Have you ever had one of those moments when everything seems to be going wrong, and then your dog suddenly acts out, adding even more to the chaos?
Did you notice that, since starting your journey with hemangiosarcoma, your dog seems to match your restlessness? Or maybe they’re giving you more droopy eyes and sad faces? Yes, your little four-legged companion’s routine has been turned upside down just like yours, and their mood might be taking a toll. But chances are, your dog is simply mirroring your anxiety.
Dogs respond to the energy of their humans just as people react to one another’s emotions; they can read the room and pick up on our feelings. If you suddenly become very upset, your dog may not understand the reason, but they can sense that something is wrong.
Spotting Anxiety in Your Dog
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in ways similar to human anxiety, or it can look completely different. If it shows up, it can happen at any point in your dog’s hemangiosarcoma journey, and you can usually spot it by paying attention to their behavior and trusting what you know about them. The most common signs to watch for include:
- Showing aggression and being territorial over resources like the food bowl and their spaces. This can include barking, growling, and even nipping at people or animals that come near, known or unknown.
- Being overly submissive and clingy by jumping on you, excessively licking, and not letting you out of their sight. They can be triggered by loud noises, strangers, and everyday things they didn’t mind before.
- Displaying destructive behavior by chewing or tearing up furniture and objects to self-soothe.
- Having potty accidents in the house.
- Pacing, panting, whining, drooling, trembling, sleeping more, showing a lack of interest in activities, hiding, and repeating behaviors like licking its paws.
If your dog is receiving treatment, make sure to have a thorough discussion with your veterinary team so that you understand the potential side effects. This way, you can avoid confusing side effects with anxiety signs.
Finding Calm Amid the Chaos
Remember that your dog is unaware of the cancer; they live their lives one day at a time. Yes, maybe today is a bad pain day, they’re feeling a bit off, or not eating much, but it’s not the end of the world for them.
This is not an easy diagnosis, and you have every right in the world to feel guilty, overwhelmed, sad, and everything in between. But because you want to step up as an owner and do what’s best for your pup, you may need to get a grip on your anxiety first. These recommendations may help you along the way:
- Start by taking time for yourself and doing those things that help you unwind—like reading a good book, meditating, taking a bath, working out, or meeting up with friends to vent. Journaling is highly recommended during this process to help ground your feelings and stay aware of the moment. It’s important for both your and your dog’s health that you take a little time to recharge.
- Take power back from the diagnosis. Shift your thoughts from worrying about when ‘the day’ will come or waiting for another emergency, and instead think about making the time you have together count. Focus on prioritizing positive emotions; when you’re in a good mood, your dog will feel more secure and match that mood.
- Try to keep up with the life you both knew before the diagnosis. Dogs thrive on routine, so try to feed them at the same time each day and join them for gentle play when they feel like it. Going outside for exercise is great for combating stress in both humans and dogs, so enjoy the fresh air and quality time together—even if it’s a low-energy day for them, and you’re just sitting together on the grass.
- If your dog doesn’t already have one, create a safe space just for them. Fill this area with their favorite items, such as their bed and toys, so they can retreat there and be by themselves when they feel anxious.
- Research has shown that diffusing lavender oil can help alleviate anxiety for humans and dogs alike.
- Synthetic dog-pacifying (or dog-appeasing) pheromones are highly recommended for dogs suffering from anxiety. These can be in diffusers that you plug into the wall, collars, and spray bottles. They work by mimicking the pheromones mothers release to their puppies when nursing, like microscopic calming agents that trigger a sense of comfort. Keep in mind that pheromones don’t always provide instantaneous results; they can be immediate, but they may also be more subtle and gradual, taking place over a few days.
- Your vet may suggest nutritional supplements or medication if your dog is having a bad time with anxiety. Most products recommended for dog anxiety contain L-theanine or S-adenosylmethionine, which works by increasing serotonin and dopamine. Always check with your team to ensure you’re providing your dog with the right combination and doses for their well-being.
You want your dog to be calm, happy, and enjoying their days. Your dog wants to be with you in a relaxed, joyful, loving, and fun way. Focus on giving them that experience, no matter how much time you have left together.
Sources:
https://bondvet.com/b/pheromones-for-dogs
https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2020/04/seven-tips-to-manage-stress-during-challenging-times
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/articles/full-spectrum-cancer-care/brain-chemistry/reducing-anxiety-dogs-with-cancer/
https://www.anivive.com/learn/article/managing-anxiety-in-dogs-with-cancer
https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/anxiety-in-dogs-dog-anxiety-treatment
