Bulldog Anxiety Problems: Signs and Treatments

Signs of Bulldog anxiety problems include excessive barking, biting, grunting, growling, digging, urinating, or defecating in unwanted areas such as within the house. When anxious, your Bulldog may also attack often due to fear, they may also show signs of hyperactivity, distress and other abnormal behaviors. Separation anxiety is common in both male and female bulldogs, and is an exaggerated fear response caused by separation from their owner. If not managed or treated effectively, anxiety can manifest as severe behaviors including destructive behavior such as chewing, biting objects, and signs of aggression. Other common causes of anxiety among Bulldogs include changes to your pet's routine or environment. This may include the introduction of a new pet or child to the household. Your pet may become particularly anxious during holiday periods when guests or strangers visit. Your pet may also be sensitive to your own behaviors, becoming nervous when shouted at or fearful of other loud noises.

Signs of anxiety vary between Bulldogs and treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Treatment often begins with non-drug therapies, as most forms of anxiety can be treated effectively without the use of medication. Dogs often respond very well to behavioral therapy which includes methods such as positive reinforcement, rewarding desirable behavior and ignoring bad behavior. An important part of behavior therapy is recognizing the source of your pet's anxiety, and removing the trigger if possible. If this is not possible, such as in the case of anxiety triggered by new people or separation anxiety, there are many professional pet trainers who can help you to develop an effective plan to reduce your pet's anxiety using other methods. Behavioral training will require time and commitment for optimum results.

There are some simple steps you can use, to help you reduce and manage signs of anxiety in your Bulldog:

1. For serious symptoms of anxiety, consult a veterinarian to seek a correct diagnosis and to rule out any underlying health conditions. Treatment of any health issues may resolve symptoms of anxiety. Alternatively you may be referred to an animal behaviorist.

2. For separation anxiety, practice leaving your dog for short periods at a time, gradually increasing the time apart.

3. When leaving your pet, avoid emotional or long goodbyes, particularly as your dog can be influenced by your own behavior which may exacerbate your pet's anxiety. Instead a simple pat on your pet's head and a quick exit can help to reduce any anxiety associated with you leaving.

4. For dogs who display anxiety in unfamiliar places, begin exposing your pet to new surroundings, such walking your dog in new areas, or trying out different dog parks.

5. If you do leave your dog alone, ensure that they are safe and comfortable, leaving plenty of water, food and their favorite toys with them.

6. Remember not to punish your pet if they do show signs of anxiety, often this may only make symptoms worse. Instead reinforce your pet's good behavior wherever you can.

7. Structure and routine can help to reduce anxiety in your Bulldog. Plan to keep regular activities such as feeding and exercising your pet at the same time each day.

For symptoms of anxiety which do not respond to non-drug therapies, it is important to see your veterinarian. In some cases they may suggest prescription medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), often used to treat anxiety and depression in humans, but which have been shown to be an effective treatment of anxiety disorders in pets. Other options may include clomipramine hydrochloride and fluoxetine hydrochloride.