Touch for Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety in dogs is defined by Dr. Karen L. Overall, DVM as the "apprehensive anticipation of future danger or misfortune accompanied". There are many methods of dealing with anxiety in dogs, most of which are simple to execute and involve slight behavior modification efforts. Touch or physical contact has been proven to be an effective method at calming an anxious dog.
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Symptoms
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Over-vigilant behavior, such as scanning the environment for a real or perceived threat, autonomic nervous system hyperactivity that leads to increased activity such as pacing, barking, whining and shaking. Physical tension in the muscles may also be present.
Causes
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Stressful situations, such as the loss or death of a loved one, a shelter or laboratory environment, loud noises or excessive exposure to unfamiliar stimuli may all cause symptoms of anxiety in canines. These symptoms are often acute, but may be chronic. Some dog breeds are naturally predisposed to anxiety.
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Touch Treatment
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The calming effects of a simple touch, such as a pet or an embrace, may be enough to calm a nervous dog. In chronic or severe cases, a technique called acupressure may be used as treatment. Acupressure works by touching or stimulating calming pressure points on the dog's body. (
Other Treatments
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Alternate treatments include desensitization to stimuli, the creation and maintenance of a daily routine and altering the dog's environment. Homeopathic remedies, such as Bach Flower Essences' "Rescue Remedy" are also thought to improve symptoms of anxiety. Medication, which is a last resort, has been shown to calm chronic anxiety in some, but not all, dogs.
Expert Insight
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You should seek the opinion of an expert if your dog has shown ongoing signs of anxiety. If the dog's anxiety becomes severe to the point where she cannot deal with it, or where your life is suffering, a veterinarian is qualified to make the determination on the best course of action for you and your pet.
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