Animals suffer from anxiety just like humans.
Sometimes they are born with it. In which case they need the right home to help teach them confidence.
Sometimes past experiences cause it.
Sometimes it comes on as animals age because in general they feel less safe (can’t move as fast, hear as well, etc.)
Sometimes loving guardians cause it. Wait, What?
Yes, many times anxiety is caused inadvertently by loving, caring guardians.
What are some of the causes?
* Lack of exposure to new things (sounds, sights, experiences, places, etc)
* Too much control (not allowing your animal work through fears with guidance and support but instead avoiding all fears)
* Not allowing your animal some time away from you. In this case the animal becomes so dependent on you, they do not develop self soothing, self coping skills.
* Not enough exercise (mental &/or physical)
* Pushing animals into fears too quickly (this is just as damaging as avoiding fears)
* Placing human expectations on them (expecting them to tolerate human things)
Humans like to take care of animals. It feels good. And when they are nervous and we hug them and kiss them, we feel good about comforting them. But the best help we can give them is to teach them confidence (and still hug and kiss them).
When I talk to animals with anxiety they ALL want to be braver or more confident. They don’t want to be afraid. They don’t want anxiety. They want their guardian to help them release the anxiety.
Regardless of the cause it is not fun to live in fear. When you have a pet with anxiety, you as their guardian can help them getting more confident or you can get anxious about their anxiety and cause more anxiety!
Some animals will have anxiety their entire lives (personality, past trauma, etc) and some will get better. As their guardian, help them. They need your help. Many humans just accept their pets have anxiety! But instead try to help them.
* Music, Solfeggios
* More fresh air and sunlight
* Sage the home
* Slow, safe, controlled exposure to fears with professional guidance if needed
* When they are afraid be confident yourself! Tell them how brave they are instead of “It’s ok.”. They understand words and if you say. “It’s ok. “ It makes them feel there is something to worry about.
* Treat them like they are brave (with love, kisses, hugs). And don’t focus on the fear. Focus on something else so they can too. Give them a hug and then say, “OK let’s go over here”, and change the scene, give them something else to think about.
* Ear Plugs, Thunder Vests, Rescue Remedy, there are things that can help without avoiding the fear.
Some will get better. Some won’t (based on their past or age). But either way, your confidence will make them feel safer. If they are nervous and you are too (Even if you are only nervous about how nervous they are!). That is too much for them to carry.
It takes time, patience, love, and a balance of confidence and support but you can help them get better. And trust me, they are asking for help.
