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ANXIETY - THE SILENT EPIDEMIC MORE AND MORE IN MY CONSULTATIONS I AM BEING PRESENTED WITH DOGS THAT HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF ANXIETY, AKIN TO WHAT WE WOULD CALL GAD (GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER) IN HUMANS. THIS DOES CORRELATE WITH ‘LOCKDOWN PUPPIES’ BUT ALSO MANY DOGS BORN OUTSIDE LOCKDOWN ARE PRESENTING HIGH LEVELS OF ANXIETY. The anxiety itself is a symptom of other underlying issues. Common causes of anxiety are poor gut health, early neutering, genetics, learned behaviour, and lifestyle factors. The dogs with high levels of anxiety tend to show unwanted behaviours such as being anxious when left, reactivity and aggression, being unable to settle, restlessness, excessive energy levels, and fear. It is important to help dogs suffering from anxiety because, if left untreated, it can have damaging long-term effects on the dog’s mental and physical wellbeing. Too many stress hormones in the body
can lead to diabetes, adrenal fatigue, and a shorter lifespan. When I am working with a dog that presents the unwanted behaviours that I believe are linked to anxiety, I like to do a complete overhaul of the dog’s life and lifestyle, looking at everything from diet, exercise, daily routine, toxin intake and owner attitude. It has been proven that the gut is directly linked to the brain via the vagus nerve, and supporting good gut health will promote healthy brain function. You only have to think how you might feel after eating a tonne of junk food, compared to eating a healthy meal. I firmly believe in a
