L'estate è una stagione di riposo e relax, ma spesso il divertimento degli esseri umani può colpire i nostri familiari a quattro zampe.
Calmare un cane significa imparare a diffondere il particolare tipo di ansia del tuo animale domestico. L'ansia del cane in genere deriva da uno dei due fattori comuni.
Sebbene sia difficile far soffrire il tuo cane, a volte confortare fisicamente l'animale può fare più male che bene, poiché fornisce un rinforzo positivo per una risposta alla paura. Nei casi gravi di ansia del cane, possono essere necessari farmaci o terapia comportamentale; consultare il veterinario per eventuali cambiamenti improvvisi nel comportamento.
Temporali
La paura del tuono dei cani è ben nota; un sondaggio del produttore di capispalla per animali ThunderShirt stima che oltre il 17% dei cani soffra di fobia del rumore. Perché i cani hanno paura del tuono? I comportamentisti animali non hanno ristretto quale parte di un temporale snerva maggiormente i cani:lampi, tuoni rimbombanti o finestre che sbattono forte vento e pioggia. Una teoria ipotizza che gli animali domestici possano sentire il calo della pressione barometrica o la carica elettrica nell'aria.
L'ansia da tuono nei cani può essere influenzata dalla razza; cani da pastore e segugi hanno una maggiore incidenza di fobia delle tempeste. Ciò può essere attribuibile a caratteristiche consanguinee come riflessi pronti e non aggressività, che portano i cani a reprimere le emozioni dopo un'intensa reazione al tuono. Gli animali domestici con una storia di abusi o abbandono hanno anche maggiori probabilità di sperimentare una fobia del tuono e più ansia in generale. Ciò può essere dovuto a un'associazione negativa con il suono del tuono o alla mancanza di socializzazione. I cani da soccorso, in particolare, provano più ansia a causa della natura ad alto stress dei rifugi o di eventi traumatici passati.
La terapia sistematica di desensibilizzazione è consigliata per i cani con ansia da rumore. Ciò comporta la ricreazione dell'ambiente del temporale su scala più piccola, come suonare i tuoni a basso volume o imitare i fulmini con una torcia. Il cane viene premiato solo quando non sono presenti segni di ansia o paura, riducendo gradualmente l'associazione negativa del suono. Always consult your vet before beginning any new lifestyle changes. If therapy is not an option or shows no improvement, medication may be required.
Fireworks
Every 4th of July dogs across the nation cower in terror. Dogs and fireworks are mortal enemies, thanks to the pyrotechnics’ low decibel sound. To human ears, fireworks are a dull whine – dogs hear, see and smell the pretty lights as a mortal danger to them. Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan says a dog’s anxiety response is “a survival instinct,” designed to keep the animal alive in potentially dangerous situations.
Fireworks can be even scarier to dogs than thunderstorms, which at least provide animals with some warning signs of the impending noise. (Remember, dogs feel the drop in air pressure and increased electrical charges that precipitate a thunderstorm.) It is possible to retrain a dog’s natural fear instinct through repeated exposure, as in the previously discussed systematic desensitization therapy. For best results, start when your pet is a puppy and acclimate him to a variety of loud noises including car horns, children yelling, and motorcycles.
If all else fails, try your best to comfort or distract your dog. Before the fireworks begin, create a soothing environment for your pup, including a favorite bed or crate as well as toys. Rawhide chews or puzzle toys can distract dogs for hours, or put on some scientifically-sound music for dogs. If your pet is accident-prone, take a potty break before you settle in or lay some absorbent potty pads down as a precaution.
Separation anxiety
This type of dog anxiety is very common, especially among dogs who were previously surrendered or abandoned. Dogs are very social animals who typically prefer living in “packs,” be the members human, canine or even feline. When a dog with separation anxiety is left alone, he may believe he has been abandoned again; often this results in destructive behaviors as the panicked pet attempts to escape or look outside.
Young, male, mixed-breed dogs are the most likely to develop separation anxiety. Animal behaviorist Dr. Barbara S. Simpson denies any relationship between so-called “spoiling” a pet and the development of separation anxiety, but does note that close dog/pet parent relationships are more likely to result in separation anxiety.
With the rise of the pet-friendly workplace, many pet parents find taking their dog to work solves the issue. Doggy daycare or adopting a canine companion may reduce the feelings of isolation that lead many dogs to engage in destructive acts like soiling the carpet or chewing furniture. A long-term solution involves the pet parent modifying his or her routine; dogs learn and associate behaviors like putting on shoes with leaving the house. Dr. Simpson suggests practicing “graduated departures,” like putting on shoes and then returning to the couch for a while. In an American Veterinary Medical Association study, 62 percent of dogs with separation anxiety improved through simple acts by pet parents – no punishment for destructive behaviors, providing a chew toy before leaving, and increasing exercise.
Social anxiety
Even dogs find themselves uneasy in some social situations. Just as select pets are aggressive, others are shy and suffer from social anxiety. Often the two overlap – a scared dog is more likely to lash out – with anxiety-related fear leading to aggression. Before placing your pet in an unknown environment, consider how he or she deals with certain stressors. Crowds, children, other dogs, food smells, and loud music are all very stressful for a dog. Symptoms of dog anxiety include trembling, urination, growling, and classic body language signs like a tucked tail, pulled back ears, and avoiding eye contact.
Social anxiety in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including a traumatic event like a dog fight. Cesar Milan notes that the issue sometimes relates to poor self-esteem, recommending confidence-building activities and interactions with other dogs. Throw a ball for your pet, giving praise when he returns with it; even providing treats for a successful potty break will boost self-esteem.
Lack of socialization is usually the culprit, says author and dog trainer Victoria Stillwell of It’s Me or the Dog . “When you have a puppy, you have to introduce it to 100 new experiences and all different kinds of people and…dogs in a lot of different environments.” Start slow with adult dogs, gradually introducing stressful sounds and rewarding non-fearful responses. At the dog park, redirection is key to helping your pet stay calm. Introduce a tennis ball or run some obstacles, introducing one dog at a time to your pet. Ask other pet parents with solo leashed dogs if you can introduce your pet one-on-one for a practice round.
