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Panting 'can be a sign of anxiety in dogs'

Thursday, 19th January 2012

Owners should take note if their dog pants when they are not hot, as it could be a sign they need pet medication for anxiety or stress.

According to the Miami Herald, there are a number of tell tale signs that suggest a dog may be suffering from anxiety.

Common symptoms are easy to spot, such as pacing or tucking their tails in between their legs, but there are other signs that are less obvious.

"Many dogs will pant when they're stressed or anxious. This happens because your dog's adrenaline is released in response to a scary situation, and his pulse quickens and his breathing speeds up," the news provider states.

Other unusual symptoms are yawning, lip tension and displacement behaviours, such as humping.

A common cause of anxiety in dogs is separation.  Because dogs are pack animals, they naturally want to be with their owners. Symptoms of separation anxiety include destructive chewing, howling and self mutilation.