If you think that anxiety is only a common trait in humans, you are wrong. Animals may also suffer from anxiety. Many of the dogs in our care are anxious—usually, because they are neglected by their families and the rescue community in general. Much as most detrimental behaviors—biting, barking, grinding on anything in sight—anxiety should be handled. Anxiety may be entirely fixed, but often it can only be managed; it can be seen under some conditions. If you have a dog suffering from fear, this post is a must-read one. We'll detail a range of validated strategies to help your nervous dog and foster a happy, safe life.
Photo by Matthew Pablico on Unsplash
Here is how to calm your anxious dog.
Get Calming Clothes
Calming coats and T-shirts apply soft, steady pressure to the dog's torso, wrapping the dog like a swaddling blanket on the infant. It is prescribed for dogs with some form of distress exacerbated by travel, isolation, noise, or other anxiety. There are many brands and models to pick from, based on the size of the dog. You should try out the fluffy dog beds as well, as they can provide comfort to your dog.
Isolation
Although fear is not a negative behavior in itself, it will help give your dog some time out when it's acting out. Isolating your pet in a safe and peaceful location will help to relax their frayed nerves. This room may have some very quiet music playing, low lighting, or some aromatherapy available.
Music to Calm Your Dog
Music therapy is useful both for humans and our canine and feline mates. The influence of music can be comforting and calming when you're at home, in the car, or away from your pet. Music may also reduce the perception of noise by blocking the street, or by creating alarming sounds that annoy certain dogs and cause fear.
Massage Therapy
As you already know, a massage is going to ease and settle even the most nervous human. But did you know it works well for dogs as well? Anxiety also induces muscle pain and massage therapy is one way to ease tension. Start at the neck and work down with long strokes. Try holding one hand on the dog while the other is massaging. With time, you might also be able to determine where your dog's tension is, and only focus on that particular area.
Physical Activity
If your dog has anxieties over separation, the obvious way to calm their minds is never to leave them alone. That's not the case for most pet owners, but using exercise as both a bonding time and getting bored of your pet is always an easy remedy!
Since fear may create extra energy, getting your dog out to play ball or a long walk before you leave can be beneficial. It is also helpful to have a lot of social interaction and to speak to them during this period. And, like their human counterparts, exercise can help to alleviate stress by releasing beneficial endorphins.