Dogs are just like us. They each have their own personalities, and they can get stressed and anxious. While we can go out, unwind, de-stress, and shake off some of that anxiety, it can be pretty challenging for our pawsome friends who can’t verbally express their feelings, or let us know when something is triggering them. Instead, their unease manifests in altered—even odd—behavior.
Whether it’s non-stop barking, acting up and chewing on shoes (this!), scratching furniture and walls, taking the garbage out of the bin, pooping and peeing in the house, or displaying unusual aggression toward others (people, dogs, or animals)—our furry babies exhibit different behaviors to relieve stress. As pet parents, it’s up to us to be watchful and pay attention to their behavioral and physical cues and help them address their stress and anxiety.
But how do we do that exactly?
Let’s read on and let’s find out 7 re-bark-able ways to calm your little furball’s anxiety.
CUDDLES
Didn’t I say they’re just like us? When we’re feeling anxious or troubled, we usually crave touch and contact as these things can help relieve stress, anxiety, and even fear. It’s the same way with our furry pals. Just being close to you can help ease their jitters. Try petting and cuddling your dog to help alleviate some of the anxiety.
STAY CALM
Don’t tense up! Our pets have this incredible way of sensing how their humans are feeling. If you tense up in reaction to their unease or distress, they will inevitably feed off your anxiety—which doesn’t help matters at all. If you’re feeling edgy, step away and calm yourself down before dealing with your pet.
EXERCISE
An anxious pet can generate some out of control energy. Exercise can work wonders for releasing stress and the same principle works for our furry babies. Go for a walk, run, or frolic in the yard with your best bud to burn off some of their stress. Not only will it tire them out, but it might also calm them down. At the end of the day, exercise is beneficial for both you and your dog. Plus it’s great for your body and heart, and it’s an excellent opportunity to bond!
TOYS
Toys can be a perfect way to channel a stressed dog’s energy. Re-focus your pet’s energy on a chew toy instead of allowing him to destroy your belongings or household items. An antsy dog can take it out on whatever’s accessible, despite having been trained differently. Having chew toys around will offer your jittery mutt a way to ease some of the anxiety they’re feeling.
TIME OUT
If cuddling, exercising, or toys don’t work to lower stress levels, give your furry pal some time out. Just like us, sometimes they may just need space. Offer a peaceful place that provides no stimulation so your troubled pal can simply turn off and calm down.
CONSULT YOUR VET
If your dog still can’t seem to relax or calm down—or if he frequently seems anxious —it’s time to take him to the vet. Share what information you can with the vet so he or she can find out what’s really going on. Your pet could be suffering from something physical that is causing them to stress, and a trained professional can help you get to the root cause.
SUPPLEMENTS
Last but not leashed, try supplements. Used correctly, supplements can be an essential part of your furry pal’s overall health and wellness. While there are many supplements in the market today that can help your best bud deal with anxiety and stress, it is always best to consult with a vet before starting them on any type of supplement. You do want to ensure that the supplement you choose for your pet is the right one for them.
For more information on our pet health nutrition supplements, check out our Zen Chews. As a responsible pet parent, remember that you are your furry pal’s best help to cope with anxiety and stress. He trusts you and loves you so the decisions that you make for your loyal friend will go a long way towards helping him.
Pawsome Information inspired by these furtastic sources:
Six Tips to Soothe an Anxious Dog
https://www.canidae.com/blog/2014/04/six-tips-to-soothe-an-anxious-dog/
How to Calm Down an Anxious Dog
https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/evr_dg_how-to-calm-down-an-anxious-dog
Dog Anxiety Problems – How to Deal with an Anxious Dog
https://shibashake.com/dog/dog-anxiety-problems
Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anxiety