More Than 70% of Dogs Suffer With Anxiety or Fear

By: Sarah Jones | May 26, 2022

More Than 70% of Dogs Suffer With Anxiety or Fear

The life of a dog may seem carefree, but according to new research, our dogs are often dealing with anxiety. Anxiety is an unpleasant apprehensive feeling of unease or nervous anticipation about something that might, or might not, happen. This is why most dogs will benefit from a general daily routine, because being able to predict what is happening around, or to them and when, can help them to feel safe and secure.

The struggles of being a dog were discovered through a study conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland, which found that a majority of the pets exhibit anxious traits.

According to the study, behaviours of more than 13,000 dogs  in Finland, 72.5 percent of the animals exhibit traits such as fearfulness, noise sensitivity, separation-related behaviour, or aggression.

General fearfulness was also common among pet dogs, with the trait affecting 29 percent of canines & 17 percent of dogs showed fear of other dogs and 15 percent fear of strangers.

The study encompassing some 9,000 dogs conducted at the University of Helsinki demonstrated that fearfulness, age, breed, the company of other members of the same species and the owner’s previous experience of dogs were associated with aggressive behaviour towards humans. The findings can potentially provide tools for understanding and preventing aggressive behaviour. 

According to the study, gender did have a very slight impact on anxiety. Male dogs were found to be more often aggressive and hyperactive while female dogs were more often fearful.

Breed and age also impacts anxiety traits as well.

But why are such anxious behaviours so common in dogs? 

The researchers cannot say for sure.

Summary
More Than 70% of Dogs Suffer With Anxiety or Fear
Article Name
More Than 70% of Dogs Suffer With Anxiety or Fear
Description
The life of a dog may seem carefree, but according to new research, our dogs are often dealing with anxiety. Anxiety is an unpleasant apprehensive feeling of unease or nervous anticipation about something that might, or might not, happen.
Author
Publisher Name
Healthcare for Pets
Publisher Logo

Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.

Related Articles

  • Paws for Progress: Integrating Dog Therapy into Classroom Settings
  • Mar 27, 2024
  • Utilizing Technology in Dog Handling Education: Innovations and Applications
  • Mar 25, 2024
  • Pre-Travel Medical Checklist for Your Family Dog
  • Mar 16, 2024
  • Common Dog Issues That Require Medical Examination
  • Mar 5, 2024