👻If you have an anxious dog, you aren’t alone.

In this Issue

• 😱 General Anxiety in Dogs

• 💡 Sit & Stay Pro Tip

• 👨🏻‍⚕️ Dog food recalls

• 📝 Polls

• 😊The Smile Section

• 👩‍⚕️Vet Recommendations

• 🛒 Product of the week

• 🍫 Treats

We all have that neurotic friend, but what happens when that neurotic friend is your dog?

It’s easier to deal with when there is an obvious cause for your pet’s discomfort. Fireworks and thunderstorms are common reasons dogs might tuck their tails and run. Your dog might get nervous around strangers or other dogs or show signs of separation anxiety.

But when your dog seems stressed out all the time, you may begin feeling hopeless – and stressed out yourself.

Symptoms of Chronic Canine Anxiety

Canine Trade Group cites general anxiety as one of the top reasons clients reach out to them. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, you’ll want to check out our tips below – and possibly seek a certified dog trainer in your area.

• Whining and whimpering

• Hiding

• Trembling

• Avoiding eye contact

• Inability to settle

• Lack of interest in interacting

It’s important to note that while dogs with specific triggers may have more acute reactions, like wetting themselves or reacting aggressively, dogs with general or chronic anxiety will exhibit these milder symptoms on a more regular basis.

Sit & Stay Pro Tips — Help your dog keep calm and carry on.

1. Use training techniques and exercise to keep your dog’s focus outward instead of inward. Have you ever gotten stuck in your own head and couldn’t get out until you found the right distraction? Unfortunately, dogs can’t binge-watch Netflix or chat with a therapist, so it’s up to you to plant their focus on something other than their fears.The easiest way to do this is with basic obedience training and regular exercise. If your dog is tired from a long walk, they’ll have less time and energy to worry. If you notice your dog showing signs of anxiety at home, being able to draw their focus away with a simple command, like “sit” or “lay down,” can keep your pup from spiraling.

2. Be 100% sure there are no triggers. You may not see anything triggering your dog’s anxiety, but spend some time observing your pet to be absolutely sure there isn’t something in or out of the home stressing your dog out. Canine behavioral professionals can help with this step.

3. Set an example. According to Psychology Today, anxious pet owners are more likely to have anxious pets. Make sure you’re taking care of your mental health, too.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

In an effort to help keep our pups safe, Sit & Stay will now feature dog food and supplement recalls and advisories in each issue, sourced from the FDA website.

Here are the recalls and advisories announced so far in September 2023:

• Mid America Pet Food Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Hi-Pro Plus

Poll Results

We asked, and you answered. Most of you read for the Training Tips, with the second reason being the recently introduced Recall info!

Poll

The Smile Section

Vet Recommendations — To medicate or not to medicate?

Just as no person should feel embarrassed when taking medicine for anxiety, we shouldn’t feel ashamed about seeking anxiety medication for our dogs. In a PetMD article, veterinarian Dr. Adam Denish states that behavior modification should always be the first step, but “sometimes a two-fold approach needs to be taken.”

Learn more about anxiety in dogs and ways to help by reading the full article here.

Product of the Week

If you’re on the fence about prescription anxiety medication for your dog, there are plenty of natural calming supplements available. One of these is Zesty Paws: Calming Bites.

Right now, there is a $2 off coupon on Amazon, and you can also purchase smaller packages.

Treats

• Check out this Frenchie’s new jort/overalls combo 😂

• A British movie theater is now allowing dogs to attend screenings 🍿

• If you get the feeling that your dog understands you, you might be right 🧠

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!