For centuries, people have relied on the behavior of their animals to warn them about the weather. Dogs (and cats too) seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to predicting storms and other natural phenomenon. It’s never been proven. But given their extra-keen sensory abilities, animalsmay pick up minute changes in smells, sound levels, barometric pressure, even ozone levels.

Why do some dogs react more than others?

Fear can be triggered by any number of factors. Loud noises, such as thunder and fireworks, are some of the most common reasons for fear in pets.

Fear is a normal reaction when an animal is faced with a situation it perceives as dangerous. However, pets suffering from a phobia and/ orchronic anxiety are often hypervigilant and easily startled. They may pant continuously, panic when they go outside, can’t be left alone or run and hide.

How can you recognize an anxious pet?

Pets with anxiety or a phobia may show some or all of the following signs:

• Shakes, trembles, pants

• Urinates on him/herself

• Hides

• Growls or barks with ears, tail and head lowered

• Salivates  

“Anxiety and fear are common underlying factors of many behavioral problems in dogs, which can put a strain on the relationship between a pet and his or her owners,” said Heidi Lobprise, DVM, Virbac Animal Health. “A pet that experiences frequent fear is suffering, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible.”  

A bigger problem than we thought.

According to an independent survey, commissioned by Virbac Animal Health, nearly 60 percent of pet owners said they have at least one dog that experiences anxiety. What’s more, 25 percent of respondents said they have at  least one anxious cat, and 30 percent indicated they have several dogs and/or cats with an anxiety problem.

 “What we’re finding is that pet anxiety is  not only a worry for some owners, it’s a common problem,” said Stacey Leonard, senior marketingmanager, Virbac Animal Health.

Of those owners with one or more anxious pets, 70 percent indicated the anxiety their pet experiences occurs “fairly often” or “frequently.” Nearly a third considered their pet’s fears or anxieties to be “extremely or very” problematic.

What should I do if my dog has anxiety?

If treatment is delayed, stress and anxiety can lead to aggression. The risk of illness, such as  skin and digestive problems or heart disease, is also greater. It’s best to consult a veterinarian, who can assess the situation and determine the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, behavior training to properly calm a pet may be enough. However, more severe cases may require additional therapy.

There is a nutritional supplement now available that’s shown to help keep pets calm and relaxed. ANXITANE™ (L-Theanine) Chewable Tablets by Virbac Animal Health can support behavior modification and training programs to help pets cope with external stresses.

Anxitane Tablets significantly reduce stress related reactions. As a nutraceutical, it is an attractive alternative to pharmaceuticals for first intention treatment. It is a safe choice—there are no known side effects and does not cause drowsiness. There are no known interactions with other therapeutics.

Anxitane Tablets have excellent palatable which optimizes compliance—clinical trials in the field showed a 94% acceptance rate in dogs and cats.

Use:
Anxitane^® (L-Theanine) Chewable Tablets for dogs and cats promote relaxation in pets exhibiting nervousness, anxiety or responding to environmentally-induced stress. Anxitane Tablets are clinically proven to reduce clinical signs associated with fear and anxiety. Anxitane Tablets are Suntheanine^®, a pure and neurologically active L-Theanine in a chewable form.

Anxitane Tablets are particularly useful for long-term use in anxious pets. Anxitane should be used for at least 60 days to ensure maximum results can be observed. If pet's condition worsens or does not improve, the pet should be re-evaluated by a veterinarian.

Situations where Anxitane Tablets could help:
•   Fear on walks, fear of people, fear of other animals
•   Anxiety or stress associated with change in family situation or environment.
•   Anxitane reduces anxiety and cohabitation problems in cats
•   Episodic fear (grooming, car travel, veterinary visits..)
•   Fear of noises (thunderstorms, fireworks....)
•   Decrease anxiety, making it easier for animals to learn
•   Helps keep pets calm and relaxed. Does not cause drowsiness (non-sedating).

Active Ingredients:
L-Theanine (Suntheanine^®). Found naturally in green tea whose calming properties are well documented. L-Theanine increases GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) levels. GABA regulates neuronal excitation in the central nervous system (CNS).

Two Sizes for Easy Dosing:

Questions lead to better answers.

For more information on how to help pets with anxiety, ask your veterinarian for advice and visit www.virbacpets.com.