Dogs are naturally anxious animals, and there are a number of things that can trigger this anxiety. It may be separation anxiety, fear of loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks, or even a general sense of unease in new environments. In some cases, dogs may become anxious when their owners leave them alone, and in other cases, they may bark or chew destructively out of sheer frustration. Whatever the cause, it is important to address your dog’s anxiety in order to keep both him and your home safe and healthy. Here are eight ways to calm your anxious dog.
1. Avoid trigger situations. If your dog gets anxious around other animals, try avoiding dog parks or places where they’re likely to encounter other dogs. Similarly, if your dog hates being left alone, don’t leave them home alone for long periods of time. While it’s important to expose them to things they’re afraid of eventually, it’s best to do so gradually and with plenty of positive reinforcement so they don’t get overwhelmed.
2. Exercise! A tired dog is a calm dog. Tiring out your pup with a long walk or game of fetch before you leave them home alone or take them into a situation where they might get anxious can help them stay calm and relaxed.
3. Create a safe space. Dogs like having a place where they feel safe and secure. Consider getting them a crate or dog bed that they can use as their own personal space. This will be especially helpful if your dog is anxious around people or animals outside of the family – they can retreat to their safe space when company comes over.
4. Try herbal remedies. There are a number of herbal remedies that can help calm an anxious dog – the most popular being CBD oil for dogs. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant but doesn’t contain THC, so it won’t make your dog high – it’ll just help take the edge off their anxiety. Other popular herbal remedies include chamomile, lavender, and valerian root.
5. Use pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals produced by animals that affect the behavior of other members of the same species. For dogs, there are synthetic pheromones available in collar form that can help ease separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, and general anxiety.
6. Make sure they’re getting enough vitamin B1. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential nutrient for dogs that helps keep the nervous system functioning properly. A deficiency in vitamin B1 can cause seizures, tremors, and partial paralysis – all of which can increase anxiety levels. You can get vitamin B1 supplements for dogs at most pet stores or online – just make sure to talk to your vet first so you know how much to give them based on their weight.
7. Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication. If nothing else seems to be helping your dog’s anxiety, you might want to consider medication as a last resort. Anti-anxiety medication for dogs is typically only used in severe cases when all other options have been exhausted, but it might be worth talking to your vet about if you’re at wit’s end. They’ll be able to tell you what options are available and whether or not the medication is right for your pup.
Final Words
Anxiety in dogs is relatively common and can be caused by a variety of things – including genetics, past experiences, and certain medical conditions. If your dog is suffering from anxiety, know that you’re not alone – but also know that there are things you can do to help ease their fears and make their life more comfortable. Try some of the tips above next time your furry friend starts feeling stressed and see what happens. Maybe they’ll start feeling better in no time!
