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Anxieties in Cats and Dogs
Anxieties are the result of a specific stimulus that may or may not actually present a real threat, such as thunderstorms, car rides, small children, other animals, etc. When faced with a potentially dangerous situation there are three responses which are seen in all species: fight, flight (run away), or freeze. The anxious pet has to deal with the physiologic effects. These responses are hard on the body, lowering their immune system, making them more vulnerable to diseases as they age. Also, anxieties worsen over time as the animal is unable to get any relief.
What are the primary causes of anxieties?
- Anxiousness can be inherited and is fairly common in some breeds.
- Early life experiences can result in anxieties. As puppies and kittens, early, non-frightening exposure to many situations is very important to decrease the potential for anxieties as your pet ages.
- Many dogs and cats feed off their human family’s anxieties and become anxious themselves.
- A single unpleasant occurrence can lead to a long-lasting fear of a similar situation.
- Some medical conditions can lead to anxieties such as hypo- or hyper-thyroidism and Cushings Disease.
 Early recognition is very important in successfully treating these anxieties. Signs of an anxious pet include hypervigilance (always on guard), one who is easily startled, and one who anticipates “problem” situations (such as the animal that is afraid of thunderstorms and then becomes anxious with just a little rain). When they are anxious they will show symptoms such as panting, trembling, drooling, yawning frequently, lip licking, and the hair may stand up on their back. Their heart rate and respiration increases, and they occasionally empty their anal glands and urinate submissively. Anxieties in pets can result in unpredictable behavior such as biting, running away, and ruining things (such as your couch).
Behavior modification training has helped many pets live much more carefree lives. Anxious animals can be trained to be comfortable in a situation that previously would have been difficult for them. Pets that have suffered from anxieties for a period of time usually need medical intervention along with the behavior modification training. Please speak with your veterinarian or the veterinary staff if you believe your pet is suffering from anxieties. Your pet will love you for it.
The “Guilty Look”
You come home from work to find your dog has spent the day shredding your couch pillows. Is the dog looking guilty – the drooping ears, tucked tail, crouching and cowering, averted gaze, running and hiding, and sometimes urinating submissively? Does your dog really know that shredding the couch pillows is not acceptable behavior? Recent research and most dog trainers say NO. The ”guilt” is not so much related to what the dog did, but to what you do. The “guilty look” is in response to your angry voice, body posture, or even your facial expression. You perceive guilt, but that really isn’t what the dog is feeling. The dog only knows that you are upset. 
What can you do to manage destructive behavior? First, don’t allow your dog to play with shoes, slippers, socks, towels, pillows, etc, as toys. They can’t differentiate between which shoe they’re allowed to chew on and which one they aren’t. Second, try to determine the reason for the destructiveness. Be careful of anthropomorphism (attributing human emotions to an animal). Your pet does not have the emotions of anger, jealousy, or spite, which often are the reasons pet owners feel their dog has destroyed something. Destructive chewing/digging is a form of occupational therapy for our pets. It helps relieve stress and release pent-up energy and is often a result of boredom, anxieties, or insufficient exercise. When the behavior happens in front of a family member it may be attention-seeking behavior. For these animals, even negative attention is better than no attention at all. Most importantly, do not punish your pet for this behavior. Punishment won’t eliminate this problem, in fact it may increase anxieties and provoke other undesirable behaviors. Your veterinarian can help you with behavior modification training (or refer you to an animal behaviorist) and if necessary can prescribe medication that, along with behavior modification training, can really help the destructive pet.
Canine Influenza Vaccine
As discussed in last month's newsletter, there is now a vaccine for the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8). As of right now, we are still trying to determine the frequency and severity of the disease in Central Ohio before any decision is made about recommending the vaccine to our canine patients. We will keep you updated through our monthly newsletter.
Special Information for Ferret Owners
Ferrets can get the H1N1 virus ("swine flu"). So far it has only been diagnosed in one ferret (in Oregon). The symptoms are the same as in people, upper respiratory signs. They can get the virus from their human family and can transmit the virus back to humans. Call your veterinarian if your ferret is showing any upper respiratory symptoms.
Welcome Sonya
Sonya Gillane joined our staff in August, 2009. She currently resides in Marysville with her husband, William, and their Cocker Spaniel, Jill. After 13 years in aviation, Sonya has chosen to pursue a new career path in the field of veterinary medicine. Currently she is taking classes at Columbus State Community College and hopes, in the future, to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. In her spare time Sonya studies and plays "tennis" with Jill.
Toxic Toys
A non-profit research organization, HealthyStuff.org has found that some of our pet’s toys contain potentially harmful chemicals. Please visit their website for a complete list. By the way, this website isn't just for pets. They conduct tests on a wide variety of everyday items.
Christmas Donation 
Again this year, the staff and doctors of East Hilliard Veterinary Services will be donating to the Military Working Dogs Cooling Vest Project Last year, with help from many of our clients, we donated $825.00. At $300 per dog we almost got three dogs fully outfitted. This year, the package price is $410 per dog as new items have been added and the costs have gone up. We invite you to stop by anytime and join us in our Christmas project. A display on the Cooling Vest project and a donation box are in our reception area.
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