Owning a dog can be both rewarding and challenging. Dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, but also require a lot of time and attention.
One common issue that dog owners face is anxiety in their pet. This problem can manifest in many different ways, from constant barking or whining to destructive chewing or house-soiling.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat anxiety in dogs, including medication and behaviour training.
By understanding the causes of anxiety and using the appropriate treatment methods, you can help your dog lead a happy and healthy life, and this is exactly what we’re here to discuss!
Read on as we give you our best tips to treat anxiety in dogs.
Stick With Your Routine Before Change
If your dog is stressed out, having a predictable daily routine might help them feel in control.
Go on the morning walk at about the same time, have meals at the same time, do the same exercise several days in a row, take walks in the same neighbourhood. Stick with the routine strictly for several days.
If the dog's behaviour doesn't improve, change something. But remember to only change one thing at a time. For example, if you had a long walk in the morning and a short one in the dark, do it vice versa.
You'll discover what makes your dog most comfortable so you can maintain a calming routine.
Enjoy Music Session
Music is words from heaven! It helps humans relax and feel their emotions, but did you know you can treat anxiety in dogs with music?
A study in 2002 compared how shelter dogs responded to classical, pop, and heavy metal music as well as conversation and silence. Researchers found that classical music had a calming effect on dogs and even more recent research found that shelter dogs were most soothed by the sounds of an audiobook. The pups went from standing and barking to laying down and resting. Another study showed that harp music could help hospitalised dogs with better breathing and heart rates compared to dogs that didn't listen to it.
If your dog barks too much out of the anxiety, play Mozart or pop on their favourite audiobook story!
Give Cuddles!
Nothing is as effective as the owner's touch when it comes to reducing anxiety in dogs. Dogs aren't that different from people in reacting to stressful situations. Like humans, dogs like to be around people they love when feeling stressed and sad.
If your doggo is anxious, hit pause in your day and give it cuddles! Do it every day and watch the dog's anxiety melt!
Massage The Dog
Massage is beneficial for relieving tension in dogs' muscles and has an overall calming effect on the puppies. Start a massage around the neck and slowly work your way to the bottom. Watch the dog's reaction to identify the sweet spots and give them more time!
The combination of the owner's physical touch and tension-relief massage will do wonders for an anxious dog.
Try Time-Out
Anxiety manifests differently in dogs. If the dog is misbehaving, give him a time-out. Isolate the dog for half an hour to break the bad behaviour. It is more beneficial for treating bad consequences of anxiety such as barking, aggressiveness, and destruction.
Also, sometimes dogs' anxiety gets triggered by different factors - lights, crowd, loud noise. Isolating the dog in an alternate place will keep the dog away from those triggers.
Try Supplements and Pheromones
Dog-safe products that contain a natural product are among the most effective calming supplements. If your dog has food allergies, consult the vet before introducing supplements.
Most vets will also recommend Pheromones. There are products that are sold as a collar or diffuser
Exercise Your Dog
Hands down, the best way to burn the excess energy in your dog is with well-designed workouts! Physical exercise is beneficial for dogs' physical and mental health because it increases the happy hormone - endorphin.
Mutual workouts are especially beneficial for dogs with separation anxiety. During workouts, talk with the dog and praise him for doing a good job!
Take-Home Message
We have all been there, standing in the corner of a room and feeling like we can't breathe. It's not just humans who experience this kind of anxiety. Some dogs also suffer from various forms of it too! This is why you should never underestimate your dog's emotions or how they deal with their mental health.
If you think that your pup might be suffering from some form of anxiety, don't wait and start taking care right away! Book an appointment with your vet to discuss possible treatments.
Your little furry friend deserves nothing less than the best quality care for their needs and happiness!
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