March is the official Pet Anxiety Month
The nationwide campaign from behaviour products Adaptil and Feliway, is in its second consecutive year and aims to raise awareness of pet anxiety among pet owners and highlight what can be done to help anxious pets.
Pets can suffer from anxiety, just like we do. In the UK, 82% of dogs and 89% of cats are reported to be scared of something*. Whether it’s due to travelling, meeting new people, going to the vets, living with other pets, loud noises, the vacuum cleaner... the list goes on!
Obvious signs can include:
- Scratching
- Spraying
- Barking
- Destructive behaviour
- Reactiveness
- Tension with other animals
- Shaking and shivering
Discreet signs can include:
- Hiding
- Licking lips
- Tail between legs
- Showing whites of eyes
- Yawning
- Looking/moving away
- Panting
Your pet can display their anxiety to you in a variety of ways, which can also vary in severity:
It can be hard dealing with this issue day in, day out - so it is important to know you’re not alone and there is something that can be done.
Professional help:
It is always beneficial to source professional help from a trainer or behaviourist. The APBC is a great resource for this (apbc.org.uk). They can give advice on how to correctly deal with a pet’s anxiety without making it worse.
Product support:
Products like ADAPTIL and FELIWAY are scientifically proven to help anxious pets. The pheromones they release help pets feel safe, calm and secure. For the best results use these products alongside training and environmental changes.
Speaking to others:
Sometimes having an anxious pet can feel life changing. Speaking to other owners, whether that is friends, family or the vet nurse can help. Sharing thoughts and ideas may help you find that golden piece of information you need.
Training friends:
Family and Friends with cats or dogs will fully understand your situation and are the perfect group to help you practise your new training regime.
