Anxiety is a condition that is common in both humans and our furry friends. It can be related to a specific event, like riding in a vehicle, or it can be a more general condition that triggers from many different situations.
Anxiety comes about due to different fears or phobias. We see anxiety manifest in varying forms. Sometimes it’s depression, sometimes it’s aggression and destructive behavior, or it could be in other behaviors like accidents in the house, drooling or persistent barking.
It’s critical to understand the source of your dog’s anxiety to implement effective treatment. Is your dog anxious about being left alone? Being confined? Could it be loud noises, travel or changes to their environment? Maybe it’s certain objects, people or places that cause anxiety. Knowing will go a long way to helping with treatment.
Many of these forms of anxiety can be helped through training and conditioning. However, some dogs are simply anxious by nature, or they need help calming down enough before training can be effective. There are pharmaceuticals that can be prescribed by veterinarians in extreme cases. To minimize the risks and potential side effect of medicating your dog, consider some of these options.
1. Exercise
Most of us know that exercise is a great stress reliever for humans and the same goes for dogs. A tired dog is a happy dog. Sometimes getting them outside of the house to play and exercise is the best remedy for anxiety. Even older dogs need exercise as long as it’s activities that are easier on their aging joints.
Exercise can help in a couple different ways. First, it stimulates the production of serotonin which is a chemical that is considered a natural mood stabilizer. It’s also found in humans and helps with sleeping, eating and digesting. Second, it helps get rid of all that excess energy that build up as well as the tension that increase anxiety. Go for a long walk or hike with your dog, let them run alongside for a bike ride, or maybe play a long game of fetch in the yard. Anything that wears them out will do the trick.
2. Music
“Music has charms to soothe the savage beast.” Most of us have heard this old proverb and it does ring true in many of us. Music has a soothing or calming quality in many species, not just humans. Try leaving a radio or tv on when your pet is home alone. This can help a dog feel comforted and diminish separation anxiety. If you decide to do this, be sure to play the music at times when you are home as well.
What kinds of music do dogs like? There are actually several music genres that have shown to be more effective for soothing dogs. Reggae and soft rock have been the most relaxing for dogs and classical music also helps calm dogs in stressful environments. Studies have shown that dogs do get used to background noise after about 7 days and begin to show more anxiety and stress. Mix up the stations or music that you leave on for your dog. Everyone enjoys a little variety, right?
Looking for some playlists? Check out Preventive Vet on Spotify or the Soft Rock for Dogs playlist on Spotify
3. Aromatherapy
Essential oils can be toxic if ingested, especially to our pets. You should never apply them directly to your pet.
With that said, you can still use essential oils for aromatherapy in your home if you use them properly.
Diffusers are a safer way to implement these essential oils so that your dog can benefit from their soothing properties. Lavender and frankincense are generally the most effective essential oils for your pet’s anxiety. Others that may have calming properties if you want to mix them in are orange, tangerine, ylang ylang and patchouli
Again, essential oils are not safe for direct application to dogs. If you have essential oils in your home, be sure to store them in a place your pet cannot access. Our pets are much more sensitive to essential oils than us humans. Many oils can be toxic and pose danger to most pets.
4. Thundershirt
The ThunderShirt is a popular solution for dogs with storm anxiety. If your dog is panic stricken during thunderstorms it can wreak havoc, not only on your dog’s health, but also your household’s ability to sleep. The ThunderShirt is a wrap that is designed to apply gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear and over excitement due to environmental triggers, especially weather-related anxiety.
Be careful not to overuse this wrap. Try to limit its use to high-anxiety times. Using it too frequently can make it less effective.
5. Massage
Who doesn’t find a massage relaxing? Your dog sure will. Dog massage can lower blood pressure and reduce stress for the dog and for the human who massages the dog. Bonus!
Massaging the top of the head, feet and ears are great for stress relief as these are natural pressure points. Just 10-15 minutes a day can have a huge impact on your dog’s anxiety. Need some tips on how to become a better pooch masseuse? Check out this article from Modern Dog Magazine.
6. Brushing & Grooming
Don’t forget to pamper your pup. Therapy for your dog could be as simple as 10-15 minute of brushing every night. It feels great for your dog, and it gives them more time to spend with you. This is also a great time to look for any sores, abrasions or lesions on the skin which could be signs that it’s time to get your dog checked by a vet.
7. Mental Stimulation/Distraction
If your dog’s anxiety is tied to certain situations, like a thunderstorm or being in crowd of people, consider some way of distracting your dog. Making your dog think will help them to focus on something other than the anxiety causing environment. Mental exertion can have the same calming effect as physical exercise.
Try working on new tricks. It doesn’t matter what tricks they are. You are going to be spending one-on-one time with your dog and that is what they crave. Many dogs develop stress behaviors because they are not getting enough stimulation. Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors.
8. Supplements
One of the most common supplements for dog stress is melatonin which is a hormone that naturally rises when your dog sleeps. This supplement will work to calm your dog for short periods of time and can also help with sleep.
Another supplement for mild to moderate anxiety is L-tryptophan. Studies have shown that this supplement can bring improvements in anxiety-related behavior.
