Pets, like humans, can experience anxiety for various reasons, from changes in routine to separation from their owners. Recognizing the signs and addressing anxiety early can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs may display these common symptoms of anxiety:
- Aggression
- Urinating or defecating indoors
- Drooling excessively
- Destructive behaviour (like chewing furniture or digging)
- Depression
- Excessive barking
- Pacing or restlessness
- Repetitive, compulsive actions
- Attempts to block you from leaving
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Cats often show anxiety differently than dogs. Look out for:
- Avoiding the litter box
- Excessive hiding
- Aggression
- Increased vocalization
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Following you excessively
- Lethargy
- Vomiting due to stress
- Destructive behaviours, like scratching furniture or curtains
How to Help an Anxious Pet
Fortunately, there are many strategies to support a pet dealing with anxiety. Consider these approaches:
- Massage Therapy
Massage is a powerful way to help anxious pets relax, build trust, and feel safe. - Aromatherapy
Calming collars or sprays with gentle scents can create a soothing environment. - Bach Flower Remedies
Rescue Remedy is available as sprays or drops and may help calm your pet. - Acupuncture
Seek an experienced veterinarian offering this service to relieve tension and promote relaxation. - Behavioural Training
Techniques like desensitization and counter-conditioning can help pets overcome fear-based anxieties. - Reiki Healing
This energetic therapy supports emotional and physical healing (offered by specialists like Kuri K9 Massage). - Veterinary-Recommended Medication
Prescription medications may be necessary for severe cases, so work closely with your vet to develop a treatment plan.
Understanding Pet Anxiety
Pets can experience anxiety due to:
- Changes in routine or environment
- Loud noises or visual stimuli (like hats, umbrellas, or wheelchairs)
- Car rides or new people and pets in their space
- Traumatic memories or confronting unfamiliar situations
- Separation anxiety when away from their owners
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in aging pets, leading to confusion and anxiety
The Role of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy provides much more than physical relaxation. It:
- Builds trust and confidence in pets with a history of neglect or trauma
- Reduces stress symptoms like elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Boosts immune function by alleviating stress
- Promotes emotional healing through the release of oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins
- Relieves pain and the anxiety or depression that often accompanies it
Massage therapy can be particularly transformative for shelter pets, those recovering from injuries, or animals in emotional distress. It improves both their mental and physical well-being, helping them feel balanced and ready to thrive. By recognizing the signs of anxiety and exploring supportive therapies like massage, you can help your pet lead a happier, healthier life.
Article by Regan Macaulay, Owner of Kuri K9 Massage
After extensive training through Treetops Animal Massage Certification Program (Ontario), I started my mobile business, Kuri K9 Massage in 2013 to help Toronto and GTA pets live healthier, happier lives by relieving physical and emotional pain and tension, thereby also relieving stress for fur baby moms and dads—boosting quality of life together for longer. I offer Swedish massage therapy to dogs and cats young and old, as well as reflexology, lymphatic drainage massage, sports massage, acupressure, and hydrotherapy wraps, as well as distance Reiki.
Website: https://www.kurik9massage.com/
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