The world has come a long way in recent decades to increase our understanding of mental illness and how to treat it. But it’s not only humans who suffer from these diseases–our furry friends can suffer from mental illness as well. Untreated mental illness can have serious effects on a dog’s physical health and quality of life, so it’s important to know the signs. One symptom of mental illness that may be misinterpreted in dogs is an anxiety attack.
An anxiety attack, both in humans and dogs, is when the brain believes it is being threatened (even if no danger is present) and triggers a physiological response to this fear. The attack often consists of fast yet labored breathing, tremors, nervous chewing (particularly on nails or skin), hiding, lashing out, or other forms of defensiveness. Dogs may growl or bark during them. While intense, an anxiety attack usually only lasts for a few minutes before subsiding. Afterwards, the individual often feels exhausted and thirsty.
Even though each anxiety attack passes quickly, an individual suffering from them may experience them multiple times each week. This kind of mental and physical stress can lead to weakened immune systems, heart palpitations, and other serious health issues. In some cases, the attacks may be a sign of a greater medical issue; if you are unable to calm your dog or if the anxiety attacks happen frequently, contact your veterinarian. It is important to figure out the cause and best treatment for your pup so that they can get back to enjoying life.
So what causes anxiety attacks in the first place? Each dog is different, but all anxiety attacks are brought on by something. This may be from an external trigger, or from the dog’s own worry about a particular circumstance. Some dogs with separation issues may experience panic attacks when left alone or when their favorite human is not present. Others are scared of loud or unfamiliar noises like fireworks, gunshots, vacuums, or sirens. Travelling in a vehicle may induce a panic attack in your dog, or alternatively being confined in a small space such as a crate or tiny yard.
The symptoms of an anxiety attack often look similar to other behaviors, so it’s important to understand what to look for. These include:
- Panting, rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive chewing (on paws, toys, nails, skin, etc.)
- Pacing or jitteriness
- Curling up or hiding
- Trembling
- Having accidents indoors
- Scratching, digging, or clawing
- Biting or growling
- Crying or shrieking (especially when left alone)
The best you can do during one of these attacks is to be a calm, reassuring presence for them. Pet your dog if they will let you, sit with them, and speak softly. If you notice these recurring symptoms in your dog, bring them in to see their vet. They will be able to recommend the best next steps for your dog’s case. Often, treatment for anxiety includes daily medication in serious cases, or simply increased physical and mental exercise in less severe cases. Routine is an important part in every dog’s life for their mental well-being, but especially for anxious pups.
If your dog needs help getting through an anxiety attack, or you simply want to teach them the basic training commands, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training to learn more about our obedience and training classes.
