More than 70% of dogs experience anxiety disorders. Anxiety in dogs can manifest itself in many ways. Some of the most noticeable signs are destructive behavior, aggression, excessive barking, hiding, and avoidance of certain places or things. If you’re the owner of an anxious dog, you’re probably more than a little concerned about how to help a dog with anxiety.
We’ve assembled a quick, helpful guide to point you in the right direction.
Let’s take a look.
1. Give Them a Massage
You can do a few things to help your dog with anxiety. One of the best things you can do is massage them.
Massage can help release tension and relax the body. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog.
Try to massage your dog for a few minutes each day. You can also give them Bach flower remedies designed to help with anxiety and stress.
You can also consider using a calming supplement like hemp for dogs to help them relax. This is safe and effective and can help to ease your dog’s anxiety. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements.
2. Dog Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to help your dog with anxiety. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects.
A tired pet is a healthy pet; exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Take your dog for a long walk or run, play fetch, or go for a swim.
Make sure to start slowly and build up gradually. If your dog is not used to exercising, it may get too excited and overexert itself, which can lead to injury.
3. Ensure That Your Dog Has a Safe Place
Always ensure that your dogs have a safe place to retreat when anxious. This could be a crate, a room, or even a bathtub.
Keep their environment calm and free of stimuli that could trigger their anxiety. This means no loud music, TV, or people coming in and out of the house.
4. Provide Them With Physical Contact
Physical contact can be in the form of petting, rubbing their belly, or even just sitting next to them. This will help to release some of the tension they are feeling and provide them with a sense of security.
Physical contact helps ease their anxiety and makes them feel more comfortable.
5. Provide Your Dog With Lots of Love and Attention
The number one way to help your dog with anxiety and provide dog care is to give them love and attention.
This means spending time with them, playing with them, and providing them with physical affection. It is also important to be consistent with your affection and attention so that your dog knows they can count on you.
Calming a Dog With Anxiety
If you have a dog with anxiety, there are some things that you can do to help. The most important thing is to remain calm.
Dogs can sense when their owners are tense or upset, which can worsen their anxiety. With a little effort, you can help your dog overcome their anxiety and live a happy and healthy life.
Check out our other articles today for more helpful tips!