4 Tips to Calm an Anxious Dog

Pets struggle with anxiety for a variety of reasons. They may become anxious if they haven’t exercised in a while, if they’re jealous because they lack attention, or if they are going someplace unfamiliar or overwhelming like the vet’s office. Separation anxiety is also a concern with many dogs. Physical and mental stimulation usually calms anxious dogs.

Here are some tips for how to calm an anxious dog.

1. Find Them Something to Do
Some dogs have exceptional mental agility and physical energy, and they become irritated when idle. So once you pick up on this trait, find different activities to keep them busy. Check out the following pet entertainment ideas:

• Conduct training sessions. Training sessions are the perfect mental stimulation activities. They also cement commands and obedience in your pet.
• Try rotating toys. Dogs get bored and anxious when they play with a single toy daily. But once you buy new toys, they become excited. You can also hide their favorite toys for a while and exchange them later.
• Play games to find treats. Finding-treats games help dogs exercise their use of smell. For example, a nose game keeps dogs occupied because it attaches a reward to the hustle.
• Switch the TV on for a short while. Some dogs enjoy watching other pets on TV. But you will need to limit the watch time to avoid boredom.
• Set up outdoor watch spots. Set your dog's outdoor watch spot close to the window. This way, they can always run there to look at nature, cars, and people passing by.
• Go exercising with them. Dogs are excellent companions in hikes and other outdoor activities. These activities relieve stress and strengthen their bodies.

2. Cuddle Them
Cuddling is not just for humans! The best way to beat anxiety is through a loving gesture. Pets may enjoy different activities during the day, but sometimes affection calms them.

Canines make snuggling a cozy experience. It does not matter the dog's size. You can cuddle up any time, especially when they feel agitated. Make it a bonding session where you watch pet videos while on the couch. You will lift their spirit and help them cope with the situation.

Cuddles also have health benefits for pets. For example, it reduces cortisol levels, a hormone that causes depression, stress, and anxiety. Some argue that this particular health implication of cuddling makes canine pet owners live happier as well.

3. Try a Dietary Remedy
Sometimes you try exercises, cuddling, and games, but nothing works. But you do not have to rush to medication for treatment just yet. Instead, try out a dietary remedy.

Play around with different dog feeds to make mealtime enjoyable. This remedy often works for pets that get anxious during mealtimes. For instance, you can reduce proteins in some of the meals. This way, your canine receives low serotonin doses, reducing aggression. Alternatively, increase vitamin intake to improve their health and make them happy.

Some pet lovers also add herbs to dog food as anxiety-soothing agents. For example, chamomile calms stress and nerves in some pups. Check with your vet to be sure any dietary change is safe for your dog.

4. Find a Veterinarian
As a pet parent, you will always find new activities for your dog and feed them appropriately. But, when it comes to anxiety, that may not always be enough. So, seek advice from a professional.

Veterinarians have the training and experience to analyze your dog's behavior and determine potential anxiety or depression triggers. They will advise you on the best preventive measures and provide valuable techniques to calm your pet.

South San Diego Veterinary Hospital offers gentle and effective services for pet issues. Contact us to enjoy quality veterinarian treatment and advice.