Easing Anxiety in Your Dog
All dogs experience anxiousness from time to time. Anxiety in dogs can cause strange behavior, licking, chewing, barking, and even a loss of appetite. If you notice that your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms of anxiety, there are steps you can take to help reduce it. Treating your dog for anxiety is something you can do yourself, in your own home. Just take a look below at some simple steps to get you started.
1. Try “counter conditioning”
When you counter condition your dog, you are helping him associate his anxious feeling with something positive. For example, when you leave the home and notice your dog experiences stress from it, start giving him a treat prior to you leaving. He will then associate the act of you leaving with the act of being fed something tasty.
2. Keep the dog stimulated.
Keep a variety of toys around for your dog to enjoy and take frustrations out on. They need to stay active even when alone, and a variety of toys is a great way to do this. You can even have special toys you save and use just for the moments where the dog is especially anxious.
3. Exercise.
Just like humans, dogs need physical activity to help them keep stress and anxiety levels at bay. Take daily walks and enjoy indoor romp around time to help relieve stress. Push for at least an hour a day if possible.
4. Provide fresh air.
Even if you need to leave your dog alone for the day, don’t leave him feeling cooped up. Keep a window cracked or ceiling fan going so the dog can have fresh air and feel at ease.
5. Don’t force uncomfortable situations.
Don’t place your dog in situations that are stressful yet unnecessary. If you know that children or loud noises cause stress and anxiety, try to avoid them if possible. Don’t place your dog in situations that are uncomfortable. Watch his behaviors and learn the cues he gives when he is starting to feel upset.
Anxiety can be difficult for your dog, so give these tips a try and reduce their stress easily and effectively.
Bentley is only stressful during thunderstorms. We have tried diversion and cuddling, but he is a nervous wreck. Are you familiar with the Thundercoat? I’m undecided if it will work.
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The Thundershirt did not work for my Shih Tzus. Neither did the treat diversion. They want no part of food during thunder. What has helped has been liquid melatonin that I put a dab of on their ear flap insides (not in the ear canal) in conjunction with a small amount of peppermint oil (too much could be too strong) extract dabbed sparingly with a cotton ball on the pads of their feet. It is an oil, so less is also better for your furniture or fabrics. It’s not a cure, but it definitely has calmed them. Both can be found in legit health food stores, and they are cross – species applicable.
Some top tips, thanks!
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Atka has mild anxiety when we leave recently. We’ve definitely had success with giving treats before we leave, leaving windows open, and having the tv on. Severe anxiety is a whole different ball park, but for mild anxiety these tips are great!
Kelsie recently posted..Grooming a Double Coated Dog
Luckily I don’t have anxious dogs although Saari is scared of the vet … so we do various trips there for no reason, just for the vet to give her lots of fuss and maybe a treat and she is without doubt now less worried. It’s a case that she HAS to go to the vet for jabs etc so if we can ease her worry before she has to have a proper visit that must be a good thing.
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