CBD oil and chews have recently become available. There is, however, no regulation about potency so this can be a difficult supplement to utilize.
Rescue Remedy is a popular supplement for those seeking herbal treatments. This is a blend of natural herb and flower extracts that can help with anxiety.
Before giving your dog any supplements, you should discuss the proper doses with your veterinarian.
9. Managing YOUR Stress
We feel the stress of others in our lives and it can have a significant impact on our anxiety. Dogs will feel our anxiety as well. Most of us have experienced the empathy that a dog. Coming to us in our time of need. Managing our stress and anxiety will have a positive effect on our dog’s well being. We must care for ourselves as well as our furry friends.
If you have serious concerns with your dog’s anxiety, be sure to schedule an appointment with you veterinarian to discuss all your options. Veterinarians are the only people specifically trained to advise you on all treatments for your dog. Read as much as you can, ask questions, and be an advocate for your pet’s health.
My 11 year old Puggle has developed major anxiety when my visits and stay with me. He whines and cries and continues to run in and out of the kitchen. He continually whines and cries It is very stressful.. and wakes md up I ,middle of night give him Benedril helps w sleep but daytime is bad !! Help? Suggestions welcome!!.
My dachshund has terrible anxiety even I’m 2 minutes in restroom 20 steps away he has eaten 3 bedroom doors and now I have to buy a 4th cause I was in hospital.It’s only him and I…dr. has him on xanax..now if I give him 2they work. Help…he”smy baby. I have no friend and my only family is very far away.
My poodle had puppies,
We gave them away st 5 weeks old, she is carrying a squeaky toy in her mouth and whinning.
Shes try to find a safe place to hide the toy, but cant seem to find that special place, the separation has put her in a depression stage, its over a week since the babies were gone. What can i do to help her!!!
Hello, I would try some CBD products as they seem to really help pups with anxiety. I also think that this is her missing her puppies so maybe some day care to help her socialize and see other dogs with exercise
Give him his own bed beside your bed. He wants to be near you all the time. Slowly move the bed a little farther each time (whenever you think it’s ok) nudging him toward the door. Eventually he will get used to the idea that he doesn’t have to be glued to you, to know you are not abandoning him. Taking him to a place where he is able to wander on his own, like a dog park, but still see you my help also. He might not leave your side but eventually he is going to be curious enough to wander away. It’s going to take time but with your help he will be ok. Try meditation for yourself, yoga, anything to help you relax. Our dogs will pick up on the mood changes in us. If you have anxiety, or expect he his going to behave the same way, he is going to feel it, and in turn gives him anxiety. Encourage him, praise him lots when he does go even a few steps away. This way he knows it’s ok, and when he looks back, you say “it’s ok go on”
I am not an expert by any miens, but I do know that what we feel, comes out in our dogs. If you can stay positive and calm, I believe it will reflect greatly on your pooch
I agree! With your advice!
Hello, I would try some CBD products for pets. They seem to help out with dogs that have really bad anxiety. If Xanax helps there may be other anti depressants that aren’t so toxic that may help as well.
Hey,
I have a rescue dog. I have him already for 2 years and he has always been fine in a crate when I was not home. I had to do this because he was destroying everything when I let him loose. He seemed to see the crate as his comfort zone. I had many foster dogs during that time. The the dog of my boyfriend broke out of the crate and ever since then my other dog also breaks out. So we decided to work on leaving them loose in the house when we are not there. We got to the point that we could leave them for some hours without them destroying anything. But for some reason now he sometimes destroyes the sofa. We never know why, because it is not everytime that we leave them alone. I really need some advice on this. We have already tried a lot.
Hi, SOrry for the delay in response. Your pup seems to be suffering from depression. Exercise may help, CBD products do help with anxiety and maybe some type of anti depression. He is 11 so if this is something new then either something traumatic happened or possibly something with his diet or brain could have caused it. I would recommend a vet that is experienced in homeopathic medication.
Hope this Helps
Glenn
My dog is continuously digging floor and whinning and hurting herself..
What shall I do please help me
Hi,
I would try some CBD products or an anti depressant. If this hurting her then I would get her into a vet to get some physical diagnosis as she may have some kind of issue physically as well.
A table draped with a blanket is a great retreat, or if your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open with blankets inside. Don’t lock your dog in the crate, as this can be even more stressful for them. Give your dog options so they can choose where to hide.
I have a 13 year old plnpen chi mix he has anxiety to every little noise.I have notice after 3 years of using my fireplace that he has developed anxiety to to fire what should I do.
My 2 year old boxer male has developed serious anxiety and acts aggressive when on a lead doesn’t like men and hates bikes and loud noises since getting him as a 10 week old pup he’s not liked loud noises so I really am struggling to find the cause also I’m positive that an incident occurred at his previous daycare which is where the hatred of men started and his behaviour when has progressively got worse. Also I’m sure I’m not helping in the right way
My dog has wicked anxiety which makes her aggressive at times. My fear is she will bite someone one day. I work as hospice nurse so i drive wuite a bit and am able to take her with me. Over the last month she is barking more in the car, she goes crazy when a person is outside and now when a truck, teactor or horse is even outside. Its terrible. I thought bringing her out would improve things and get her used to the outside world. Help.