Anxiety in dogs can be expressed in a variety of ways, including whining, barking, shaking, and whimpering. When your dog is stressed, he or she may become destructive or aggressive. If the worry is not handled, they may lose their appetite and become utterly withdrawn.
Abandonment, fear of being alone at home, loud sounds, traveling, and/or being around unusual people, youngsters, or other pets are the most prevalent causes of anxiety in dogs. Dogs who have been abused or neglected have also shown signs of anxiousness.
The best strategy to treat your dog is to figure out what’s causing the problem. Anxiety is usually obvious and easy to spot. Once you’ve figured out what’s causing the problem, you may start treating it.
1. Alternative Therapies
While there is no proof that alternative goods can help dogs who are anxious, products such as CBD oil for dogs, relaxation sprays, and other supplements are non-invasive and will not hurt them. Alternative therapies can be used alone or in combination to increase their effectiveness. Before using alternative medicines, be sure to conduct thorough research and confer with your veterinarian.
2. Give Them Exercise
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, the most obvious solution is to never leave them alone. Most pet owners can’t do that, so using exercise as a bonding activity as well as a way to tire out your pet is frequently a simple solution.
Because anxiousness can lead to an excessive amount of energy, taking your dog for a long walk or a game of fetch before you leave can be beneficial. It’s also a good idea to make lots of physical contact with them and talk to them during this period. Exercise, like for humans, can help relieve stress by releasing feel-good endorphins.
3. Message
A massage, as you probably know, can soothe and calm even the most agitated human – but did you know it can also help dogs? Anxiety creates muscle tenseness, and massage therapy is one approach to relieve stress. Begin at the top of the neck and work your way down with long strokes. Try to maintain one hand on the dog while massaging the other. Over time, you may be able to pinpoint the source of your dog’s stress and focus solely on that area.
4. Time-Outs
While anxiousness isn’t a terrible behavior in and of itself, giving your dog a break while they’re acting out can help. Placing your dog in a safe and quiet environment might help them relax. Perhaps there’s some soft music playing, low lighting, and/or aromatherapy available.
A ZenCrate can also be used for time-outs and as a general escape pod for your pet. The ZenCrate was created to assist dogs suffering from a range of anxiety disorders. It looks like a regular crate but offers vibration isolation, noise cancellation (through sound insulation), reduced light, comfort, and security. When your dog enters, a motion-activated sensor activates a mild fan, which helps to muffle noise while still providing a steady stream of fresh air. Music can be pre-programmed into the container. It has a removable door, so your dog may enter and exit whenever he wants.
5. Petting
Nothing is likely to calm an anxious dog more than its owner’s touch. Pick up your dog, cuddle on the couch, or give them a good lengthy petting session as soon as you notice signs of nervousness in them.
6. Calming Garments
Calming coats and t-shirts deliver gentle, consistent pressure to a dog’s midsection, much like a baby’s swaddling cloth. It’s ideal for dogs suffering from anxiety brought on by travel, separation, noise, or strangers.
There are numerous brands and models to pick from, depending on the size of your dog. ThunderShirt Anxiety Jacket, American Kennel Club Stress Relief Coat, and Comfort Zone Calming Vest are all available.
You want to take care of your furry friend in the best way possible. That means addressing any anxious behavior that may develop. Managing your dog’s anxiety will help strengthen your bond and give your pet a better life.
