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Tuesday, March 21, 2023

How to calm your pets’s anxiety: 8 effective tips for relaxing your dog

pets’s anxiety

Like humans, pets also experience anxiety. Although it is unpleasant, it is a normal emotion and also healthy. All breeds can be affected by anxiety, but each dog can be be affected by it differently. Although this is the case for all dogs from time to time, a dog can develop an anxiety disorder if disproportionate levels of anxiety are not controlled. If left untreated, anxiety can cause behavioral and other problems in dogs. 

A dog’s sense of hearing is much more sensitive than that of a human. They can hear sounds from a greater distance and they can also record frequencies that we cannot hear. For this reason, sounds that simply seem loud to us can be annoying and stressful for your dog.

A dog that is afraid of loud sounds reacts by panting, hiding, crouching, urinating, running away or acting agitated. You can calm your dog down with a little training and conditioning. This is how you desensitize a dog to loud noises. 

Tips for Calming Your Dog’s Anxiety

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The most important thing is you have to know the reason why your dog afraid and what can you do to treat your beloved dog’s anxiety. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about common causes, symptoms and treatments for dog anxiety. In addition, we will discuss the most important tips to prevent anxiety. As an owner to help, if your dog ever suffers from anxiety, you must take some steps to avoid your dog’s anxiety.

 For relieving your dog’s anxiety, your vet can help create a plan and it may include the following tips. Some are some tips that you can try at home, and others require your veterinarian’s suggestion. What will make your dog uncomfortable, It is very difficult to recognize exactly and even more difficult to know if your dog’s anxiety will develop into a more serious disorder. However, there are ways to help a dog avoid anxiety-related problems.

1. Socialization

Proper socialization can prevent the development of anxiety. Introducing your dog to new people, animals, dogs places and experiences can help you avoid overreaction on the street and help your dog become a well-adjusted canine citizen.

2. Obedience

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Obedience training is an essential tool for preventing and controlling anxiety in dogs. It lays the foundation for a healthy relationship and builds trust. A well-trained dog is easier to socialize than an untrained dog, and obedience classes are a great place for dogs to meet other dogs in a controlled environment.

3. Situation Avoidance

If your dog has been diagnosed with anxiety problems, you can also try to avoid or prevent situations that trigger your dog’s anxiety. For example, if you notice that your dog feels fear when there are large groups of dogs, you should avoid dog parks. 

Avoiding such type of situiation can relieve some of the stress of your dog and yours. If the source of anxiety cannot be avoided, preventive measures such as belts, body straps and, in some cases, basket mouths can prevent dangerous situations. You can prepare for these situations right from the start once you know your dog’s triggers.

4. Remove Triggers That Cause Your Dog’s Anxiety

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If you’ve already gone to the vet to rule out other illnesses and they’ve helped you identify potential stressors, it can be just as easy to eliminate those stressors and see if your dog’s anxiety is decreasing. When there are fewer people outside, alternatively you can walk your dog play in a fenced yard if you have one, and play indoors.

In severe cases, contact your veterinarian to obtain certain medications for your dog. Use a combination of the methods listed above and desensitization training for a better effect. A canine behaviorist can give more advice on how to desensitize a dog to loud sounds. With patience and time, you can gradually accustom your dog to loud noises. 

5. Exercise With Your Dog

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Exercise can help to reduce anxiety, and research studies have shown that a higher level of exercise in dogs is associated with lower levels of anxiety, aggression and separation anxiety. Some dogs are so anxious in certain situations that there is no level of tranquility, praise or reward for them. There are several techniques you can experiment with to calm your anxious dog.  

Ask your vet about anxiety medications If your dog is really struggling with anxiety, you can talk to your vet about whether anxiety meditation is beneficial. Some pet owners worry about taking these medications: Will it make their dog feel sleepy all the time? Will your personality change? Do these drugs shorten your dog’s life? When you strart with the right medications, your pet should feel look happier, less anxious and have the same personality. If your veterinarian isn’t sure what to prescribe, a certified veterinarian can help you find the best medicines for your dog to thrive. 

6.Try Behavior Modification

Sometimes additional modalities are needed to address pet behavior issues. Changing your behavior can help you change your dog’s emotional response to offensive or triggering situations. Through this cognitive therapy, your dog can learn to be less afraid of stressors and to calm down. In some cases, changing behavior can help a dog stop taking medication. A veterinary behavioral specialist can also help you with this.

7. Be Supportive

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Learning and avoiding stress in your dog, ruling out possible underlying conditions, and seeking professional help will improve the quality of life of your anxious dog. Scientific evidence has shown that stress has a negative impact on people’s health, and this also applies to dogs.

 There are several techniques you can experiment with to calm your anxious dog. Some dogs respond well to anxiolytic wraps. You can also try natural relaxing sprays. Relaxing tracks created specifically for dogs can also help calm your dog during an episode. In severe cases, contact your veterinarian to obtain certain medications for your dog. 

The stress of living with an anxiety or anxiety disorder can have a negative impact on the health and life expectancy of the domestic dog. That’s why it’s important to be proactive in helping your dog with their fears. Don’t give up. The solution may not be quick or easy, but with dedication and the right professional support, you can help your dog become happier and healthier.

8. Use positive associations

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In order for dogs to get used to loud sounds, you should also use some distraction techniques. When playing sound desensitization tracks, you can introduce positive distractions that influence your dog’s reactions. Engage your dog with his favorite toys or treats. This helps your dog develop a positive association with noise.

Finishing Lines

Like humans, many dogs will be frightened at some point in their lives. While not all dogs experience anxiety that leads to a diagnosable anxiety disorder, it is important to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with anxiety in dogs. 

Understanding these important facets will help you as an owner know how to best help your dog in situations of anxiety. If you think your dog may have an anxiety problem, it’s best to contact the vet. Your veterinarian can diagnose your dog, rule out other health problems, and help you develop the treatment plan that best suits your dog and your lifestyle. 

References:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/does-your-dog-freak-out-when-you-leave

https://www.inverse.com/science/dogs-fireworks-tips-how-to-calm-down-pets

https://www.cesarsway.com/how-to-calm-a-hyper-dog/

Further Reading:

  1. Josh Roswell, Calm Your Anxious Dog: How To Stop Your Dog Anxiety – The Best Way To Help An Anxious Dog. Tips on How To Behave with Anxious States Of Your Dog Kindle Edition

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