Pet Anxiety

Many people understand the general mental and physical effects of anxiety on humans but seldom consider how pets might experience anxiety. Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic in Yorktown, VA, has an ace veterinary staff that is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating pet anxiety. 

axiety

How Anxiety Might Affect Your Pet

Whether you have a cat, a dog, or another beloved animal friend in your home, you might notice some changes in its behavior. Those changes might indicate anxiety and could produce serious health consequences.

Among the more common signs of anxiety is your pet damaging your property. If you ever come home to damaged furniture or claw marks, you likely have an anxious pet. Excessive shedding and defecation are also signs of anxiety.

Panting, pacing, and prancing back and forth could indicate an anxious state of mind. So could aggressive behavior or excessive meowing or barking. Your pet might show a variety of signs or just one or two while experiencing a high state of anxiety.

Common Ways Pets Experience Anxiety

Your veterinarian can help you to better understand the sources of what is making your pet anxious and help to alleviate its condition.

A common cause is separation anxiety when your pet fears it is about to be separated from you or your family. For example, many pets experience panic attacks when you place them inside your vehicle – such as when going to the local veterinarian's office.

If you have more than one pet, the introduction of a new pet into the household could trigger anxious behavior. Just about any chance inside the home could cause your pet to become anxious and act out.

How Our Veterinarian Might Help Your Pet

A veterinary examination can help to determine if your pet is unwell or just anxious. When a medical condition is ruled out, a veterinarian can help to treat your pet’s anxiety while also recommending some changes in daily activities.

Medication might include an antidepressant that helps to control any stress that affects your pet. It also might include benzodiazepine or a similar medication that helps to calm your pet when it is anxious. You also might interact more with your pet, such as taking a dog or cat outside for walks and generally playing to relieve stress.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Yorktown, VA

Call Magruder-Tabb Animal Clinic today at (757) 865-6510 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian. 

Location

Hours of Operation

Monday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed