Just like people, dogs can struggle with high levels of stress. They often feel separation anxiety and can even have phobias you’re not aware of. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact problem, and even more difficult to treat it. While there is no universal solution that works for every high-strung pooch, more and more people are turning to CBD for dogs with anxiety. But, before treating anxiety, you should know what signs to be on the lookout for if you suspect your dog is going through it.
1. A Decrease in Appetite
Although dogs are carnivores, it often seems like they’ll eat just about anything. Also, they don’t go on diets or fasts and don’t particularly care about losing weight. A sudden decrease in (or loss of) appetite could point to an underlying health condition or high levels of anxiety. So, if your pet seems to be losing interest in food or doesn’t want to eat at all — consult your vet.
2. Digestive Issues
Because dogs enjoy experimenting with their food, they can upset their stomachs quite easily. Also, although digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea can be indicative of gastrointestinal issues, they can also be brought on by stress. For example, that feeling of dread we all sometimes get at the bottom of our stomach — dogs can experience that too. However, if your dog’s digestive issues last over 24 hours, or its stool is bloody, call your vet straight away.
3. Increased Sleeping
You probably know what your dog’s sleeping schedule and habits are like. If your dog seems lethargic or is spending more time sleeping, it could be more than a phase. Conditions such as diabetes, tumors, poisoning, anemia, etc. can cause your dog to lose it’s playfulness and need more sleep. They can also mean your dog is traumatized or going through a rough patch. If you notice your dog is sleeping more than before, call a vet and schedule a check-up to exclude more serious conditions.
4. Isolation
Most dogs are typically quite attentive towards their humans, and playful towards other pets in the household. Although there are some dogs that prefer having some quality alone time, most prefer being in the company of their families. If your dog keeps leaving the room as soon as someone else enters it — it might be cause for concern. Although it could be going through a weird phase (as we all do at some point), keep monitoring your pet’s behavior for any changes. Lastly, make a trip to the vet if your dog continues acting strange.
5. Aggressive Behavior
If a dog is sick or anxious, it could start acting out and showing signs of aggression. Even seemingly submissive behavior, such as fearful facial expressions and body posture, often points to more aggressive dogs. Try consulting a vet or a behaviorist to prevent the situation from getting worse. If the problem is brought on by stress, a trained specialist will help you teach your dog to deal with its emotions in a healthier way. You can also use a muzzle to prevent your dog from harming other animals, humans, or itself.
How to Help Your Dog with Anxiety
Regular Exercise
Exercise can reduce stress levels in both dogs and humans. For example, dogs love the undivided attention they get while playing with owners, and that can help them feel less anxious. You could also go for walks with your four-legged friend to kill time and stress at the same time. Also, depending on your dog’s fitness levels, you can try going on a run or a hike.
CBD for Dogs with Anxiety
A lot of people use CBD for a number of conditions, such as arthritis, pain, depression, anxiety, etc. The substance can also help out dogs going through the same things. CBD is not psychoactive, and won’t cause your pet to start acting strange, but it will help you soothe its pain. There are many vendors that specialize in making CBD for dogs with anxiety, so make sure you do your research before purchasing one.
Final Thoughts
Each pet has a unique personality, and it typically doesn’t start changing for no reason. If you suspect there’s something going on with your dog, schedule a vet appointment so they can rule out any serious medical issues first. They will also be able to advise you on helping your dog if the problem is of an emotional nature. However, there are also some at-home remedies you could try out first. For example, CBD for dogs with anxiety has proven to be quite a successful method of treatment. You could also try taking long walks, giving massages, and playing upbeat music.
Anxiety can cause your dog to completely change its personality and have a negative effect on its health. Make sure to spend quality time with your fur-baby and always be on the lookout for the symptoms mentioned in this article.