In an era where emotional well-being is increasingly prioritized for both humans and their animal companions, this comprehensive guide delves into the prevalent issue of anxiety in dogs. Drawing parallels between human and canine stress, especially in the wake of global events, the article illuminates the nuanced relationship between pet owners and their furry friends. It provides clarity on the distinction between a dog offering general emotional comfort and a formally certified Emotional Support Animal (ESA), outlining the necessary steps and professional involvement for the latter. Furthermore, it offers invaluable insights into recognizing the multifaceted manifestations of anxiety in dogs and practical strategies for intervention, ultimately fostering a healthier, more harmonious living environment for both pets and their guardians.
Many pet owners, myself included, can attest to the often-intertwined nature of human and canine anxiety. My dog, Ava, frequently displays signs of nervousness, mirroring my own tendencies. This shared vulnerability highlights the deep bond we share, often described as a 'who rescued whom' dynamic when it comes to mutual comfort. This sentiment is far from unique; the surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic underscores a collective need for companionship and stress reduction. Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of pets on mental health, a crucial factor given the global rise in anxiety and depression observed during the initial year of the pandemic. However, as any dog owner understands, bringing a pet into one's life is not a magical cure-all for emotional challenges.
A compelling example of this shared anxiety can be seen across various social media platforms, where numerous pet owners share stories of their dogs exhibiting anxiety levels that match their own. This phenomenon manifests in diverse ways, from increased separation anxiety as owners gradually return to their workplaces, to dogs even sharing the same anti-anxiety medications as their human counterparts. In my personal experience, Ava seems to have mastered the art of conveying sadness through her expressions, particularly her ears, as if to deter me from ever leaving her alone. The ongoing 'studies' she conducts continually yield new, more subtle methods of appearing distressed.
This raises a pertinent question: what course of action should an individual take when their own emotional support dog requires emotional support in return? The first step involves understanding the difference between simply owning a dog for comfort and formally certifying an animal as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). While any pet can offer solace, reduce feelings of loneliness, and simply be a source of joy, obtaining ESA certification for a dog necessitates a consultation with and a formal letter from a licensed mental health professional. It's important to note that the requirements for an ESA are less stringent than those for a registered service animal or psychiatric service dog, as ESAs are not mandated to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired or reminding owners to take medication.
Given the absence of legal mandates for ESA-specific training, understanding your pet's individual behavior is paramount to truly benefiting from their emotional support. Dr. Valli Parthasarathy, a distinguished Veterinary Behavior Specialist and co-owner of Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon, emphasizes that a dog struggling with significant anxiety may not be able to fulfill its emotional support role effectively until its own anxiety is addressed. In such instances, Dr. Parthasarathy recommends consulting with your veterinarian and exploring behavior training options to ensure your dog can meet the necessary criteria for a certified ESA.
Even if formal ESA certification isn't your goal, but you wish for your anxious dog to provide comfort and companionship, rest assured that there are effective strategies to alleviate their anxieties, which in turn can contribute to your own peace of mind. Brett Currie, a canine public training and behavior manager at Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, confirms that dogs are indeed susceptible to anxiety. Beyond the widely recognized separation anxiety, dogs can experience fear-induced anxiety, stress in high-pressure environments, and age-related anxieties. Unfortunately, we cannot simply ask our pets about their feelings, which can lead to a complex interplay of emotional challenges for both dog and owner.
Dr. Parthasarathy underscores the individuality of each dog, meaning anxiety symptoms can vary significantly from one pet to another. Common indicators of anxiety often include excessive panting, restless pacing, a rigid body posture, and piloerection (where the hair along the back or shoulders stands on end). She also points out that some signs are more subtle, such as dilated pupils, widened eyes, or a lowered tail. Similar to humans, Dr. Parthasarathy explains that the specific combination of these signs will differ among dogs and may fluctuate depending on the context. While some dogs might react to anxiety with confrontation, others, like Ava, tend to seek hiding places. However, differentiating between a nervous tail wag and an enthusiastic one, or understanding the various reasons behind their hiding behaviors, requires consistent observation and a deep understanding of your pet's unique personality.
When you observe your dog exhibiting signs of anxiety, it's natural to wonder about the appropriate course of action. While dogs certainly have their own needs and desires, and sometimes appear to believe we exist solely to cater to them, the constant expectation to perform can induce anxiety in any creature, dogs included. Nevertheless, it's beneficial for both pets and owners if dogs can occasionally relax. Currie advises that if your dog appears more anxious than usual, a veterinary visit is always a prudent first step to rule out any underlying physical health issues that might be causing stress or anxiety. Assuming a clean bill of health, the next crucial step is to pinpoint the source of their stress and provide them with a respite from it.
Even my attention-seeking dog, Ava, occasionally needs a break from constant petting, though it's a rare occurrence. Both experts concur that the most effective initial approach is to remove either the stressor or your pet from the stressful environment. This might entail giving your pet space, even if your natural instinct is to comfort them closely. If removing the source of stress, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or general existential angst, isn't feasible, Currie suggests creating a serene, comfortable area for your dog and offering engaging distractions like frozen Kongs or LickiMats. Dr. Parthasarathy further advises owners to closely observe how their dog's behavior changes when interacting with other people and animals. She highlights that a greater ability to recognize anxiety early on leads to quicker intervention and generally more favorable outcomes for treatment. For dogs experiencing frequent and severe anxiety, Currie recommends consulting with your veterinarian and a certified trainer about potential anti-anxiety medications or individualized coping mechanisms for behavioral modification.
It's important to acknowledge that your own anxiety can sometimes be exacerbated by your dog's distress. While studies indicate that anxious pet owners often have anxious pets, it's entirely understandable to feel anxious when your dog is experiencing anxiety. Dr. Parthasarathy emphasizes the importance of striving for calmness in such situations, though this is often easier said than done. Currie suggests engaging in calming activities together, such as reading aloud to your pet, taking a peaceful walk in a quiet area, or playing a game of fetch in the yard, as these can help alleviate anxiety for both you and your dog. Ultimately, both Currie and Dr. Parthasarathy stress the importance of seeking professional assistance when either you or your pet are struggling. There should be no shame in reaching out for help to enhance the comfort and well-being of both yourself and your beloved companion.