Article: If you suspect your dog is anxious, try keeping a log of each exhibited behavior from the previous part. Log the location, duration, and circumstances behind each behavior. You should examine the specifics of each exhibited behavior to determine which ones are actually caused by anxiety. Other things to note about each instance include people and other pets in the area, location, environment, weather, noises, and anything else you notice when the dog is showing signs of anxiety. With the information you've collected, try to weed out the behaviors that were actually appropriate based on the context. For example, panting is a common sign of anxiety, but it is normal for dogs to pant when they are hot or have been exerting themselves. If all of the occurrences of panting you note occur in hot weather or after long walks, the panting probably is not due to anxiety. If, on the other hand, panting is occurring when the dog is well rested and confronted with strangers or other stressors, it is likely a result of anxiety. By logging the instances of anxious behavior, you may also begin to see patterns emerge related to particular stimuli. This is why carefully noting details about when your dog becomes anxious, even if these details seem insignificant at the the time, is critical for fully assessing your dog's anxiety. A thorough understanding of context will enable you to eliminate stressors and work on easing your dog's fears through controlled training. For example, a dog that fears being separated from its owner might start to show signs of panic or anxiety when the owner picks up car keys or puts on a coat because those are signs that the thing the dog fears might be about to happen. The critical thing to realize is that the owner does not actually have to leave the house for the anxiety symptoms to begin. The dog just has to somehow associate the owner's actions with its fear. If your dog primarily shows signs of anxiety, including barking and property destruction, when you are away from home, consider setting up a video camera to record the dog when you are gone. This will allow you and your veterinarian to properly contextualize the dog's behavior and decide if it seems to be anxious because you are gone or if something else, such as loud noises or workers outside, is upsetting the dog. Armed with all of the information you have collected about the behaviors and circumstances, you are ready to present the case to your veterinarian. However, most of the symptoms above also have a number of other potential causes. Your vet will discuss your log with you and perform a physical examination of your dog to rule out other possible causes of the behaviors. If you are worried such an exam might make your dog's anxiety worse, contact the veterinarian in advance and explain your concerns. Veterinarians can offer suggestions and optionsoften including house callsthat can help make the process easier on your dog. Your vet may consider multiple options based on your dog's specific case, ranging from steps you can take yourself up to seeing a veterinary behavioral specialist. Follow your vet's recommendations closely and keep him or her up to date regarding your dog's progress.

What is a summary?
Keep a log of the behaviors. Determine the context of each entry. Disregard the appropriate responses. Look for associated stimuli. Consider setting up a camera if applicable. Contact your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.