Anxiety in dogs is a concerning issue that manifests through behavior and poor physical health. Unfortunately, not everyone is quick to catch on often attributing anxiety to just being under the weather. Have you ever observed your dog displaying weird behavior such as pacing up and down, excessive snout licking, or whining? These are all signs of anxiety in dogs triggered by various factors such as loud noises, separation, new environments, or unfamiliar people. Anxiety in dogs can affect their well-being and, if left unmanaged, may lead to destructive behavior or health issues. Luckily, there are many natural ways to help calm your dog, which can improve both their mental state and overall quality of life.
How Anxiety Affects Dogs
Anxiety can cause dogs to become hypervigilant, nervous, and sometimes aggressive. Over time, chronic anxiety can lead to health problems like digestive issues or weakened immunity. It’s essential to address these anxious behaviors to help your dog feel safe and comfortable. Understanding the signs of anxiety is the first step in calming them.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
- Pacing or restlessness
- Excessive barking or whining
- Panting or trembling
- Hiding or trying to escape
- Destructive behavior (e.g., chewing furniture)
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive licking or yawning
- Dilated pupils
- Increased salivation or drooling
Knowing these signs of anxiety in dogs will help you understand your dog better. It enables you to improve the way you take care of your dog ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing. Let’s move on to 10 ways to calm your dog naturally
#1 Create a Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on routine; in fact, they love it which is why you might find your dog attracting your attention or sitting still in front of you before mealtime. They know when it’s time to go out or sleep too. Consistency in a dog’s routine helps reduce their stress. Having regular feeding times, walks, playtimes, and sleep schedules provides predictability, helping your dog feel more secure.
#2 Exercise and Play
Physical activity is a powerful way to reduce anxiety. Regular exercise, such as daily walks or play sessions, helps release endorphins that can calm your dog. Playtime is also a great mental distraction from stressors. To make your dog’s playtime more stimulating you can even get an interactive dog toy that would truly keep them mentally and physically active. Here are five top interactive toys for dogs.
Interactive Toys for Dogs
- Best Interactive Dog Toy: Outward Hound Tornado Puzzle available on Amazon for $15
- Best Chewing Toy: Kong Extreme Dog Toy available on Chewy for $15
- Best Fetch Toy: Aerobie Dogobie Disc available on Amazon for $17
#3 Use Calming Music or White Noise
Certain types of music or white noise can calm anxious dogs. Studies show that soothing classical music can help reduce anxiety, especially during stressful events like thunderstorms or fireworks. There are several white noise for dog channels on Spotify and YouTube.
#4 Try a Pressure Vest or ThunderShirt
The ThunderShirt is an amazing pressure vest based on scientific concepts. Animal science experts say that compression helps calm anxious dogs which is why the ThunderShirt is designed on the lines of a weighted blanket. A ThunderShirt vest applies gentle pressure on soft tissue to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of relaxation. Most vets recommend it be worn by anxious dogs for 1 to 2 hours to help ease anxiety or during stressful situations like vet visits or car rides. You can either purchase a ThunderShirt from the brand website or Chewy.com. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
#5 Grooming and Massage
Regular grooming or gentle massage can help calm an anxious dog. The act of brushing or massaging your dog helps release endorphins, which are natural feel-good hormones.
The best way to massage your dog is to use a device like the Paw Wave massager which offers soothing percussion waves that relax your pet, easing aches and pains and promoting deep relaxation within minutes. This deep-tissue massager also helps improve mobility by loosening tight muscles and enhancing blood circulation, reducing stiffness. It’s ideal for older pets, aiding in joint health and even preventing injuries, making it great for agility dogs or pets with arthritis. The Paw Wave Percussion Massager is affordable and available on Amazon for $64.94.
#6 Use Pheromones
Synthetic dog appeasing pheromones (DAP), available in diffusers, sprays, or collars, mimic natural calming scents released by mother dogs. These pheromones can help reduce anxiety in situations like moving or during loud noises. Scientific studies have proved how DAP’s like ADAPTIL can help dogs feel calmer in stressful situations.
#7 Provide a Safe Space
Designate a quiet, secure area in your home where your dog can retreat when they feel anxious. A space with minimal stimulation, like a cozy corner with their favorite blanket, can offer comfort during stressful times
#8 Natural Supplements
Herbal supplements, such as chamomile, valerian root, are known to naturally reduce anxiety in dogs. Always consult with your vet before giving any supplements to ensure they are safe for your dog.
#9 Mental Stimulation with Puzzle Toys
Mental stimulation is key in reducing anxiety. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing toys engage your dog’s brain, providing a fun distraction from anxiety triggers. Dog enrichment toys are best used to ensure your pet is mentally stimulated and occupied.
Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs:
- Best Boredom Buster: Roolo Treat Dispenser by UK company Play 9 priced at £19.99
- Best Dog Enrichment: The Snuffle Mat by Pet Impact available on Amazon UK for £19.99
- Best Puzzle Treat Toy: West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Dog Puzzle available on Chewy for $16
#10 Offer Calming Treats
There are various calming treats on the market that contain ingredients like L-theanine, melatonin, or tryptophan, which can naturally reduce anxiety. These should be given as part of a broader strategy to manage your dog’s anxiety. The best time to administer calming treats is 20-30 minutes before a stressful event occurs. However, be sure to consult with your vet before giving your dog treats with medicated ingredients.
Helping your dog manage anxiety naturally requires understanding their triggers and implementing a variety of calming techniques. By incorporating physical exercise, mental stimulation, a consistent routine, and the use of natural products, you can effectively reduce your dog’s anxiety and improve their overall quality of life. Always remember to consult your veterinarian before trying new calming methods, especially if the anxiety persists.
