Anxious Dog: 12 Ways to Calm Their Nerves
Dogs are known as man’s best friend – and for good reason. These lovable and loyal creatures bring joy and companionship to our lives. However, just like humans, dogs can also experience anxiety and stress. And as pet owners, it’s our responsibility to understand their emotions and provide them with the support they need.
An anxious dog may display unhealthy behaviors such as excessive barking, howling, chewing, and even scratching. This can be a result of various factors such as being abandoned or neglected, living in a stressful environment, or even traumatic experiences in the past. As pet owners, it’s important to recognize these signs and take action to help our furry friends cope with their anxiety.
If you have an anxious dog, don’t worry - there are ways to calm their nerves and make them feel more at ease. In this article, we’ll discuss 12 effective ways to soothe your anxious dog.
1. Be sensitive to their behavior
The first step in helping your anxious dog is to understand the triggers that make them stressed. Is it loud noises outside? Separation from their family? Or perhaps a traumatic past? Once you determine the cause, try your best to avoid these situations or find ways to minimize their impact on your dog.
2. Exercise with your dog
Regular exercise is not only important for a dog’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing. A lack of physical activity can lead to pent-up energy and increased levels of anxiety in dogs. Make sure to take your dog out for walks or play time every day to release their energy and keep them mentally stimulated.
3. Keep them entertained when you’re away
Anxious dogs often feel stressed when left alone. If you have a busy schedule, ensure that your dog has plenty of food, water, and toys to keep them occupied. You can also leave the TV or radio on to provide them with some background noise.
4. Comfort them through physical touch
Just like humans, dogs also seek comfort in the presence of their loved ones. If you notice your dog showing signs of anxiety, pick them up, cuddle them, and give them some loving pets. This will help them feel more secure and calm.
5. Prepare for car rides
Many dogs get anxious during car rides. If you know that your dog is prone to car sickness, consult your veterinarian for medications. Also, try to tire out your dog before a car ride and make sure they have a comfortable and secure spot in the car.
6. Give them a massage
Massages are not only relaxing for humans but can also be soothing for anxious dogs. When your dog is feeling tense, gently massage their neck, back, and legs to alleviate tension and promote relaxation.
7. Use calming coats and t-shirts
Calming coats and t-shirts are designed to provide gentle pressure on a dog’s torso, similar to swaddling a baby. These can help reduce anxiety caused by loud noises, strangers, separation, or travel.
8. Be prepared for loud noises
Fireworks and other loud noises can be extremely stressful for dogs. If you know there will be a fireworks show in your area, stay home with your dog or play calming music to muffle the noise.
9. Try soothing scents
Some dogs respond well to pheromones – airborne chemicals that act as natural calming agents for animals. You can find these in sprays, wipes, collars, or diffusers and use them to help your dog relax.
10. Seek professional trainer help
If you have the means, consider hiring a professional trainer to help you redirect your dog’s negative behaviors into positive ones. This can assist in diffusing emotionally charged moments and making your dog feel more at ease.
11. Track the timing of rewards
While giving your dog a cuddle before leaving may seem like a loving gesture, it can actually be misinterpreted as a reward, making your dog associate your absence with something positive. Instead, try giving them a treat or toy right before you leave to reinforce good behavior.
12. Get them used to being alone gradually
If your dog has separation anxiety, it’s important to get them used to being alone gradually. Start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the time. This will help build their confidence and teach them that it’s okay to be alone.
In conclusion, dealing with an anxious dog may require time, patience, and understanding. However, with these 12 ways to calm their nerves, you can help your furry friend feel more relaxed and happy. Remember to always show them love, care, and support – after all, they are our loyal companions and deserve nothing but the best from us.
