6 Ways to Calm A Dog with Anxiety
One of the tough things about having a dog is that they can’t simply let us know how they’re feeling. As dog owners, we have to keep our eyes open to any signs that our dog is in pain or unwell and to be able to find ways to calm a dog with anxiety.
Dogs, like humans, experience stress as well. Although signs of anxiety in dogs differ from very subtle ones to obvious ones, pet parents must keep their eyes open as this can be a cause or a result of an underlying illness.
How do dogs show stress?
Signs of stress differ from a dog to another. However, they include:
- Barking, howling and panting
- Toileting around the house
- Diarrhea
- Teeth grinding
- Biting paws
- Destroying furniture and items
- Over greeting their owner
Why is my dog so stressed?
It’s important to try to figure out what’s causing your dog’s anxiety. Is it a situational thing or a permanent one?
Your furry friend can be anxious due to being introduced to a new environment with the changing surrounding. Other dogs are often anxious when they experience neglect or maybe they’re suffering from a case of separation anxiety.
It can also be due to a loud environment, long vacations or trips, death of a pet friend, genetics, or simply boredom.
How to calm a stressed dog?
1. Use a distraction method
If you’re going to be leaving your furry friend for a long time or exposing him to a stressful situation like traveling or changing the environment, you need to keep your doggy occupied.
Chew toys and mental games are great ways to keep your dog distracted from whatever is making them anxious.
2. Get your dog moving
Exercise is a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to relieve anxiety.
Since anxiety can cause excess bottled energy, taking your dog out on a long walk or a vigorous play session can work wonders in relieving his anxiety.
Also, exercise helps release endorphins, which can boost your furry friend’s mood and help to stabilize him.
3. Treat your dog to a massage
Like humans, a massage can help relax even the most anxious dog. An owner’s touch to a stressed-out dog is definitely soothing and will help ease both anxiety and aggression in your furry friend.
Start from the neck and move downwards with long strokes, this will help alleviate the tension from your dog’s body and calm down his nerves.
4. Put your records on
Do you enjoy classical music? Well, you’re about to learn how to since your anxious dog definitely needs it.
Research has shown that while dogs enjoy both reggae and soft rock music, it’s classical music that can soothe them the most. Harp music is even used in dog hospices as they act as a natural sedative.
So put on those records and let your dog enjoy the beat!
5. Calming Coats/T-Shirts
Just like a swaddling cloth for babies, calming coats and t-shirts can help soothe your furry friend and relax him a bit.
These coats/t-shirts put mild soft pressure on a dog’s torso and this continuous stimulation helps comfort them. They’re especially helpful in decreasing the anxiety that comes with traveling, moving, or separation.
6. Seek Help
Anxiety can be a cause or a result of an underlying problem, so it’s always best to check with your vet just in case.
Visit our Vet Directory list if you need help dealing with your furry friend’s anxiety or if you’re concerned that it’s a symptom of a bigger problem.
What makes your little friend relax? Comment below and let us know!
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