How to Detect Pet Anxiety

How to Detect Pet Anxiety

Companion animals help us alleviate our own stress. In fact, owning a pet has long been known to provide numerous mental and physical health benefits. Accordingly, it may seem ironic that pets can suffer from anxiety too. How can you know if your dog or cat has anxiety? Here are a few signs to look for that will let you know it is time to visit Magruder Tabb Veterinary Clinic in Yorktown, VA.

Signs of Pet Anxiety

Animals may experience anxiety at different stages of their lives, such as right after a move. Other times, it may be situational, as is often the case with separation or thunderstorm anxiety. Either way, your pet is likely to exhibit some common signs, including:

• Visible shaking
• Excessive vocalization (whimpering, whining, meowing, or crying)
• Attempting to escape
• Destructive behaviors
• Aggressiveness
• Urinating or defecating indoors after being potty trained

How to Treat Canine or Feline Anxiety

Most cases of animal anxiety will dissipate once the trigger has been eliminated. Even so, when the cause is persistent and ongoing, you may need to speak with a veterinarian. Depending on the reason, a veterinary clinic may recommend training, medication, or a combination of both. Reinforcing positive behavior while suppressing unwanted activities typically proves very effective in most cases.

Anxiety in pets is potentially harmful if an animal displays aggressive or destructive behavior. In that case, you may need to take additional precautions such as crating your pet or restricting their interaction with others. However, physical punishment is not recommended as it may even make the problem worse.

Contact Magruder Tabb Veterinary Clinic in Yorktown, VA

When your pet suffers from anxiety, it can cause you a great deal of stress as well. It’s generally easier to treat animal anxiety in its earliest stages before it causes bad behavior patterns. If your furry friend is exhibiting anxiousness, contact Magruder Tabb Veterinary Clinic in Yorktown at (757) 865-6510.