Just like dog moms and dog dads, your four-legged friend can suffer from anxiety as well. If you have a dog that suffers from anxiety, there are ways to manage and dramatically lower their stress level.
Signs Of Stress
Anxiety can show itself in many different ways. Your dog may be destructive or even hostile when suffering from stress. Signs of anxiety may also be in the form of whining, barking and uncontrollable shaking. Dogs rescued from shelters may have anxiety due to being abandoned by their owners and living in a shelter environment. Here are the top signs your dog suffers from anxiety:
- Panting and pacing (even when it’s not hot)
- Digging
- Destroying furniture
- Not eating
- Shivering
- Barking or howling when owner isn’t home
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Cowering in the corner of a room
Sweat It Out
One of the best and easiest ways to help your dog with anxiety is to use exercise to banish the blues. Using exercise to tire out your pet benefits you and your pup. A tired dog is typically a more well-behaved dog. Just like human dog lovers, when you exercise, endorphins are released which can improve your dog’s mood. Exercise is a good bonding time for both of you. Whether you walk around the park, throw the ball in the backyard or play chase in the house, it will definitely lower their stress level.
The Healing Touch
How about a hug? Well, dogs don’t necessarily love a big bear hug, but they absolutely respond well to physical touch. Ear massages and full body massages are tools to help your dog relax. Want to learn how to do a proper doggy massage? Check these 4 simple dog massage techniques! By helping your dog relax, you will help them find their moment of ZEN!
Music & My Dog
Play a little tune or tell Alexa to play “music for dogs.” Music therapy has been proven to be helpful for humans and dogs to lower stress. The power of music can be relaxing and calming to your pup. It can also help to block out large noises (garbage truck, street sweeper, etc.) that may be stressing out your dog. Research shows that classical music is preferred by dogs. Learn more about how music therapy helps dogs.
Time Out
Give your dog a safe space that they can call their own. A place where they can go and not be bothered by the hustle and bustle of the household. Some dogs respond well to having a soft dog bed, a comfy blanket or even their own crate to let them have time to be quiet and feel safe.
Doctor Recommended
There are many alternative therapies that can be supplemented in your dog’s life. A simple calming coat or t-shirt might help relieve anxiety. In addition, there are homeopathic remedies that might benefit your dog. Supplements too are a helpful to combat stress. Always check with your veterinarian for the best choices for your dog’s treatment of anxiety.
