The pet is nervous or overly excited, perhaps even anxious and displays agitation without any obvious reasons. If your pet shows signs of agitation, it should be removed from the situation, as it may lead to aggressive behavior. Signs of agitation mainly consist of body language such as : showing teeth, won’t break eye contact, standing square with his weight centered and leaning forward. When your cat or dog shows signs of agitation it is important to comfort it and calm it down. Although it is advised to be careful as agitated pets can show aggressive behavior.
How to Recognize
Do you know how to recognize an agitated dog? If you don’t, you are putting yourself at risk. An agitated dog is more likely to act out in an aggressive manner. Whether dog agitation is a symptom of a physical illness, fear, or other behavioral issue, it’s important that you understand what an agitated dog looks like. When a dog is fearful or nervous, its ears will be held lowered or flat against the head. The ears may face backwards towards the neck. The dog will lower its head and assume a crouched posture. When a dog agitation is due to over-excitement, the dog may take on a stiff posture and stand very still. Not every fearful or excited dog is a dangerous one, but it can be. Air on the side of caution when you notice dog agitation.
Causes of Agitation
There are multiple reasons why a dog may be agitated. The dog may be physically ill or injured. It may not be getting enough exercise. The dog may have behavioral issues due to a lack of socialization or training. It is not up to you to determine why the dog is agitated; it is up to you to protect yourself.
Diagnosis
Determining the cause of the issue can be the first step in curing the problem. If the issue is a physical one, a veterinarian can determine the root cause by diagnosing the illness or injury. Once the illness or injury is properly treated, the dog may return to a happy, social state. If the cause is strictly behavioral, a veterinary behaviorist can assess the problem. The behaviorist may choose to visit the dog on its own territory in order to determine the cause of its agitated state. These professionals can combine medical and behavioral therapies in order to help the dog overcome its issues. A veterinary behaviorist can also teach you how to read your dog.
Similar Symptoms
Dogs can hold their ears in a lowered position when ear infections or ear mites are present. A dog may lower its head when it has neck pain or is feeling nauseous. Dogs may maintain a stiff posture when they have a back injury or are concentrating on an object in the distance. Because so many symptoms can mimic those displayed b agitated dogs, you should teach yourself how to read a dog’s whole body language.
Possible Conditions
There are a variety of reasons for agitation in dogs, either temporarily or permanently. Agitation may have an underlying physical condition that has gone unchecked. The dog may be frustrated with a lack of exercise. Other dogs may not have been socialized properly as puppies and developed a fear of humans. Any dog that displays persistent fear, nervousness or aggression should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Treatment for Agitation
Agitated dogs are treated depending on the cause of the issue. Dogs may be given prescription medications, special diets, or even be enrolled in training classes. Behavioral and medical therapies can be combined when necessary to help the dog overcome its problems.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
