Your pet plays an important part in your life as a source of unconditional love, comfort, and companionship. If your animal friend starts acting anxious, you may feel concerned or distressed. Fortunately, pet anxiety can be managed effectively. West Park Animal Hospital is located in the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. We serve the surrounding areas with a range of veterinary services, including helping pet owners manage their pets’ anxiety. With our team’s assistance, you can find your pet meaningful relief.

Signs of Anxiety

Pets, just like humans, can feel anxious. Though the emotion is the same, animals demonstrate it differently. Owners should learn their pet’s body language and become familiar with the ways they express their feelings. Though every animal is unique, common signs of anxiety include:

• Restlessness
• Compulsive pacing or running in circles
• Excessive drooling
• Frequent hiding or escaping
• Aggression without an apparent cause
• A hunched, withdrawn posture
• Whining, howling, or barking in dogs
• Destruction of furniture and household items
• Peeing or pooping inappropriately

Some of these symptoms may temporarily appear around anxiety-inducing events, such as thunderstorms or fireworks. Once the stress goes away, the symptoms usually do too. If any of these symptoms become recurrent, it may be a sign of chronic anxiety. This may result in persistent behavioral problems that can be challenging to address effectively.

What Causes Pet Anxiety?

For many owners, a pet is part of the family. You want your pet to be as comfortable and content as possible. While it can be concerning when pets display anxiety, understand it’s a normal reaction to stressful situations. Most pets will experience anxiety at some point in their lives. When trying to relieve or treat a pet, learning the source of their stress is helpful. Anxiety can have many potential causes:

Loud Noises

Noise is among the most common sources of pet anxiety. Animals, especially cats and dogs, have more sensitive hearing than humans do. As a result, very loud sounds often make pets feel nervous. Fireworks around New Year’s and the 4^th of July are frequent stressors. Thunderstorms and noisy construction work may also be upsetting.

Separation

Pet separation anxiety is another stressor. Though many pets may feel separation anxiety, it is especially common in dogs. This is because dogs are a social species. They are happiest when they are part of a group, and they rely on the presence of owners to feel safe. Separation from this social group is often frightening and anxiety-inducing to them.

Changes to Routine

Pets are creatures of habit. Everyday routines are a source of stability and comfort. When this routine is disrupted, your pet may feel stressed. Disruptions may include long car rides, visits to the veterinarian, a new member of the family, moving to an unfamiliar home, or changes in an owner’s work schedule.

Trauma

Adopting from a shelter is a great way to give animals a new opportunity to be loved. Some rescue animals have a history of abuse, abandonment, frequent re-homing, or neglect. This trauma can leave a lasting effect on an animal’s behavior. The pet may act constantly anxious, especially if it was just recently rescued. For these pets, anxiety is often more chronic than circumstantial. They may need pet anxiety meds to cope, so consult your veterinarian.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may cause heightened anxiety as well. For example, thyroid problems can create an imbalance in the hormones that govern fear responses. Cognitive dysfunction or decline in senior pets may also cause anxiety. Chronic pain and mobility issues often stress out animals that can no longer enjoy their favorite activities without discomfort.

Anxiety Treatments

The best way to treat pet anxiety is to speak with a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s anxiety and help you identify its causes and severity. They can also check for other health conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.

Many instances of anxiety can be treated with the appropriate prevention strategies. Proper socialization, a safe environment, and strong routines may help your pet feel safer. In some cases, you may need to remove the source of stress. If the stressor cannot be eliminated, behavioral training can help your pet engage with it in a more comfortable way that does not induce anxiety.

Pet anxiety medications are also available. These meds can help prepare your pet for stressful events. They may also relieve severe chronic anxiety, helping your pet relax while you work on training them in coping behaviors.

Treat Pet Anxiety at West Park Animal Hospital

If you are struggling to manage your pet’s anxiety, West Park Animal Hospital can help. Our team will assist you in finding a path to recovery. Located in Cleveland, OH, our veterinary services are available throughout the areas of West Park, North Olmsted, Berea, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, and Cleveland. Contact us to learn more about our veterinary facility or to schedule an appointment.

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