It can also be what is known as old-age-onset separation anxiety, which can be caused by a decline in cognitive understanding, or memory, in elderly dogs. I just can't stop it and my husband doesn't understand why I'm so stressed. While a number of diseases result in excess water intake and urine output, the most common of these diseases include kidney failure , diabetes mellitus and Cushing’s disease . 1. Allergies are the number one cause of excessive licking in dogs. I think that my worring is logical cos bad things happen to people all the time, so bad things might happen to me. Yes! Very few dogs actually LIKE being left alone -- they are social animals by nature. Mainly about my dog! To help a dog with separation anxiety, take them for a walk before you leave, give them a stuffed treat toy to keep them busy, don’t make a big deal about coming and going, or try using one of. It can manifest itself in scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors that can cause severe damage. Next thing, as the owner walks inside, he finds a small puddle by the door. I went through a period where I couldn't get the horrible stories out of my head and I would just sit and sob or my stomach would be in bits to the point where I couldn't eat my lunch. Blood pressure rises, causing loss of muscle and bone mass. I try my best to avoid negative news articles and barely watch the news now. I'm sure it will help to talk to someone about it who understands. 1.3 Too Many Tears. Some dogs will also smack their lips or drool … Like, she is literally my puppy-daughter. I have spent 1000s taking him to vet when ther is nothing wrong with him bit I imagine alsorts is going on! Contents hide. It's hard to escape the stories these days with the newspapers reporting abuse etc. CBT works for some not for others but it should give you a good grasp of what is going on with your body and in your head regardless. I was helping care for my grandmother 4 nights a week. Licking can also be a sign of nausea in some dogs. Developing a consistent schedule, controlling social interaction, and creating a predictable environment with low stimuli is the best way to help a dog who is generally anxious. I have had a few panic attacks but I didn't actually know what they were so they were quite scary at the time, feeling like I was going to die, sweaty hands and feet, racing heart,major feelings of doom and thinking all sorts of awful thoughts. You may even see your dog's stomach bloat or appear larger because of the excess gas. I wish I had appreciated her more when she was fine.. now it is too late so dont ruin your present and spend as much time with your dog as possible! Dry skin is one of the most common dog skin ailments which causes a dog's skin … Signs of Anxiety in Dogs. I have a Drs. Same here worry about my dog every single day, Yes I do my dog is getting old and I worry so much about her I ask my kids two come look after if I go the shop I'm watching her all the time case anything happened two her. Hangovers! Dry skin. I find that I don't like leaving him alone in the house and when I do I have visions that there will be a fire in the house and he will be trapped and wont be able to get out (so much so that when I pull up to my street I am actually looking for the blue lights of the fire engine and am relieved when I don't see any), or that when we are out another dog like a pitbull might attack him and kill him and I wont be able to do anything. I know this post is old but your words are helpful. I even installed a security camera to watch them through the day. Archie helped me with the intermittent anxiety I felt over my job at the time. When im upstairs with the cats and shes just laying at the base of the stairs(she is way too hyperactive for the cats and fights ensue if i do) i always feel like im failing her...i feel constant guilt if i have any spare time and its not with her...since she doesnt have a friend at home...at least the cats have each other so my guilt with that isnt there as much. I imagine her face being sad and her feeling depressed. Your Dog May Have Dental Problems. If a dog has anxiety, she will react by: Panting; Drooling posted … Unfortunately, a cause for anxiety can’t always be determined. Its so tiring worrying all the time, I'm jealous of people who don't think about any of these sort of things and are carefree. I have dealt with anxiety and depression for many years. I also find myself avoiding the news and social media due to all the violence and mainly animal abuse I can't deal with it or handle it. Sometimes it’s obvious what is causing your dog’s reaction, but sometimes it’s not. Boredom or anxiety. Usually, excessive water consumption is defined as a change from your dog’s usual habits. Separation anxiety is pretty common. I had two weeks trip and after returning, I found that my dog behaves abnormally. As much as I want to be aware of what is goping on around the world. Dog Eye Discharge: When To Worry About Dog Eye Boogers. I experience exactly the same. Anxiety in this case is most often caused by boredom and loneliness, perhaps associated with a previous negative experience while left alone. I don’t know the reasons why my dog don’t feel well. Can anyone give me a little perspective until I can breathe. Depending on your dog’s overall temperament and the severity of his anxiety, you may want to seek out a medical professional or behaviorist. I adore my dog, he is my best friend and he was by my side through really horrible periods of anxiety and depression, I would hate it if anything happened to him. One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive when left alone. if i see anything on Facebook about animal cruelty or adverts on tv it actually affects me for weeks! Or maybe they always avoid eye contact when you try to look at them and they retreat to the other room or into a hiding place often? It might be that the primary event that caused the onset of anxiety happened in the past and went unnoticed or occured before your pet became a member of your family. A dog with