What You Can Do to Ease Your Dog’s Stress and Anxiety

If your dog is stressed or anxious, there are several things you can do to help ease its anxiety and improve its overall well-being. In this post, we’ll share some of the best things you can do to help your dog feel calm and relaxed. From omega-3 supplements to dog-safe essential oils, many natural remedies can help your furry friend feel better.

We’ll also share some tips on how to create a calm environment for your dog and how to avoid triggering their anxiety. By following these tips, you can help your dog live a happy and stress-free life.

Signs Your Dog Is Stressed

Dogs communicate stress and anxiety primarily through their body language, and learning to recognize these signals is key to helping them feel more comfortable. Just like humans, dogs may show subtle or obvious signs when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

One of the most common indicators of dog anxiety is panting, which may occur even if your dog hasn’t been physically active. You might also notice shaking or trembling, similar to the way dogs react to cold, but this behavior could be a result of stress.  Barking or howling can often become more frequent or excessive when a dog is anxious, especially if they’re left alone. Some dogs will attempt to retreat and may hide in small, enclosed spaces, such as under beds or tables, to escape from what’s bothering them.

Another sign of anxiety is clinging — your dog may stay unusually close to you, seeking constant reassurance. A loss of appetite or refusing to eat can also be a red flag, particularly if this is out of character for your pet. Finally, the position of a dog’s ears can tell you a lot about their emotional state. Dogs feeling anxious will often have their ears flattened against their head or pulled back, which signals discomfort or fear.

What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?

Stress and anxiety in dogs can be triggered by a wide range of factors, and pinpointing the cause is essential in helping your dog feel more relaxed and secure. Dogs, like humans, are sensitive to changes in their environment, routine, or lifestyle, and even small disruptions can lead to anxiety.

Change in Routine

One of the most frequent triggers is a change in routine. Dogs thrive on consistency, so something as simple as a new work schedule or moving to a new home can throw them off balance. This disruption can leave them feeling uncertain and stressed.

Lack of Exercise

Similarly, a lack of exercise can lead to pent-up energy, frustration, and anxiety, especially in breeds that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise helps your dog burn off energy and provides a sense of routine, which can reduce anxiety levels.

Loneliness

Loneliness is another significant cause of stress in dogs, particularly for those that are left alone for long periods. Dogs are social animals, and being separated from their owners for extended periods can lead to separation anxiety, manifesting in behaviors such as barking, chewing, or urinating indoors. For some dogs, being left alone is overwhelming and causes intense feelings of stress.

Loud Noises & Unfamiliar People

Fear of loud noises is a common anxiety trigger, especially during thunderstorms or fireworks displays. Sudden, loud sounds can frighten dogs and make them feel vulnerable. Similarly, fear of unfamiliar people or animals can be a source of stress, especially for dogs that haven’t been properly socialized. New faces or the presence of other animals might trigger fear responses, causing anxiety.

Food Insecurity

Even food insecurity can play a role in a dog’s stress levels. If a dog doesn’t have regular access to nutritious food or has experienced periods of hunger in the past, they may become anxious around feeding times, guarding their food or eating quickly out of fear that it might be taken away.

How to Treat Dog Anxiety

Create a Safe Space

Providing your dog with a comfortable and safe place to stay is important for helping to ease their stress and anxiety. This could be a dog bed in a quiet corner of the house or a crate that they feel safe in. You can set up a dog camera nearby to monitor your pet and talk to them when they need extra comfort. It’s also important to make sure that your dog has access to water at all times.

Create a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Having a set daily routine will help to ease your dog’s stress and anxiety. This could include going for a walk at the same time each day, feeding them at regular intervals, and providing them with regular opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.

Exercise and Play

Exercise is not only good for physical health, but it can also help to relieve stress and anxiety. Taking your dog for a daily walk or run is a great way to bond with them and provide them with the exercise they need. You can also provide mental stimulation for your dog through activities such as unique dog toys, training sessions, or interactive treat dispensers.

Be Aware of Your Stress Levels

Dogs are very attuned to their owner’s emotions and can pick up on when you are feeling stressed or anxious. It is important to be aware of how your own stress levels might be affecting your dog and try to create a calm environment for them. This could involve taking breaks during the day to spend time with your dog and keeping noise levels down.

Seek Professional Help

If your dog is still anxious, you should consider seeking professional help. They will be able to provide you with more specific advice on how to help your dog and may recommend medication or other treatment options if necessary. Some treatments may be calming chews, relaxing sprays, hemp oil for dogs, or specific anti-anxiety medications.

In Summary

There are a few things you can do to help ease your dog’s stress and anxiety. By understanding what causes your dog stress, providing them with a comfortable place to stay, and creating a routine, you can help your dog feel happier and more relaxed. Exercise and mental stimulation are also great ways to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. If your dog’s stress and anxiety are severe, seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.