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Your pet suffers from anxiety if it paces almost all the time or
howls when you are about to fall asleep. It is important that you
find a solution to your pet's anxiety problem. One solution is to
use a weighted blanket. The product was originally manufactured
to solve anxiety issues in humans, but are now frequently used to
calm down pets as well.
Anxiety reduction principles
Anxiety blankets are simply weighted blankets which were found to
be extremely useful in treating individuals suffering from
anxiety linked disorders. The heavy blanket mimics the swaddling
effect, which a number of individuals find relaxing. This
phenomenon is known as sensory integration. The consistent
pressure of the blanket assists to reduce the body's
physiological stress level. Since the body gets calmer, the mind
relaxes as well. Anxiety reduces by a marked amount. Autistic
children preferred this blanket over the normal blanket. In
short, the psychological effect is an overwhelmingly positive
one.If you buy a weighted blanket for your pet, do check its
weight. This is as the product may be too heavy for the animal.
It follows that you should buy the lighter versions. Choose the
lightest human anxiety blanket you find. Select the one marked
for babies. The weight of such a product may vary anywhere
between two to four pounds. A good quality blanket will have
equal weight distribution across its body. Keep in mind the
weight of your pet. Putting a four-pound blanket on an animal
weighing only 10 pounds is a torture. The animal may breathe with
difficulty in such a condition. This is equal to you wearing a
tight pant specially restricted around the waist.
Not suitable for all
Anxiety blankets are not suitable for pets already suffering from
asthma. This is specifically dangerous for flat faced pets like a
Persian Cat or a Bulldog. These blankets are also unsuitable for
pets suffering from skin conditions. The constant brush of skin
against fabric makes matters much worse than before. The blankets
are also not suitable for pets which chew on their blankets. The
product is filled with plastic beads. Other than the hazards of
beads getting everywhere, the worst scenario is of your pet
ingesting the beads. This will result in stomach trouble,
including diarrhea. If you think your pet has consumed too many
beads, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.No
manufacturer until now makes blankets suitable exclusively for
pets. You could get, however, a number of wraps and vests made
especially for dogs and cats. These products fit snugly to the
body, imparting a light pressure on your pet. These are excellent
for those times when there are thunderclaps or any other loud
sounds happening in the midst.
What to Do About Your Dog's Anxiety
Like humans, dogs feel anxiety and stress when they learn to fear
triggers or certain stimuli. Whether it's a reaction to
firecrackers exploding outdoors or extreme dread when they see
their owner leave the home, there are numerous factors that can
cause pets to become anxious and fearful. Some fears worsen with
age, and if these anxieties go untreated, they may become a
health issue over time.
Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem due to the
social nature of dogs, though there are numerous other causes
that can bring on anxiety. Pet parents will observe disruptive or
atypical behavior when their dogs are in duress due to anxiety.
Some of these symptoms may be subtle, while others will be
disruptive and obvious.
Dog phobias range in variety, from common fears like loud noises
(like thunderstorms or fireworks), to very specific triggers like
shadows or riding in cars. Some
breeds are genetically disposed to anxiety disorders, but all
dogs can develop anxiety from a fear of immediate or future
dangers. These fears may be associated with past negative
experiences, or have been formed during their socialization
period. The cause of canine fears can be imagined or real.
Canine anxiety can manifest in a number of behaviors and
symptoms. Some dogs show anxiety in subtle ways that can be
interpreted as odd but not abnormal behavior, such as excessive
yawning, licking, panting, shaking, or hiding. Other symptoms,
like incessant barking, aggression,
whining, and defecating in the house, are more disruptive, and
can be misinterpreted as unruly behavior.
Pet parents must observe their dogs' symptoms closely and try to
determine the root of their pet's fears. There are ways pet
parents can positively reinforce their dogs to reduce stress or
desensitize them to the anxiety trigger. Professional dog
trainers can help determine the best behavioral modifications
strategies. But in more severe cases, consultation with a
veterinarian, who may run tests to look for larger medical issues
or prescribe anti-anxiety medication, is recommended.
More on Pet Anxiety and Health
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of Summer
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Laceration
This information is for informational purposes only and is not
meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or
diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your
pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian
for accuracy.
