As a dog owner, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your furry friend struggle with anxiety or nervousness. You know how it feels to be anxious—your heart races, you feel on edge, and sometimes it’s hard to concentrate on anything else.
Well, dogs can feel the same way. If you’ve been wondering, “How to Help Your Dog with Anxiety” you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some ways to help your pup feel more at ease.
Understanding Anxiety in Dogs
First things first, let’s talk about what might be causing your dog’s anxiety. Just like humans, dogs can get stressed out for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common triggers:
- Loud noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner can send some dogs into a tailspin of panic.
- Separation anxiety: This is a big one. Many dogs get really stressed when they’re left alone, even if it’s just for a short time.
- Changes in environment or routine: Moving to a new home, having a new family member, or even a shift in your daily routine can make your dog feel uneasy.
- Social anxiety: Some dogs get nervous around new people, other animals, or even in crowded places.
- Past traumatic experiences: If your dog has had a rough past, like being mistreated or abandoned, they might carry that anxiety with them.
Understanding what triggers your dog’s anxiety is the first step in helping them. Once you’ve got a good idea of what’s causing their stress, you can start working on ways to ease their nerves.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Anxious
So, how do you know if your dog is feeling anxious? Dogs can’t tell us how they’re feeling, so we have to look for the signs. Some common indicators of anxiety in dogs include:
- Panting or rapid breathing: If your dog is panting heavily even when they haven’t been exercising, it could be a sign of anxiety.
- Pacing or restlessness: An anxious dog might have trouble sitting still. They might pace back and forth or seem unable to relax.
- Whining or barking: Some dogs vocalize their anxiety through whining or excessive barking, especially when they’re left alone.
- Destructive behavior: Chewing on furniture, digging holes in the yard, or other destructive behaviors can be a sign that your dog is stressed.
- Escaping or trying to escape: If your dog is trying to bolt out the door or dig under the fence, they might be trying to escape something that’s making them anxious.
- Hiding or avoidance behaviors: An anxious dog might try to hide under the bed or avoid eye contact.
If you notice any of these behaviors, it’s important to take them seriously. Your dog isn’t just being “bad” or “difficult”—they’re struggling with something, and they need your help.
Techniques to Help Your Anxious Dog
Now that you know what might be causing your dog’s anxiety and how to recognize the signs, let’s talk about some ways to help them feel better. Here are a few techniques that might work:
- Desensitization and counterconditioning: This is a fancy way of saying you can help your dog get used to whatever is scaring them by exposing them to it gradually. For example, if your dog is scared of thunderstorms, you might play a recording of thunder at a low volume while giving them treats. Over time, you can gradually increase the volume, helping them associate the sound with something positive.
- Positive reinforcement training: Rewarding your dog for calm behavior can go a long way. For instance, if your dog is anxious about being left alone, you can start by leaving them alone for just a few minutes and then reward them with a treat when you return if they stayed calm. Gradually increase the time you’re away, and keep rewarding that calm behavior.
- Exercise and physical activity: Sometimes, a good old-fashioned workout is just what your dog needs to burn off some of that anxious energy. Regular walks, playtime, and other forms of exercise can help reduce stress and keep your dog feeling more relaxed.
- Calming aids: There are a variety of calming aids on the market that might help your dog feel more at ease. Music specifically designed to calm dogs, pheromone diffusers that mimic the calming scent of a mother dog, and even certain types of clothing like anxiety wraps can all help.
- Supplements: There are also natural supplements available that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. For example, products like Pet Honesty’s Hemp Calming chews contain ingredients like hemp, chamomile, and valerian root, which are known for their calming effects. Always consult your vet before giving your dog any new supplements, though.
When it comes to helping your dog with anxiety or nervousness, sometimes a little extra support can make a big difference. One product that many dog owners swear by is VetriScience Composure Calming Chews for Dogs.
Photo courtesy: VETRISCIENCE
These chews are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a clinically proven supplement to help ease your dog’s anxiety.
Here’s what makes VetriScience Composure Chews a great choice:
- Clinically Proven Ingredients: These chews contain a unique blend of ingredients that have been shown to help reduce anxiety in dogs. This includes:
- Colostrum Calming Complex: Derived from cow’s colostrum, this ingredient supports cognitive function and reduces stress.
- L-Theanine: A naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea, L-Theanine promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): This vitamin helps maintain your dog’s nervous system and can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
- Effective for Various Situations: Whether your dog struggles with separation anxiety, gets stressed out during thunderstorms, or is nervous around new people, these chews can help. They’re also great for vet visits, car rides, or any other potentially stressful situation.
- Tasty Peanut Butter Flavor: These chews come in a peanut butter flavor that most dogs find irresistible, making it easy to give them their dose without any fuss.
- Flexible Dosing: The 120-chew bottle offers flexibility in dosing, so you can adjust based on your dog’s size and the severity of their anxiety. For smaller dogs, you can give a half chew, while larger dogs might need a full chew or more.
- Safe for Daily Use: You can give your dog these chews daily or just as needed. They’re safe for long-term use, so you don’t have to worry about any adverse effects from regular administration.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dog’s anxiety might be more than you can handle on your own. If your dog’s anxiety is severe, or if you’re not seeing improvement with the techniques you’ve tried, it might be time to seek professional help.
A veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist can work with you to develop a more tailored plan for managing your dog’s anxiety, which might include behavior therapy or medication.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with an anxious dog can be challenging, but remember that you’re not alone. Many dogs experience anxiety, and with a little patience and understanding, you can help your furry friend feel more secure and comfortable.
Whether it’s through training, exercise, calming aids, or professional help, there are plenty of ways to support your dog through their anxiety. And in the end, your bond will only grow stronger as you work through it together.
