Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to help ease your dog or cat’s anxiety? Are you heartbroken watching your pet suffer with symptoms of anxiety like whining, hiding, panting, drooling, and becoming downright terrified when something triggers them? 

I feel your (and your pet’s) pain! I’m Kristen Levine, founder of the Pet Anxiety Awareness Event and I’ve been where you are. My dog, Buck (pictured above), suffered from extreme separation anxiety. And my dog, Chilly, suffers from severe anxiety, even terror, due to triggering noise events.

Sadly, many pet parents don’t realize their pet’s so-called bad behavior is rooted in fear, and as a result, many pets are surrendered to shelters every year. In fact, behavioral problems, often related to fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) are the top reason why pets are surrendered to shelters. 

As a pet living expert, I’m thrilled that you want to work with your pet by coming to this page to learn more about how to treat your pet’s fear, stress, and anxiety and find real solutions for your pet’s anxious behavior. 

Below, you’ll find a symptoms guide, helpful products, interviews with leading experts on dog anxiety and cat anxiety, and in-depth articles, including those on my blog, kristenlevine.com.

Together, we can raise awareness for this important issue and get our pets the help and the peace of mind they deserve.

Special Thanks to Our 2021 Lead Sponsor, SILEO®

What is SILEO?

SILEO® is a medication prescribed by your veterinarian to help calm your dog when frightened by loud noises (noise aversion). Common noise aversion triggers include fireworks, thunder, indoor and outdoor construction, traffic or street noise, vacuum cleaners, smoke detectors, doorbells, alarms, ringtones, lawn mowers, and even loud celebrations or gatherings with family and friends that don’t include fireworks. 

SILEO, unlike some other treatments, is FDA-approved for the treatment of noise aversion in dogs. It’s clinically proven to be safe and effective without other treatments or training and it calms without sedating through an easy-to-administer, at-home treatment. See Important Safety Information below.1 

Dogs with Noise Aversion May Have Symptoms Such As:

Common Triggers Include These Noise Monsters: 

¹IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use SILEO in dogs with severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation, or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue or in dogs hypersensitive to dexmedetomidine or to any of the excipients. SILEO should not be administered in the presence of preexisting hypotension, hypoxia, or bradycardia. Do not use in dogs sedated from previous dosing. SILEO has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 16 weeks of age or in dogs with dental or gingival disease that could have an effect on the absorption of SILEO. SILEO has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs or for aversion behaviors to thunderstorms. Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with SILEO use. Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handlers should avoid direct exposure of SILEO to their skin, eyes or mouth. Failure to lock the ring-stop on the syringe before dosing SILEO could potentially lead to an accidental overdose. Always review INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE before dispensing and dosing. See full Prescribing Information.

SILEO® is trademark owned by Orion Corporation Orion Pharma Animal Health. It is manufactured by Orion Corporation and distributed by Zoetis under license from Orion Corporation Orion Pharma Animal Health.

A Big Welcome and Thanks to Our New Pet Anxiety Awareness Month Sponsor, Reconcile®

Reconcile® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is an affordable, FDA-approved medication for dogs in conjunction with a behavior modification plan for the treatment of separation anxiety. It reduces stress for both the pet and the owner and strengthens the human-animal bond. The once-a-day, flavored, chewable tablets are highly appealing and easy to administer. Reconcile is clinically proven safe and effective when used as prescribed under the guidance of a veterinarian. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT RECONCILE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The most common adverse events in decreasing order of reported frequency are: decreased appetite, depression/lethargy, shaking/shivering/tremor, vomiting, restlessness and anxiety, seizures, aggression, diarrhea, mydriasis, vocalization, weight loss, panting, confusion, incoordination, and hypersalivation. Reconcile chewable tablets are contraindicated for dogs with a history of seizures or when used with MAOIs. Reconcile® chewable tablets are indicated for the treatment of canine separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian for complete safety information or click here to read the package insert.

What is FAS?

Fear, anxiety, and stress is the result of a neuro-chemical reaction in a pet’s brain. It can be brought on by any number of situations, including a sudden change in their environment, past trauma, being left alone, certain medical conditions, and noises, such as thunder or fireworks. A pet’s breed may also make them more disposed to suffering from FAS. But many times, it’s impossible to know exactly why a pet is displaying signs of FAS.

Although dogs may be more apt to display more obvious symptoms, cats can suffer from FAS as well. In fact, veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta, says that “Cats have as much fear, anxiety, and stress as dogs in the home environment (but) cat owners are less aware of FAS because a hiding cat may not seem like a stressed cat to them.”

Cat anxiety symptoms are often more subtle than symptoms in dogs and frequently include:

If you suspect your cat is experiencing anxiety, please refer to the resources below and be sure to schedule a visit to your veterinarian. No pet should have to suffer from anxiety!

Articles & Books to Help Your Pet with Anxiety

If you’re a pet parent whose dog or cat is suffering from FAS, I invite you to use this page to learn more about FAS and to access valuable, expert guidance on the subject. In addition to the resources listed here, be sure to speak to your family veterinarian as well. He or she can help you put together a comprehensive treatment plan for your pet’s specific needs.

If your pet’s problem is severe, consider consulting with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist near you through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Articles About Dog Anxiety

Articles About Cat Anxiety

In addition to the above resources, you will find numerous helpful articles on Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Pets right here on Pet Living.

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