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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Supporting an Anxious Dog

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Much like humans, dogs can also suffer from mental illness issues such as depression and anxiety. It’s unpleasant for them to experience and it can make us worried about our canine friends. However, anxiety affects dogs in many different ways and it can be difficult to pinpoint if the issue is related to anxiety at all. While all dogs are prone to experiencing anxiety, it can actually develop life-long disorders if it’s not dealt with quickly. Dog anxiety can actually cause behavioral issues if left unchecked and should be managed carefully.

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Understanding the causes of anxiety

Humans and dogs often experience anxiety in similar ways. It’s all about understanding the causes of anxiety so that you can avoid them in the first place. In most cases, there are three factors that should be taken into consideration; fear, separation, and aging.

Anxiety from fear relates to unfamiliar noises, people they’ve never met before and new items that you’ve purchased. Your dog might find it really uncomfortable to see a change in their environment. Sometimes this anxiety can pass within a few days or even hours. But sometimes, the new stimulus may negatively affect them for a long time.

Separation can also cause anxiety in your dog. It’s estimated that around 14% of all dogs face some kind of separation anxiety in their life. They often find it difficult to be away from their family members and it can turn into difficult behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing on furniture, or even urinating in the house.

Lastly, aging can actually cause anxiety in older dogs. This is known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CDS. Dogs with CDS tend to have poor memory, they have difficulty learning, and they also have poor awareness. This can lead to confusion in older dogs which makes them a lot more anxious in everyday life.

Treating an anxious dog

Once you understand the causes of anxiety in your dog, you can start taking steps to actively prevent them from feeling anxious. However, the best course of action is usually to speak to your veterinarian, especially if the cause is something you can’t change or workaround. They’ll help you diagnose the type of anxiety your dog is suffering from, the most common triggers, and also offer solutions.

In some cases, you may be suggested some kind of medication or alternative treatment such as hemp for pets. These treatments have varying degrees of success and your veterinarian will usually suggest these if they deem it suitable for your dog’s condition. However, if there is a way to help them cure their anxiety without using any medication, that’s often the preferred method.

For instance, they may suggest some form of training or counter-conditioning in response to the causes of your dog’s anxiety. This helps to get rid of the aggressive or undesirable behavior that your dog engages in as a response to their anxiety stimuli. A professional dog trainer may also be able to help solve your dog’s anxiety problems.


Monday, September 28, 2020

4 Ways For Your Dog To Enjoy Fall

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We’re all gearing up for all the benefits that fall can bring to our lives. Wrapping up warm, sinking into a quieter state of mind; these are things that anyone who appreciates fall looks forward to the most. If you have a pet dog in your life, then it’s important to take steps to allow them to enjoy the season to the fullest, too! Dogs can enjoy all seasons, but there does seem to be something extra special about the freshness of fall that they love more than other times of the year. Below, we’ll look at some handy tips for making sure that they can love it as much as possible.

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To the Pumpkin Patch

There aren’t too many things that signify the arrival of fall more than a trip to the pumpkin patch. It’s a quintessential activity for the whole family (and also for your dog)! If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the pumpkin patch, take a look at the ones close to your home and find one that allows dogs to visit. Some even host special events and activities just for canines! Your dog will love it.

Long Walks Outdoors

Or what about getting out into the great outdoors? After the heat of summer, fall offers an exceptional opportunity for going on a long walk. You’ll love it (who doesn’t love walks in nature), but it’ll be especially delightful for your canine companion. During the fall, the dampness in the air brings out a whole selection of awesome scents. Think of how beautiful it is to smell those damp leaves! And now remember how much more powerful your dog’s sense of smell is. Plus, they’ll be able to stretch their legs and tire themselves out; a perfect warmup for a cozy night at home. And speaking of which…

Cozy Nights In

One of the best things about fall is all those cozy nights that we get to enjoy as a family. Make sure your dog is involved! Make sure they’re well-fed, they have a comfortable space, and that they’re warm. You can even ramp up the coziness factor by investing in matching dog and family pajamas from LazyOne; they’ll ensure that you and your canine companion are kept nice and toasty (and you’ll also have a great photo opportunity, too). From there, it’s all about putting on a movie and enjoying the night.

Playing in the Leaves

Your dog’s senses can go into overdrive during fall. So why not let them embrace the opportunity? One fun activity that they’ll love is to play in the leaves. You won’t see a dog as happy as when they’re able to run and jump into a big pile of leaves. Some dog owners prevent their pets from doing this, but so long as you know it’s safe, let them jump in. You can always clean them up afterward, and just think about how happy they’ll be! It’s a simple but fun gift you can give to them.