Chill out, dog...

Dog anxiety is prevalent and elusive. Unfortunately, it's a disorder that frequently goes unnoticed, undiagnosed and untreated. Millions of dogs suffer from anxiety every day. It can be debilitating and make your dog function abnormally. Their significant behavioral issues can cause you to suffer. Treating dog anxiety begins with some lessons. As a dog owner, it’s important to know some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate your dog has anxiety and identify some of the possible root causes for that anxiety. Next, make sure you understand all of the various treatment options out there because it’s important to choose the most effective and low-risk option available. (Scroll to the bottom of the page or get hemp oil for dog anxiety.)

Signs and symptoms of dog anxiety

Dog anxiety shows up in many different ways. Oftentimes, it manifests as irritating and annoying behaviors. It can be difficult to label a behavior as “anxiety” since other causes can also trigger similar symptoms. However, if your dog is exhibiting more than one or all of these symptoms, it’s safe to say your dog probably has anxiety.

• Hides under tables
• Follows you everywhere you go (including the bathroom)
• Excessively pees & poops in the house
• Inconsistent eating habits or doesn’t eat at all
• Shakes, cowers, pants and tucks tail between legs
• Inappropriate barking
• Excessively chews and destroys furniture
• Whines and whimpers for no apparent reason
• Inconsistent sleep patterns

While poor Fido suffers from the symptoms of anxiety, you ultimately have to deal with the effects of his behavior yourself, which can end up being a major hassle. It’s not right to give up on him or pass along his issues to someone else. Instead, you’re doing the right thing by learning about what you can do about it.

Causes of dog anxiety

From what is currently known about dog anxiety, there are many factors and conditions that can cause it. And oftentimes it is a combination of things that results in the issue. Really, anxiety can be seen as a symptom of other issues. So, if you are able to eliminate the causes then it’s best to try to do so. Causes can include:

• Loud noises including fireworks and babies crying (noise anxiety)
• Owner’s absence (separation anxiety)
• Change in surroundings--a new animal, person or object in the home
• Diet, exercise and health issues
• Environmental hazards: molds, pesticides and toxins
• And many other unknown or yet-to-be-known causes!

Considering the myriad of possible causes for dog anxiety, eliminating some or all of them may not always be reasonably possible. There must be another way. And there is.

Hemp oil for dog anxiety

There are many treatments on the market for dog anxiety--all claim to work, of course. However, with anxiety being the elusive and complicated disorder that it is, there is no silver bullet for treating it. The best thing we can do as dog owners is choose the best treatment option available and shoot to try the lowest-risk and most highly effective one that we can, right? Treatment options can be boiled down to: prescription medications, managing health on your own such as regulating diet, sleep and exercise; and supplements including vitamins, minerals and hemp oil.

Prescription medications are both expensive ($) and risky. Have you ever listened to an entire prescription medication commercial? The side effects are scary; it’s amazing people even try using them. Especially considering most people don’t carry insurance for their pets to cover their health costs, medications from your vet can add up to astronomical amounts. And managing your dog’s anxiety can be next to impossible to do on your own.

That’s why we recommend treating dog anxiety with hemp oil and other all-natural wellness products. It’s the most low-risk treatment option and supports a healthy lifestyle that’s best for your dog and their anxiety.

Give your dog a break with Zen Treats: Anti-Anxiety treats for dogs.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information contained or made available through the ColoradoDog website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice.