Lindi Schaefer Of Centurion Asks
My one-year-old pug is very anxious and gets upset by anything out of the ordinary, such as thunderstorms or going away for a weekend. I don’t want to drug him; what options do I have?

The Team At The Herbal Pet Answers
Research has shown that a very real fear can build up when your pet experiences something out of the ordinary. This can lead to the classic flight or fight response, prompting your animal to run away or become aggressive. The good news is that you can do something about it. Start by becoming aware of signs indicating that your dog or cat is anxious:

• hiding
• chewing
• panting
• pacing
• digging
• drooling
• barking
• trying to jump out of windows or otherwise escape
• seeking out the owner
• trembling
• dilated pupils

It’s not uncommon for pets to suffer from noise phobias and University of Washington psychologist James Ha, a specialist in animal behaviour, says there are three main ways to handle this condition:

1 Management involves acclimatising the animal to the object of fear. For example, you can play loud noises on a CD or you can slowly introduce the pet to kids in a controlled environment, making sure to reward good behaviour. It also means removing the animal from the perceived danger; during firework displays or thunderstorms, make your pet a bed in a room with the doors and curtains closed to keep sound out. Wrapping your pet in a thundershirt or pressure wrap (visit takealot.com and other online pet shops), which applies constant pressure on the torso can also alleviate stress and reduce anxiety.

2 There are natural remedies, such as Herbal Pet, but these usually need to be administered a few days in advance to have the desired affect; add it to their food about a week before a stressful event.

3If the problem persists, medication may be necessary and your vet will have to prescribe scheduled drugs. Make sure you always have some on hand.

Text: Home
Image: