chewing, or attempts to escape
• Social withdrawal: Hiding, reluctance to interact, or unusual aggression
Causes of Pet Anxiety
Anxiety in pets can stem from multiple factors:
1. Environmental changes: Moving house, new family members, or altered routines
2. Noise phobias: Fireworks, thunderstorms, or loud household appliances
3. Separation distress: Difficulty coping when left alone
4. Owner influence: Studies show pets often mirror their owner’s emotional state – stressed humans may have stressed pets
Puppies lacking proper socialisation (particularly before 14 weeks) are more prone to developing anxiety disorders. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, with some breeds being naturally more sensitive.
Supporting Anxious Pets: Practical Strategies
For mild anxiety cases, these approaches can help:
• Create safe spaces: Provide quiet retreats with familiar bedding and toys
• Use calming aids: ADAPTIL pheromone diffusers (mimicking natural dog appeasing pheromones) or anxiety wraps
• Gradual desensitisation: Slowly introduce anxiety triggers at low intensity while rewarding calm behaviour
• Maintain routines: Consistent feeding times and exercise schedules provide security
When to Seek Professional Help
If anxiety persists or escalates, consult us. We’ll rule out medical causes (like thyroid issues or chronic pain) and help you create a tailored plan. This might include:
• Behavioural therapy: Certified trainers use counterconditioning techniques to change negative associations
• Medication: SSRIs (fluoxetine) or short-acting benzodiazepines for situational anxiety
• Specialist referrals: For complex cases, we might suggest you seek an animal behaviourist
Remember: Punishment worsens anxiety. Always reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.
The Human-Pet Mental Health Connection
Research confirms a bidirectional relationship between owner and pet mental health. A Swedish study found dogs particularly attuned to human emotional states. This means:
• Your calmness helps: Practice relaxation techniques around anxious pets
• Mutual support: While pets aid human mental health, they need our understanding too
• Shared activities: Gentle play sessions and calm grooming strengthen bonds and reduce stress
Prevention Through Early Socialisation
The critical socialisation period (3-14 weeks for puppies) lays the foundation for emotional resilience:
• Positive exposure: Introduce various people, animals, and environments gradually
• Reward curiosity: Use treats to build positive associations with new experiences
• Ongoing training: Continue socialisation into adulthood through controlled encounters
When Anxiety Becomes a Crisis
Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if your pet:
• Causes self-harm: Excessive licking or chewing leading to wounds
• Shows aggression: Growling, snapping, or uncharacteristic biting
• Stops eating: Refusing food for over 24 hours
A Compassionate Approach to Pet Mental Health
Understanding pet anxiety requires patience and empathy. At Broadway, we can help. Whether it’s recommending environmental modifications, prescribing anxiety medication, or suggesting tailored training programs, we’re here to support both pets and their owners through every step of the journey.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s anxiety levels, book a consultation today. Together, we can develop a personalised plan to help your companion feel secure and content.
-
Previous