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Just like humans, our furry companions experience a wide range of emotions, and anxiety is no exception. As devoted dog owners, it's essential for us to recognize the signs of anxiety in our canine friends and understand the underlying reasons behind their behaviors. From the subtle shivers to the more overt howls, dogs communicate their feelings through a variety of manifestations that can sometimes leave us puzzled. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of anxiety in dogs, shedding light on the various ways our four-legged companions express their stress, fear, and unease. Whether it's the heart-wrenching whines of separation anxiety or the telltale signs of social discomfort, decoding these behaviors is crucial for providing the support and care our dogs need. Here are examples of how anxiety in dogs can manifest: Howling and Barking – Usually associated with separation anxiety, but this can occur with other types of anxiety as well. Shivering and Whining – One of the easier tells is frequent whining. They may also tremble and place more weight on their back legs, cowering. Panting and Pacing – Your dog may be panting and pacing from room to room without a discernable reason. They may seek out family members or continue to pace about. Hiding – A dog may react to stress by withdrawing from the situation entirely. They might hide behind you, or find a quiet out-of-the-way area to hole up in. Urinating and Defecating in the Home – An anxious puppy may pee and poop within the home, even if they’re fully housebroken. Escape Attempts – Some pups may try to escape from the situation. In extreme cases, they may try to break through doors or windows. Destructive Behavior – As a coping mechanism, dogs may chew furniture or dig holes in the yard. Refusal of Food – A dog that has been dealing with untreated chronic anxiety for a prolonged time may begin to refuse food. They may also experience changes in their normal bodily function, such as diarrhea. Aggression – An anxious dog may snap or even bite if they are in a fearful situation. This is more likely when the cause of anxiety is a stranger or another dog. Anxiety in dogs can be caused by various reasons, such as: Loud Noises - Noise anxiety or phobia is a common issue in dogs. The trigger can be any loud noise – fireworks, thunder, vacuum cleaners, construction workers, etc. Dogs with PTSD often exhibit noise phobia. Environmental Changes - Changes in the environment such as thunder and lightning are common anxiety triggers for dogs. In such cases, the dog reacts to changes in static electricity or air pressure. Separation - In dogs, separation anxiety (SA) is fear of being alone (away from a family member or in a kennel). Dogs with separation anxiety are destructive, extremely vocal, and prone to house-soiling. Certain dog breeds are more prone to SA. Social Situations - Social anxiety is when a dog feels uncomfortable around other dogs or people. In such situations, the dog will respond by becoming scared, submissive, or even aggressive. Travel - Motion sickness is possible in dogs too. During car rides, dogs feel nauseated and consequently anxious. The anxiety is even bigger if past car rides result in a vet visit or other stressful situations. Medical Condition - Finally, dog anxiety can be caused by underlying medical problems like hormonal imbalances (thyroid or adrenal gland issues) or painful conditions (arthritis or dental disease). In such cases, the anxiety is secondary. UnRuffled Pets® Pheromones have also been scientifically proven to reduce dog anxiety in many, many instances. Different forms for different applications.

Cat soiling, also known as inappropriate elimination, refers to a cat's behavior of urinating or defecating outside the litter box or in undesirable locations. There are several reasons why cats may engage in this behavior, and it's essential to identify the underlying cause to address the issue effectively. Some common causes of cat soiling include: 1. Medical issues: Cats may urinate or defecate outside the litter box if they have medical problems such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or gastrointestinal issues. Pain or discomfort can lead them to avoid the litter box. 2. Stress and anxiety: Cats are sensitive creatures, and stressors like changes in the environment, new pets, or unfamiliar scents can make them feel anxious. In response, they may soil in inappropriate places as a way of marking territory or seeking comfort. 3. Litter box issues: Cats may avoid the litter box if it's dirty, if they dislike the type of litter used, or if it's placed in an undesirable location. Some cats prefer privacy when using the litter box, while others may need multiple boxes in a multi-cat household. 4. Territory marking: Un-neutered male cats, and even some spayed or neutered cats, may mark their territory by spraying urine outside the litter box. 5. Behavioral problems: Cats may engage in inappropriate elimination due to behavioral issues, especially if they haven't been adequately trained or have experienced trauma. UnRuffled Pets® Pheromones help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Pheromones are natural chemical signals that animals use to reduce anxiety. Using UnRuffled Pets® Pheromones, such as sprays, collars, or diffusers, can create a calming environment for the cat. Synthetic pheromones can help reduce stress-related behaviors like inappropriate elimination by creating a sense of familiarity and comfort in the cat's environment. Cats may be less likely to soil outside the litter box if they feel secure and relaxed. It's important to note that while UnRuffled Pets® Pheromones can be helpful in some cases, they may not solve the problem entirely, especially if there are underlying medical issues or other behavioral factors involved. If a cat is consistently soiling outside the litter box, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems first. Additionally, a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist can help determine the specific cause of the soiling and recommend a comprehensive approach to address the issue effectively. This approach may include environmental modifications, litter box management, behavior training, and, if appropriate, the use of pheromones like UnRuffled Pets® Pheromones to complement the overall treatment plan.