Picture this… you are heading off to the beach. You’ve prepared the kids and other family members who are eagerly waiting for the journey and also playing on the beach.
But wait, did you count your dog? Don’t say that you are that much cruel to leave your dog in an empty house! You SHOULD include your pooch in the car before gas up the tank.
Well, in this case, few pet owners mention the fact of their pet anxiety. But you know the anxiety isn’t something to be worried until it becomes excessive. It’s pretty natural among the dogs.
However, fortunately or unfortunately, my dog also undergoes through the situation of extreme anxiety. It made my life a real nightmare. However, I’ve successfully handled that situation (it’s definitely a fortune!). Anxious dogs have a higher possibility of a pet getting lost. So, you should keep an alert eye on your anxious puppy before he gets lost.
After that, I thought why I didn’t share those tips with you guys too? I think every pet owner should know about their pet’s anxiety and the process of reducing it. Let’s begin!
What Causes Dog Anxiety?
Several reasons can cause dog anxiety. Among them, the most common reasons are –
- Aging
- Separation
- Travel and
- Fear
Age-related anxiety affects especially the older dogs. It can be associated with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).
The separation anxiety affects approximately 14% of dogs. In this case, dogs feel uncomfortable when they left alone. Even if they notice the absence of their favorite family member, it could be a huge problem.
The travel and fear related anxiety mostly cause for extreme noise, strange animals or peoples, or loneliness.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
Just like the other disease, anxiety also shows some noticeable symptoms. Few severe symptoms are –
- Aggression
- Drooling
- Destructive behavior
- Pacing
- Excessive Barking
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Repetitive or compulsive behaviors, etc
If you notice any symptom described above, your dog is suffering from anxiety. Read on to know more about how to reduce dog anxiety.
Here are the 9 Tips on Reducing Dog Anxiety:
The process of reducing dog anxiety isn’t a hard nut to crack. Simply follow our top 9 tips and you are good to go.
1. Reexamine your routine first:
You are busy in our everyday routine. I know that! But the situation isn’t normal. When your dog is suffering from anxiety, you should find out a few extra moments to spend with your dog. You can go outside, play in the parks, or simply walk around. Just make sure that your dog is feeling less nervous while walking around. It helps to increase his confidence level too!
2. Play some melodies:
Just like people, dogs are also a big fan of music. It helps them to calm down, relax and feel soothed. But even if you’re not a fan of Michael Bolton or Bob Marley, don’t worry. There are plenty of other melodies to calm your dog.
A 2017 study of Science Direct shows that music is linked to decrease the heart rate of the dogs. It is a great sign of less stress.
3. Exercise:
Exercise is a great stress reliever for both humans and dogs. Firstly, proper exercise simulates the Serotonin production. Secondly, it helps to get rid of pent-up tension and energy that exacerbates anxiety. A saying goes; a tired dog is a good dog.
4. Offer some physical massage:
Physical touch is a perfect medium to reduce aggression and anxiety in dogs. A research on Applied Animal Behavior Science shows that gentle touch helps the dog to stay calmer during uncomfortable or stressful situations.
This tips also helpful enough when your dog is being shots or having the blood drawn.
5. Try a compression wrap:
The Thundershirts may make your dog look funny, but they are helpful. As well as reducing physical stress, it will keep the mind of your pet calmer.
6. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP):
DAP is a popular option to calm dogs anxiety. It is a synthetic chemical. This chemical is based on a hormone produced by lactating female dogs. However, only the dogs can smell DAP, humans can’t!
7. Act casual when you come and go:
Your dog is overexcited when you return home. It’s natural! But think about the other side of the coin. It hurts him when you leave your house. It causes separation anxiety when you are leaving your house.
To avoid this anxiety, stay casual always. Don’t rush or take too much time when leaving him.
8. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone for Long!
Your dog will feel alone if you stay at work for long hours. Bring him to your work might help. But most of the office premises isn’t suitable for puppies.
But, you need to make a schedule accordingly so that your dog is alone for a short period of time. If you had to leave for a few days or more ask a friend or relative to take care of your dog. Otherwise, you might consider doggy daycare centers. They will take care of him when you are away.
9. Perform regular health checkup:
Physical sickness makes the dogs anxious. So, visit your veterinarian regularly. Make sure your pet isn’t suffering any disease. You know a healthy body is the main fuel of a healthy mind!
Final Words:
Dogs are a highly social animal. They love to stay in groups. But they also suffer from anxiety and stress like a human even when they are in groups.
You can follow our tips to reduce your dog’s anxiety. Hope that these tips will save your life one day!
Stay healthy with your pooch!
** Lauretta Williams is a web-addicted blogger who works with PawMaw. She loves spending her time listening to music, playing with her pets and writing blogs from her computer. **
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