general anxiety is almost always walking around nervous like they are waiting for something to go wrong. If your dog’s eyes are constantly watering, it could be anything simple from allergies to a foreign body in the eye. Thank you so much for your response. part of the problem is, my dog and cats dont get along so i have the house levels seperated with a baby gate. Constant scratching can also be a sign of anxiety. Add that to my health anxiety and general worrying and some days I'm a wreck. Medical Causes of a Dog Constantly Licking His Nose Health problems can lead to a dog constantly licking their noses and may vary from minor issues to very serious problems. Granted, one of our dogs is older and had major health issues last year, but now I freak out with every little thing about him. Generalized anxiety is very common and often goes unrecognized. I have found that I have a lot of anxiety about my dog. Nose licking is most concerning when the nose licking is new, excessive, or when it … “It is easy to identify a dog who has a pacing problem. My biggest fear is the house catching fire! Separation anxiety is the most common specific anxiety in companion dogs. I was a wreck. Separation anxiety peeing in dogs takes place when the owner leaves the home. I read a great book called The Happiness Project and it really changed my way of thinking. Mine is a Black Lab/Collie cross called Harry. I will try to just enjoy walks out with my dog rather than thinking something will happen, but it will be so hard. I've noticed that it has been getting worse as I'm getting older. as they say. Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. Absolutely my anxiety attacks were (are) much worse when I've over-indulged. This type of training/retraining can be time-consuming. I still have anxiety over him now, even though he has passed away at the age of 17. It seems I get those images into my head and it makes my anxiety that much worse. Besides the tucked tail, fidgeting, avoidance of eye contact, and hiding behavior, anxiety signs and symptoms also include: Spontaneous elimination (urination/bowel movement), Displacement behaviors: yawning, lip licking, air sniffing, “shaking it off” like a wet dog. Pet Lover Geek: What Exactly Is CBD, And Should I Give It To My Pet? I can't imagine my dog being left in the house. The endocannabinoid system is a bridge between the body and mind, so as the CBD oil affects the endocannabinoid receptors in your dog’s body, it also helps to calm his mind. Do you have a dog whose tail is almost always tucked between their legs and they can’t seem to settle? With your last comment to Gatita, I have been doing exactly the same as you, dwelling on things that have happened, or that could/may never happen. This behavior can occur whether you’re gone an hour or only 5 minutes. I tied him up outside a shop and popped in to literally get three things and I almost couldn't stay in the queue (1 person long) and felt physically sick while I was in there and almost put my groceries down and left the shop because I couldn't stand it any more. Separation anxiety associated with the dog being left alone is the most common; some experts estimate that about 14 % of dogs suffer from this disorder to some extent. Even maybe it's a mild tummy ache, a loss of apettite or she's drinking less water.Even before i sleep, i can't imagine her being not on my side without wondering if she really is sick and i'm not there to quickly respond and even lose her too. I get frustrated whenever I think about it that it can even happen and nobody can stop it. Several different dental issues might present itself by causing your dog to constantly swallow. I'm the same exact way! For that reason, dogs often become anxious even if they sense a storm might be coming. If your dog seems to be scratching at the one spot all the time, it’s quite possible that he is actually feeling pain or discomfort, and you just can’t identify the source. x. I could have written your post myself! These dogs may just be generally anxious because they dealt with an unpredictable routine or environment. I do everything I can to provide some return to my dogs for the love and joy they bring me. reason I don't know why but I need some help if you get me aha I know nothing bads going to happen... just need abit of a refresh on things. I think about it every time we're away from the house for long and how horrible it would be if my dogs were trapped. This all just makes me miserable. Although getting a puppy made me more anxious, there was a flip side too. Thank you so much for all of your comments, It's comforting to know that you guys feel the same. There isn’t really a rhyme or reason to it. If you notice your dog with an unnatural thirst which will lead to unnatural urination, weight gain, and excessive panting and restlessness, then have her checked out by the vet. Sometimes what is actually general anxiety is shrugged off as a common characteristic of a breed when, in fact, is not necessarily a “normal behavior”. Im also not super active but Ive been forcing myself out once a day for a walk...not a real long walk though...I take her in the car with me for rides when i can too. It’s also possible that your dog is just prone to anxiety and they get upset anytime there is a change to their routine or environment. As you say they are so trusting and caring and people can be so cruel. It’s hot in Texas and I’m not an early riser, so by the time I get up and moving it’s too hot. This was very upsetting obviously but this has reinforced the feelings of' what I'm worrying about can actually happen!'