Calming an anxious dog can be done, but you need to have protocols and a set number of ways in which to do so. Here are some good, proven ways to calm an anxious dog.
1. Exercising Your Dog
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then it is never a good idea to leave them alone. This is not an ideal situation for most pet owners, and this is why it might be a better option to use exercise as bonding time and also to tire them out.
Anxiety can result in excess energy, which is why exercise can help your dog. This can be a long walk and taking your dog out to play ball. Make sure you provide them with physical contact and talk to them. Exercise is also good for the dog because it helps in relieving stress, which is the same in human beings.
2. Physical Contact
An owner’s touch is one of the most soothing things for an anxious dog. You should try identifying any signs of anxiety in your dog and deal with them as early as possible. When you notice these signs, pick them up, cuddle them, and give them a long petting session.
3. Massage
Massage is effective in relaxing and calming down even the most anxious humans – and it also works for dogs too. Anxiety will cause muscles to tense, and massage is a good way of alleviating this tension. When massaging the dog, make sure you start with the neck then work downwards. The strokes should be long. One hand has to be on the dog when the other one is massaging. With time, you will start to notice areas of the body where the dog holds its stress. This is going to make things easier for you because you can just massage that one area.
4. CBD for Dogs
Dog CBD may seem a little bit out there, however CBD has been shown to greatly reduce the levels of anxiety in dogs and help them live a less highly strung life. CBD for dogs and pets is sold readily now across Europe and America and could be precisely what your dog needs.
5. Music Therapy
This has been shown to be beneficial for both humans and feline and canine friends too. Music for dogs has the calming and relaxing power whether you are in your car, home, or away from your pet. Music is also good when it comes to alleviating noise sensitivity because it blocks the scary or street noise that might be bothering your dog and creating anxiety.
Research done has shown many prefer classical music. In hospice situations, harp music is used because it can be a natural sedative;
6. Time-Out
While anxiety is not bad behavior on your dog’s part, it might help to give them some time-out any time they start to act out. When you isolate your pet in a safe and quiet space, they can be calm. Make the space even better by having quiet music, aromatherapy, and low lights.
There are different options out there when it comes to tools to help you with a timeout. ZenCrate has become a popular option because it has helped many pet owners. It can become a general escape for your pet. This is almost similar to a standard crate, but this has noise cancellation (through sound insulation), vibration isolation, comfort, reduced light, and security. There is also a motion-activated sensor that runs when your pet enters, and this is going to provide them with fresh air and help block noise. There is even the option of pre-programming the crate with music.
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