Answers for Pet Anxiety

Anşwers for PET ANXIETY TOP TRIGGERS OF PET ANXIETY Separation Thunderstorms Loud sounds fireworks, vacuum cleaner Unfamiliar Unfamiliar animals people COMMON CAUSES OF ANXIETY > Bad past experience with stimulus Lack of exposure during early development Early Development Stage Months 1 2 4 Dogs Cats > Reaction to owner's anxiety • Aging > Hormonal imbalances - thyroid or adrenal issues ANXIETY SIGNALS Pacing Panting Drooling Attention seeking Hiding under furniture Chewing Aggression Immobility - frozen with fear Inappropriate elimination Self-trauma TIPS FOR SOOTHING ANXIOUS PETS 1. Don't show anxiety • Use a calm voice and relaxed body language • Pets respond to their owner's fear 2. Offer treats when stimulus is present • Example: Ask new people to give the pet a treat • Links stimulus with reward, rather than anxiety 3. Desensitize animal to stimulus • Example: Play a CD of storm sounds • Regular exposure can normalize the stimulus 4. Avoid punishment • Scolding intensifies anxiety 5. Talk to your vet • Vet can recommend behavior modification tips • Anti-anxiety medication is available • A Thundershirt may reduce your pet's anxiety • Pheromone therapy products, such as Feliway for cats and DAP for dogs, can help LAKE EMMA PROVIDED BY: ANIMAL HOSPITAL www.lakeemmaah.com Sources: lakeemmaanimalhospital com/pet-health-resources/pet-health-ar- ticles/articles/?rid-194 www.petmdcom/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anx- iety#UaDLo-UBT4O dogs.aboutcom/od/dogbehaviorproblems/q/thunderstormshtm www.countrylivingcom/ask-the expert/dog-anxiety-thunderstorms-0609 VA VA VA