. I was so relieved to read this and know there are others that experience the same thing I do. This makes me feel very guilty. I also worry about how I'd get him out if there was a fire when we were asleep upstairs. This is an old post many had said already but at this time, it is really relatable. Dogs can become nervous or anxious for many reasons. Although these problems often indicate that a dog needs to be taught polite house manners, they can also be symptoms of distress. Is your dog calm most of the time but kind of freaks out when left alone or without a primary caregiver? I took Paxil for about 6 months and found the side-effects, and my horrid behavior towards others, to be not worth it. I would worry later on in life when my Gran developed dementia, she would feed him different things and would have to tell her off, this caused me a lot of anxiety. In fact, some dogs develop a condition akin to human obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can be either primary or secondary in its origin ( 1 , 2 ). No,but I do know.I can help make life better for some.... this still brings me anxiety knowING I cant help them all. Excessive fear and anxiety is a common problem in dogs. Copyright © 2010 - 2020 PetHub, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I was always worrying about my dog when growing up, from being a small boy of 11, through my teens and my twenties. It breaks my heart and now how quickly they've become a part of me and my dog's life, they were gone just as fast. Their dogs might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig or try to escape. I now i can watch them by camera now on my phone. A dog with separation anxiety may become destructive of furniture, bark, whine or howl excessively, or potty in the house when left alone. Just remember your dog is just happy to be with you. So.. It’s normal when they are in an uncomfortable situation. Observation of abnormal panting should prompt an office visit with your veterinarian, even if everything else about your dog appears to be perfectly normal. "Dogs are naturally fearful of those events because they are loud and scary, so they learn to associate the [lower level] noise of wind or rain with those events," Dr Mornement says. I would never leave him tied up outside a shop, just incase he would get loose or someone would steal him. Listen to your dog's stomach. gatita, you are right, I do need to live in the present more, I find that a lot of the time the anxiety ruins whatever I am doing as I'm just worrying or wanting to get back home. Omy god I seriously have the exact same shitty problem as u....it sux cuz everyones like dont worry and think positive but I cant cuz everytime ive tried that in the past something bad does happen and thrn its worse.....my dog is also my life and I seriously cant leave her alone, shes blind and I always worry about her.....I find myself staring at her when she sleeps to make sure she didnt stop breathing.....and I dont have any helcul info but just wanted to say I feel ur pain.....and it also bothers me thst, I have a blind dog two she keeps bumping into stuff I won't leave her case she gets her self. After all, many types of aggression in dogs are fueled by anxiety, and the calming qualities of CBD oil can help relieve anxiety. Abnormal panting deserves attention! Lol) I also keep a journal of things that have made me happy. I compare my dog’s conditions with your described dog anxiety signs, which match my dog, such as excessive barking, fearful behavior, shaking, and aggression etc. With separation anxiety, a dog that’s left alone for a period of time exhibits anxiety or excessive distress behaviors. Hi I read your blog you've got the full set of symptoms for anxiety worry panic world coming to an end something will happen to someone or thing that we love your not on your own there you say your going to go to your drs a positive move and I hope he will help you in your blog you said you were in a shop and in the queue and you ALMOST ran out but you didn't and that's a big thing concentrate on the fact you faced your panic bad as it was and stayed and finished what you had to do that's something to pat yourself on the back for as for your dog they're a friend in your low times and I'm sure you look after him well the rest of the time they look after themselves my dogs lying here snoring guarding his pile of biscuits il leave you with the fact that things we worry about very rarely come true so you look after yourself get to the drs and leave the worrying alone and have a smile when you take your dog out he's enjoying life so should you be. You are not alone here. It's keeping me up at night and affecting my work. it breaks my heart thank u for sharing how u are it actually helps to know u are not alone x. I am in the same boat as everyone here.. especially louisewiley. Or even that someone evil that hates dogs might have left something sharp out on purpose and he might jump onto it while playing. 4. It really makes you fall deeper in live with them. I know this is an old post but I have the exact same issues. I know I probably have it mild compared to some people, so I don't want to feel like I'm moaning. Dog anxiety can affect all breeds, but may affect each individual dog differently. Hi all I had to just google for some help with my 24/7 constant worry and feeling upset and distressed by thinking of animals that have suffered/are suffering/will suffer at the hands of humans.I literally feel like im going mad, but to find this thread and know other people feel the same. That's why lately even a twitch, a stand or stretching of my dog even in her sleep, i get worried so much that maybe she is having a seizure or something hurts. DRY SKIN. Typically, the owner comes back from work and is greeted by an overly excited dog. Large medium and small. I will have to put her to sleep. He's also quite huge lol. Anxiety has stolen that life away from me, maybe not such a bad thing, but beer festivals and nice wine used to be part of my social life. A dog can also have general anxiety. I am just so protective over him, he is so soppy and hasn't got a bad bone in his body. It's a displacement behavior, meaning your pet is conflicted as to what to do and are anxious," said Johnson. Anxiety related disorders can take many forms. Dogs can become anxious for different reasons. If you ask here on the site about how other people cope you're bound to get some good advice and other options to think about in regards to coping, getting