How to Help an Anxious Dog
Like people, dogs may suffer anxiety. They could pace, shake, bark excessively, or even become destructive to express their fear. Seeing your dog go through pain as a dog owner may be painful. Here are some steps you can take to make your nervous dog feel more at ease and secure:
1 Identify the source of the anxiety
Finding the cause of your nervous dog’s anxiety is the first step in providing relief. Fear of loud noises like thunder or fireworks, separation anxiety, and social anxiety in the presence of other animals or people are common causes of anxiety in dogs. You can start treating your dog’s anxiety more successfully once you determine what is causing it.
2 Create a safe space for your anxious dog
Dogs might experience less anxiety if you provide them a secure place to go. This might be a safe place in your house, such as a quiet room, where they can hide when upset. A soft bed or blanket, favourite toys, or clothing with your fragrance on it are all good examples of items your dog may find relaxing to have in the environment.
3 Provide plenty of exercise
For dogs, especially anxious dogs, regular exercise is essential. Exercise boosts mood by releasing endorphins, a naturally occurring mood enhancer, and lowers stress hormone levels. Try to give your dog a lot of daily activity, whether through walks, runs, or outside play.
4 Consider calming supplements
Several organic supplements might help soothe a tense dog. They include, among others, valerian root, chamomile, and CBD oil. See your vet for advice on the right dosage of supplements for your dog.
5 Practice relaxation techniques
Dogs can benefit from relaxing exercises just as people do. Consider introducing massage, deep breathing exercises, or other calming methods to your dog. They can aid in calming and stabilising your dog, particularly in stressful circumstances.
6 Use positive reinforcement training
Training that emphasises positive reinforcement can effectively lower a dog’s anxiety. This entails refraining from punishing poor conduct and praising good behaviour with food or praise. Your dog’s general anxiety can be decreased by using positive reinforcement to assist the dog in becoming more self-assured and comfortable.
7 Consider medication
Your veterinarian may suggest medication if your dog has a serious case of anxiety. This should always be applied in conjunction with other methods of lowering anxiety and under the guidance of a veterinarian. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are frequently prescribed for anxious dogs. Anxiety in dogs can be distressing for both the dog and the owner. The dog and the owner may find anxiety in dogs to be upsetting. But, there are some actions you may take to assist in calming and comforting your nervous dog. You can help your dog live a happier and more contented life by figuring out the cause of the anxiety, creating a safe environment, giving them lots of exercises, thinking about calming supplements, practising relaxation techniques, using positive reinforcement training, and possibly using medication under a veterinarian’s supervision. Remember that every dog is unique, so be patient and persistent in assisting your four-legged buddy. Spending some quality dogs can also help with anxiety in your dog; try playing these 5 fun indoor games to bond with your fur baby. If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour, consult a vet near you using our veterinary service directory.