As a dog owner, you’ll know that there are good days and bad days with your pup. On some days, he may be calm and relaxed, while on other days he can seem anxious or agitated. That’s why it’s important to have a few techniques up your sleeve for keeping your dog calm during stressful situations. We’ve put together some top tips that can help you keep your pup content, so keep reading to learn more.
Causes of Anxiety in Dogs
First and foremost, it’s helpful to understand why your dog may be feeling anxious in the first place. Common causes of stress in dogs include loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, changes in routine, and other environmental factors like thunderstorms. If you’re able to identify what is causing your pup distress, it can be easier to manage the situation.
Creating a Calm Environment
The next step is to create a calm environment for your pup. This might include providing extra blankets, beds and toys that he can snuggle up with or play with when feeling anxious. You should also consider reducing noise levels as much as possible by closing windows, using heavy curtains, and playing some soothing music.
Regardless of what’s happening in life, your dog should have somewhere they feel safe. This could be a designated spot or corner of the house where they spend time when anxious, such as under a bed or behind the sofa. Giving them the space to have some peace and quiet can often help relieve stress in dogs.
Offering Comforting Touch
Reassuring physical contact can be a great way to send calming signals to your pup, and dogs love the touch of their owners. Offer comforting touch like patting and stroking, apply gentle pressure with hugs or swaddling, or massage your pup’s neck and back in soothing motions.
Try Supplements
As science has developed, so too have the types of supplements available for dogs. If your pup is particularly stressed or anxious, you may want to consider using natural calming supplements for dogs, which works by releasing natural endorphins and calming brain activity. These can be added to their food or water, or even just a few drops added directly into their mouth.
Why not shop for calming chews for your dogs online? These treats contain ingredients like chamomile and valerian root, which can help your pup relax and reduce stress. Check out some brands online to see what’s available.
Keep Training Sessions Calm
During training sessions, don’t forget to keep the energy low-key and calm. Dogs respond better when the atmosphere is relaxed and consistent. You can keep your pup focused by using treats, verbal commands and positive reinforcement, rather than shouting or punishing him if he makes a mistake.
Exercise Often
Finally, physical activity is another method of reducing anxiety in dogs. Regular walks, playtime sessions with toys, and even swimming can all be beneficial in helping your pup release tension. Make sure to vary the types of activity you do together, as this can help keep your pup engaged and alert.
Follow these tips and you can work towards creating a more relaxed atmosphere for your pup and reducing stress levels in your home. Remember that everyone gets anxious sometimes – including our furry friends – so don’t hesitate to contact a vet if you think you need additional help.