We all want to live with a calm-tempered and happy pet. However, in real life, things can sometimes go wrong. Even though you shower your dog with love, care, and affection, he/she can start showing symptoms that are often related to anxiety. There’s a common misconception that only companion dog breeds can suffer from anxiety. However, the truth is that every dog can become fearful and anxious when facing sudden changes in his environment. Your Shiba Inu’s anxiety can seriously affect both your and your dog’s life. This condition is followed by numerous symptoms and if it’s left untreated, it can lead to self-destructive behavior.
Fortunately, some ways can help your dog win the battle against this disorder.
What are the symptoms of Shiba Inu’s anxiety?
To discover if your dog suffers from this disorder, you have to monitor the following symptoms:
- Chewing home items
- Pacing
- Trembling
- Howling
- Drooling
- Repetitive or compulsive behavior
- Whining
- Barking
- Licking paws
- Defecation
Sometimes, it might seem difficult to determine whether your dog suffers from anxiety or he just feels bored. The signs of boredom are often related to chewing on home items and paw licking. A bored dog won’t shiver, defecate and pace. Signs of boredom are easy to spot when you’re at home, while anxiety usually starts when the dog spends time alone.
The good news is that most Shiba Inus are independent, however, exceptions always exist. To properly tailor your dog into a confident and independent pet, you have to start on time with socialization lessons. Every pet should have his time for playing, napping, eating, walking, and spending time alone. A dog who didn’t get used to spending time alone in playing will be on a higher tendency to become clingy in the future.
How to discover if your dog feels bored?
Does your dog enjoy digging your yard and tipping over garbage cans? Does he follow you through the house and desperately expect your attention? Well, these are almost always the signs of a dog’s boredom. Owners of Shiba Inus should keep in mind the fact that these are highly energetic dogs who would not be the right pick for couch potatoes and busy persons.
Shibas are one of those breeds that search for constant activity. They belong to hunting dogs who require plenty of mental stimulation and activity to behave calmly at home. If you suspect your dog feels bored, then these are the symptoms to search for:
- Clingy behavior
- Chewing behavior
- Barking
- Jumping on you to get your attention
- Restless behavior
The best way to determine whether your Shiba Inu suffers from anxiety or boredom is to video his behavior while you’re out of the house. For example, you can put a camera in the room where your dog spends time. If he starts to bark, whine, howl, and nervously walks from one side to another like he’s searching for someone or something, then you can be pretty sure that he’s dealing with anxiety. The symptoms of anxiety are often shown within the first 30 min of your departure.
What are the reasons for Shiba Inu’s anxiety?
The most common reasons for Shiba Inu’s anxiety are fear of loud noise (thunderstorm, firework, doorbell), separation from the owner, sudden death or a family member, changes in environment, and aging. Changes in the environment include moving to another house, while senior dogs can become anxious due to loss of sight or hearing.
How to treat Shiba Inu’s anxiety?
Since dog anxiety requires immediate treatment, the best solution will be to consult a vet. He/she should help you identify the type of anxiety your dog has, and whether you can treat it in home conditions. Sometimes, dog owners will need the professional help of behavior specialists. The best way to treat this disorder will be to combine training, different strategies, and sometimes medications.
Use interactive Shiba Inu toys
Dog toys can help your pet to have a focus on something interesting that will occupy and train his mind. Since every dog loves snacks, the best toys to choose are those that you can fill with treats.
Use chew toys
Chew toys will be a good choice for dogs who show chewing behavior and deal with painful teething periods. They will help your Shiba release stress and distract his mind from your absence.
Help your Shiba release the pent-up energy
A pleasantly tired dog will be less prone to make accidents at home. Besides, he will definitely spend more time sleeping and resting. Therefore, we recommend you take your Shiba Inu for a long stroll before you leave the house.
Desensitization
Dogs remember our departure routines. That’s why we recommend you mix the things you do before leaving the house.
Medications as the last step
If your vet determined that your Shiba Inu’s anxiety became severe, then using medicines represents the last solution. Self-destructive behavior such as chewing and licking paws, trying to escape through a closed window in order to find the owner, and other stress-related behaviors require antidepressant treatment.
Shiba Inu’s anxiety- Wrapping up
Dealing with your Shiba Inu’s anxiety is definitely a heart-breaking moment for both of you. However, your dog considers you the only person he can rely on. Therefore, be prepared to provide your pooch with full support, and plenty of love in order to win the battle against this disorder.
