Thrive Pet Healthcare suggest five strategies to help pets combat their anxiety
May 6, 2024 (AUSTIN, Texas) – In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month and in conjunction with Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, May 6-12,
Thrive Pet Healthcare is raising awareness about the mental wellness of our canine companions, emphasizing proactive care to prevent anxiety before it affects the household.
“Recognizing and addressing dog anxiety early is crucial for maintaining the health and harmony within our homes,” said Dr. Kelly Cairns, Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “Our dogs rely on us to help them manage their emotions just as we rely on them to provide comfort when we need it most.”
A dog that is fearful or anxious may cower, hide, drool, lick their lips, tremble, yawn or withdraw from family members.
Dogs may experience anxiety for various reasons, including genetic predispositions or lack of early socialization. In some cases, anxiety can be triggered by negative experiences or interactions after the critical socialization period.
“It’s essential to first consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues that might be contributing to their anxiety,” said Dr. Cairns. “Like humans, a dog’s physical wellness can impact their mental wellness, and vice versa. Also, your veterinarian can suggest ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety.”
In some cases, medication can be used to treat a dog’s anxiety, but Dr. Cairns says it is not a magic cure. For dogs experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, a combination of prescription medication and behavioral training can be effective.
Recognizing your dog’s anxiety triggers and taking action to avoid or reduce the stressor may prevent your dog from escalating to more severe behaviors.
To help combat mild anxiety in dogs, Thrive Pet Healthcare suggests five strategies:
Increase exercise, which has been shown to reduce fear and aggression.
Provide mental stimulation through interactive toys.
Encourage bonding through joint activities like fetch or obedience training.
Use counter conditioning to associate positive experiences with anxiety triggers.
Implement systematic desensitization to gradually expose the dog to stressors in a controlled manner.
Dr. Cairns cautions against punishing dogs for anxious behavior, recommending instead to focus on understanding and addressing underlying triggers.
Thrive Pet Healthcare understands the value of investing in your pet’s well-being as well as saving money by preventing costly interventions for advanced illnesses. With their Thrive Plus membership program, your pet receives unlimited free exams, $5 nail trims and a 10% discount on services like diagnostic testing, dental cleanings and spay/neuter at 185 participating primary care clinics across the country.
On average, Thrive Plus members save $300 per year per pet. Thrive Plus ensures that pet owners receive the comprehensive support their beloved companions deserve.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
