Dogs and other animals experience anxiety the same way humans do. Although it is normal for every dog to have some level of anxiousness, extreme cases are termed as disorders. The leading causes of anxiety include separation, fear, or aging. Some of the signs of stress or anxiety in dogs include:
- Excessive barking
- Panting
- Aggression
- Pacing, restlessness or shaking
- Licking, drooling and yawning
- Destructive behavior
- Unusual behavior such as defecating or urinating in the house
The good news is that you can help your dog remain calm and reduce the level of stress or anxiety.
1. CBD Supplements
One of the most rapidly developing health trends in pet care is the use of hemp and CBD oils to calm anxious pets. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical present in cannabis and hemp. Studies have shown CBD to help with anxiety by altering the brain’s receptor response to serotonin. Even though it is derived from cannabis, CBD products contain almost no THC, the psychoactive component responsible for marijuana’s “high.” Therefore, providing CBD supplements to your dog will provide them with the advantage of calmness without intoxication. Here is another great article on how CBD helps anxious dogs?
2. Regular Exercise
Most dogs suffering from separation anxiety need companionship and love from their owner. Leaving them alone can aggravate the situation. Try to bond and interact with your dog through exercise. This will help to tire out their anxiety and release extra energy that might be making them feel unease.
Take your pup to your backyard or park to play ball or go for a long walk around your neighborhood. Ensure you talk to them often during the walk or exercise session.
3. Anxiety-Relieving Treats
You can buy some dog treats that have essential supplements proven to reduce stress and anxiety. For instance, CBD treats for dogs provide an all-natural solution to reduce discomforts, stress, and anxiety in dogs. Unlike prescription medications, these treats do not have any negative effects on your animal. You can use CBD dog treats to reward your dog whenever they do something good.
4. Treat Your Dog to a Massage
According to pet experts, physical touch is a proven way to ease aggression and anxiety in dogs – so try a puppy massage. Start from the neck and work your way down the back with long strokes. You’ll be able to identify the particular area where your dog holds its stress over time.
Gently petting your pup can help them calm down when undergoing uncomfortable or stressful situations. It’s also a perfect way to interact and bond with your pet whenever you are around them.
5. Music Therapy
Music provides a great soothing feeling to humans and animals alike. It gives a relaxing and calming feeling during stressful situations. If your dog is suffering from noise sensitivity, you can play them some music to block the scary street noises that might be causing anxiety.
The most preferable music is classical, soft rock, and reggae. If you are planning to leave your house for an extended period, leave some music playing on the TV or audio player to give them comfort.
6. Eliminate Triggers That Cause Stress to Your Dog
If you’ve already taken your pet to your vet and ascertained their health is okay, then identifying some of the possible stress triggers that make your dog uneasy can be helpful. Your vet or online research can help you understand how to spot things that make your pet stressed, and then how to avoid them.
For instance, if your dog is afraid of busy streets and too much noise, ensure you take them for a walk or other exercises in quiet places. The aim is to identify what triggers their anxiety and work towards eliminating it.
7. Consider Professional Help
If you’ve tried several remedies to help ease your dog’s anxiety without success, there’s no need to give up. A certified veterinary therapist can help you identify the causes of your dog’s stress. Such a professional will also suggest a specific plan to transform your dog’s emotional response. Besides identifying and avoiding triggers, this type of animal specialist can help your dog become less afraid and stressed over time.
Bottom Line
Dogs are a valuable part of our families and need proper care. If you notice any stress in your pup, take time to know the cause and work towards treating it. Be their companion and friend at all times.