through this. This can occur if a dog spends a lot of time alone, and doesn’t get enough physical and mental stimulation. For example, when you are getting ready to go to work, your dog (if she has separation anxiety) will start reacting as she is anticipating danger after you are gone. I have not been to the doctor about this but have found my symptoms getting worse so have gone online to research and only recently found out what I have been suffering is actually anxiety. Excessive urination and excessive thirst in dogs is medically known as Polydipsia, defined as a water intake of over 100 ml/kg/day. I worry my depression is affecting her, my anxiety and I worry about her being sad because I don’t have the energy to exercise her enough. The first time I had feelings of doom and worry were about ten years or so ago when I had a hangover. "Yawning is one of the most overlooked signs of stress in a dog. But will keep working on it and find joy in the little things and hopefully they will overtake the bad thoughts one day! I just think as long as I give my dog the best life that's all I can do, I also try to raise money for animal charities where I can. I flet so much better spending g all that money to make me feel better. I have dealt with worrying about animals since a small child and people think I am... this forum tonight as I have concerns over my husband and I'm not sure what my next port of call is. If I was worried about a meeting, for example, spending time with Archie made me realise the importance of being present. I try to cherish every moment. I too have visions of something going horribly wrong in the house and something happening to him. Posts or news being animals abused or being put down breaks my heart and I can't really look at it and starts my anxiety all over again. I worry mostly about her not getting enough exercise. However, it becomes a problem when your dog exhibits many of these symptoms at the same time, any one of these symptoms to the extreme, or is in a constant state of anxiety. Fear or past traumas can cause a dog to have constant anxiety, especially when confronted with triggers If a dog isn’t socialized while young, then they can develop anxiety If a dog experienced trauma while incaged and was unable to escape, they can develop anxieties … If the anxiety is targeted and treated, then the dog might stop pacing. Bramwell, like you, I wouldn't be bothered about my belongings in the slightest if a burgular broke in, only the dog! I was able to figure that out and calm myself down after a while, but still not fun! My dog, Baby, is a healthy and happy Bluetick Coonhound mix. Their general anxiety can also turn into separation anxiety because they fear they are being abandoned again. After I lost 2 of my cats within 2 months a couple yrs ago(one i found dead, one i had to put to sleep) I have become obsessively worrying about my remaining pets(1 dog 2 cats). 1.1 Normal Eye Discharge. It was kind of a relief to know that it is actually a thing as I didn't really know what was happening. In that case, you can often detect what is triggering their abnormal behavior through trial and error or by paying keen attention to when their body language is indicating that they are nervous. I think that these stories are part of why I think someone may hurt my dog on purpose. One was hasn't come back if ever it ran away and the other after a few hours that i've left her, i came back and she's having a seizure and well like i said it didn't end well. I just realized you wrote this post 3 years ago, but it helped me to know that I'm not alone either! I've experienced two cats that i've cared for a short time and it didn't end well. Honestly my world almost but not entirely revolves around my doggies. For dogs, like humans, stress and anxiety is a number one trigger for needing to let off some steam. Symptoms of FAD can include fur loss, thickened skin, redness, paw licking, and hot spots. Hangovers make it worse, much worse! I know if any of them cross the rainbow bridge while I am alive I will b so sad because I want to believe even though people say " they're not human they r just dogs" that my love for them and their love for me was real! When I get something in my head about being seriously ill... constantly worried about my other cat. I’m a slave to my 2 year old retriever. Three specific types of anxiety are separation anxiety, former rescue (or shelter) dog anxiety, and illness-induced anxiety. Sometimes that is because the symptoms are subtle and don’t seem abnormal. Like u I was so worried about their safety not my belongings. I'll even write down a lovely walk I had with our dog and I'll write down the smells and the scenery. This means your 10-pound dog will drink a little over a cup of water every day whereas a 50-pound dog … It's really hard sometimes to not let this take over your life. If they are otherwise healthy, they may be anxious for one of the other reasons listed in this article. I also have terrible anxiety over animal abuse. Animals are so sweet and helpless and the fact that people hurt them on purpose just makes me feel sick and I just can't get over it. For instance my partner took our dog into work with him this morning and I walked out without even checking the switches. I feel although I want peace I can't fathom having it totally with all the evil in the world. But what exactly is anxiety in dogs? Lol I wish I wasn't such a worrier because my life would be sooo much easier. If your dog is licking abnormal places, such as the floors or the walls, or if your dog is licking his/her lips frequently, these can be a signs of gastrointestinal upset. Today I went by two houses to see if the dogs were inside or not. Just as people with anxiety might bite their nails or twirl their hair, dogs can have physical responses to psychological upset, too. there is no cure. Learn tips to help control and curb nuisance barking behavior. try to live in the present. Developing a consistent, predictable routine and environment is the best way to help these dogs feel safe at home.