Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1462604
Page 24 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com According to the ASPCA's National Rehoming Survey, pet behavioral problems are the most common reason that owner's re-home their pet. A large portion of the 47% of re-homed dogs and 42% of re-homed cats are due to behavioral issues, mostly aggressive or destructive behaviors. Anxiety disorders are significantly higher in our pets today than we experienced 20 years ago. The largest contributing factor is the level of toxins our pets are exposed to, particularly glyphosate. Glyphosate blocks the shikimate pathway found in bacteria. The shikimate pathway provides carbon skeletons for the aromatic amino acids L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine which are needed to make the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters affect mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion. As we see a decline in these neurotransmitters, we see a rise in anxiety and aggression. It is critically important to understand "why" an animal is expressing anxiety or stress and address the underlying problem. Cats that feel threatened or in danger, will trigger a fear response. This could be caused by strangers (new people), new pets, changing the furniture, moving the litter box, a dirty litter box, getting scared while in the litter box, loud noises, or any negative experience. Signs may include excessive vocalization, decreased appetite and associated weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, hiding, shaking, loss of litter box training, over grooming resulting in skin disease or attempting to escape. Pain from arthritis or other medical conditions may mimic these signs. Some cats will experience cognitive dysfunction (kitty Alzheimer) where they vocalize excessively during the night. It is imperative to have a good medical workup and address underlying causes. Signs of anxiety in dogs can range depending on the underlying cause of the anxiety. They may show heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive barking or growling, pacing, withdrawal, or compulsive disorders. Anxiety behaviors can be divided into 3 types of fear/anxiety. The first has to do with fear of new situations and loud noises. Car rides, new people, strange animals, fireworks, and the vet's office (if they have had a negative experience) all can trigger fear in some dogs. The second type of anxiety has to do with dogs that can't calm themselves when left alone. This is called separation anxiety and affects close to 14% of dogs. Sadly, these dogs can cause massive property damage, eating through doors, ripping up carpet, breaking through windows and eliminating indoors (urinating and bowel movements) or excessive barking from the severe anxiety of being left alone. The 3rd category has to do with cognitive dysfunction. As the pet ages it is like an Alzheimer patient, affecting memory, awareness, and learning. They forget things like potty training, where they are, and their sleep cycles can change. Like with cats, signs may be related to pain from arthritis or other medical conditions. Always seek answers through a good medical evaluation. Things NOT to do when your pet is stressed or anxious: 1. Do not discipline! No yelling, hitting or discipline that increases the pet's anxiety and strains the pet parent bond. 2. Avoid repeatedly exposing the pet to what is causing the fear or anxiety, they rarely desensitize and get worse with repeated exposure. (Proper desensitization may be attempted with a professional trainer.) 3. Do not reward anxious behavior by consoling or giving attention, this simply reinforces the anxiety/fear. The Best Defense Is A Great Offense! 1. Do your homework and learn about the natural behaviors of the fur child you want to adopt. Different breeds of dogs have special needs and personality traits. Is the breed good with other dogs, kids? Do you have the time and space to exercise breeds that need to run? Is your lifestyle conducive to giving this pet quality time? Is an older animal a better fit than a younger one who has no training? Same with breeds of cats (Siamese are more vocal). Animals need love and attention! This is a long-term relationship, be committed! 2. Invest in proper education and training for your fur child. Learning proper ways to teach behavior with positive reinforcement. Positive reward and clicker training are fun and build self-confidence and positive relationships. 3. Proper socialization when they are young also helps to build confident pets. If your pet needs to be good with children or other pets, they need to learn that skill when they are young. 4. Obedience training goes a long way to help your pet understand Stress and Anxiety A Growing Concern For The Fur Kids