Dog Fear: Causes, Consequences and Treatments
Daniel | September 3, 2024
Excessive dog fear is a problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding the origins of fear, its impact on mental and physical health, and effective treatments is key to improving the quality of life for your four-legged friends.
Origin of anxiety in dogs
Dog fear may stem from genetic factors and past experiences. Fear and other emotions are generated by the animal’s brain and controlled by the nervous system. The amygdala, part of the limbic system, plays a key role in perpetuating fear responses. Excessive tension in this area can make effective behavioral therapy difficult, as it aims to perpetuate behaviors that are designed to keep the body safe.
Experiences with the environment and the developmental period of the dog influence the development of anxiety reactions. Socialization during puppyhood, relationships with mother and siblings, and avoiding trauma are key to the proper development of coping skills in stressful situations.
Causes of anxiety in dogs
Genetics:
Innate genetic mechanisms predisposing to psychological traits.
Lack of socialization:
Insufficient experience during the adaptation period may result in difficulties in coping with stress.
Violence:
Experiences of violence can result in excessive fear and difficulties in relationships.
Trauma:
Psychological trauma resulting from traumatic experiences.
Sick:
It is associated with pain and visits to the vet, which may evoke negative associations.
How dog fear manifests itself:
- Passing urine or stool underneath yourself.
- Yawning, drooling.
- The desire to hide.
- Looking away.
- Hunched posture or crawling.
- Tremor, lifting of the foreleg.
- Frequent change of body position.
- Aggressive behavior.
Types of anxiety in dogs
Separation anxiety:
Related to excessive attachment to the owner, leading to stress during separation.
Sound phobias:
Fear of noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks.
Fear of people:
The dog is insecure in contacts with people.
Fear of other animals:
Resulting from lack of experience in contacts with other species.
Consequences of Not Treating Anxiety in Dogs
Failure to treat excessive anxiety in dogs can lead to a variety of health consequences. Psychosomatic symptoms include digestive, respiratory, hormonal, circulatory, and skin problems. Failure to intervene can worsen psychosomatic disorders, making treatment more difficult.
Alternative treatments for anxiety:
*1. Konsultacja weterynaryjna:
Professional veterinary consultations are the basis for treating any problems related to the dog's behavior and health. The veterinarian will conduct a full diagnostics, rule out somatic diseases and select any pharmacological treatment.
*2. Pomoc behawiorysty:
An animal behaviorist is an expert in the field of animal psychology and behavior. They will conduct a detailed analysis of the dog's behavior, customize a training program, and help the owner understand and cope with the pet's anxieties.
*3. Terapie niekonwencjonalne:
- Herbal Therapy:
Description: Herbs with calming effects, such as lavender, lemon balm or chamomile, can be used in the form of infusions, oils or tablets.
Application: Reducing tension, calming down, improving general well-being.
- Music therapy:
Description: Play relaxing music around your dog.
Application: Stress reduction, calming nerves, improving the mental climate.
- Aromatherapy:
Description: Use of essential oils with a relaxing effect.
Use: Reducing anxiety, improving concentration, supporting behavioral therapy.
- Massages:
Description: Gentle massaging of the dog's body.
Application: Relieving muscle tension, reducing stress, improving relaxation.
- Change of environment:
Description: Adapting the environment to the dog's needs, creating a quiet place.
Application: Improving comfort, reducing stress stimuli.
*4. Reiki for animals:
Description: Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique. In the case of animals, the practice is known as Animal Reiki. The Reiki practitioner transfers energy through touch or visualization, restoring the body's energy balance.
Uses: Calming, reducing tension, supporting the healing process. If your dog has anxiety, Animal Reiki can help reduce stress and improve mental balance.
Animal Reiki as a Complementary Healing Method
In the context of color therapy for dogs, it is also worth mentioning the technique called "Animal Reiki". Reiki is a Japanese healing method based on the transfer of energy through touch. Animal Reiki is adapted to the needs of animals and can be an effective tool supporting the therapy of dogs suffering from anxiety.
Relax:
Animal Reiki can help achieve a state of deep relaxation, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from anxiety.
Healing Energy:
Shifting energy balance can aid the mental and physical healing process.
Voltage reduction:
Reiki can help reduce tension and stress, which is key in treating anxiety in dogs.
It is worth remembering, however, that before using color therapy or Animal Reiki to treat dog anxiety, it is always worth consulting a veterinarian or an experienced behaviorist. These methods can be an effective supplement, but should not replace traditional forms of treatment.
It is important for dog owners to work with experienced professionals and use a variety of treatments, tailored to the individual needs of their pets. Complementing traditional therapies with non-conventional approaches can result in a holistic approach to your dog’s mental and physical health.
Dog fear and color therapy as a supplement to therapy for dogs with anxiety
Color therapy, also known as color therapy, is a treatment method that uses colors to affect well-being and mental and physical health. Although it is not a traditional form of treatment for animals, there is research to suggest that colors can affect dogs in a similar way to humans. In the context of treating anxiety in dogs, color therapy can be a fascinating complement to traditional methods.
The mechanism of action of color therapy
Red:
It stimulates and improves blood circulation and can also help increase energy and confidence.
Blue:
It has a calming effect, reduces stress, and may be useful in relieving anxiety and improving sleep.
Yellow:
Associated with joy and optimism, it can influence mood and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Green:
It harmonizes, has a calming and relaxing effect, and helps balance emotions.
Violet:
Associated with spirituality and peace, it can support deep relaxation and sleep.
How Color Therapy Can Help Treat Dog Anxiety
Creating a calm space:
Using calming colors in areas where your dog stays can create a calm atmosphere that can help reduce stress.
Visual sense stimulation:
Certain colours can stimulate your dog's sense of sight, which can impact his mood and overall well-being.
Training with colors:
Using colours during training can help shape positive reactions and associations with specific situations.
Light therapy:
Exposure to certain colors of light can affect a dog's circadian rhythm, which can be important in treating issues related to separation anxiety.
Individual preferences:
Every dog may react to colors differently, so it's important to observe which colors seem to have a positive effect on your particular pet.
Lithotherapy:
Lithotherapy, also known as crystal therapy, is based on the belief that minerals can affect energy and mental health. Although this approach is not scientifically sound, many advocates believe that crystals have energetic properties that can help balance the body and mind. Lithotherapy can be considered an adjunct to traditional methods when treating anxiety in dogs.
Mechanism of action of lithotherapy:
Amethyst:
Associated with relaxation and calm, it can help reduce tension and anxiety.
Rose Quartz:
Considered a crystal of love and peace, it can support emotional processes.
Selenite:
It has cleansing and soothing properties, which may be beneficial for animals experiencing stress.
Jasper:
By promoting a sense of security, it can be used for animals with separation anxiety.
How lithotherapy can help treat anxiety in dogs:
Creating a peaceful environment:
Placing crystals in areas where your dog spends time can create an energetic environment conducive to relaxation.
Using Crystals During Training:
Some dog owners use crystals during training sessions to help shape positive responses.
Energy Healing:
Lithotherapy beliefs suggest that crystals store energy that can contribute to psychological healing.
Energy stimulation of the body:
Lithotherapists say crystals can influence the body's energy, which can help balance emotions.
Methods of using lithotherapy in dogs:
Living space:
Place crystals in places your dog often visits, such as his bed, to create a calm environment.
Touch sessions:
Gently touching your dog with crystals can be relaxing, much like a massage.
Using pet jewelry:
Some owners use special crystal necklaces to provide their dog with energy throughout the day.
Meditation sessions:
Embrace your dog, gently holding the crystals in your hands during meditation sessions, if your dog allows it.