How to Treat Canine Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are common in dogs, and while most are treatable with at-home remedies and a little extra attention, the problem with anxiety in canines is that it isn’t always easily recognizable. A dog will show panic in many different ways, from excessive licking and digging to more obvious behaviors like barking and aggression. While some dogs may become violent when they feel anxious, others will simply grow fearful--it’s the law of fight or flight. But no matter the outward appearance of a panic attack, it is a serious problem and should be treated with care and caution. Here’s how to treat anxiety in your dog.

Things You'll Need

• Dog treats

Instructions

1. See your veterinarian. Some panic attacks are caused by an unknown injury or illness. Pain and suffering, as in humans, can lead to depression. A dog will express his pain to you in the only way he can; most often, this is through anxiety and panic attacks. Your vet can pinpoint the issue if it has to do with your dog's physical health.

2. Show your affection. Dogs are loyal and loving animals, and it doesn’t take much to show them you adore them. If your dog is suffering from severe anxiety, be sure to give him extra attention and affection. Schedule at least 6 hours a week of quality time with your dog. Take a few hours to go to the park or for a walk, or to just play in the house. Whatever you do, be sure to make it solely about you and your dog.

3. Re-evaluate the way you punish and reward. While it is important to punish your dog for misbehavior and award her for good, many people are too severe when it comes to punishment and under-praise when it comes to rewards. A dog's main goal in life is to please her owner, and if she believes she is failing, it will cause her to become fearful and anxious. A stern “No” will almost always suffice when a dog has misbehaved. Never hit, scream or use props like brooms or newspapers to instill fear in your animal. Make sure that, even when she does something wrong, you still show you love her.

4. Treat separation anxiety. Many dogs suffer from panic attacks when they are left alone. This is often a learned behavior that stems from constant companionship. If your dog is used to your constant company and this suddenly changes, he will likely feel anxious. Gradually train him to be alone by slowly building up the time you are away. Short intervals starting at 30 minutes will help get him onto a schedule.

5. Deal with the loss of another pet in the household. Dogs, like humans, will feel the pain and sadness of a loss in the family. If another animal in your household has died, you will likely see your dog acting depressed for a few days. While a period of mourning is common and normal, you should be on the lookout for excessive recovery time. Be extra-attentive and loving during this time, to reassure the pet that you aren’t also going to disappear.

6. Carefully introduce a new dog to the household. Dogs are very territorial, and a new addition will feel like a threat to her environment. If she feels like she’s being abandoned or replaced, she will become anxious. Make sure you devote equal time to both animals. Introduce them to one another slowly and allow them to play together one on one to build a relationship that is separate from the family. But don’t try to force a connection.

Tips & Warnings

• Ignore attention-seeking tactics. Many dogs will bark and whine as a way of getting your attention. If you give them that attention, they will learn that this behavior is rewarded and persist in it.

• Signs of panic or anxiety in a dog include excessive barking and/or whining, excessive fur licking that begins to irritate or bald the skin, urinating in unacceptable places, loss of appetite, digging, aggression, running away, vomiting and excessive sleeping.

• Look for signs of injury or pain. An illness or injury could cause your dog to act out in an anxious manner.

• Do not sneak up on or surprise an anxious dog. Dogs suffering from panic attacks are very nervous, so only approach them after you’re sure they’ve been made aware of you.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish