Yep, dogs get anxiety too. Whether it’s a car ride freak out or just random jitters, our furry pals can stress out just like us.
Anxiety comes about due to different fears or phobias. We see anxiety manifest in varying forms. Sometimes it’s depression, sometimes it’s aggression and destructive behaviour, or it could be in other behaviours like accidents in the house, drooling or persistent barking.
It’s critical to understand the source of your dog’s anxiety to implement effective treatment. Is your dog freaking out about being left alone? Being confined? Could it be loud noises, travel, or changes to their environment? Maybe it’s certain objects, people, or places that cause anxiety. Knowing will go a long way to helping with treatment.
Many of these forms of anxiety can be helped through training and conditioning. However, some dogs are simply anxious by nature, or they need help calming down enough before training can be effective. Vets can prescribe meds for extreme cases, but if you want to dodge the risks and side effects, possibly try these options first.
Exercise
We all know exercise works wonders for human stress, and guess what? Same deal for dogs. A worn-out pup is a chill pup. Sometimes getting them outside the house to play and exercise is the best remedy for anxiety. Even older dogs require exercise, as long as it’s activities that are easier on their ageing joints.
Exercise helps in a few ways. For one, it boosts serotonin—a natural mood fixer-upper. Same stuff humans have that helps with sleep, eating, and digestion. Second, it helps get rid of all that excess energy that build up as well as the tension that increase anxiety. Go for a long walk or hike with your dog, let them run alongside for a bike ride, or maybe play a long game of fetch in the yard. Anything that tires them out works like a charm.
Music
‘Music calms even Godzilla’, they say. We’ve all heard it, and yes, it works for many of us. Music has a soothing or calming quality in many species, not just humans. Try leaving a radio or TV on when your pet is home alone. This can help your dog chill out and ease that separation anxiety. If you decide to do this, be sure to play the music at times when you are home as well.
What kinds of music do dogs like? There are actually several music genres that have shown to be more effective for soothing dogs. Reggae and soft rock have been the most relaxing for dogs, and classical music also helps calm dogs in stressful environments.
Looking for some playlists? Check out Preventive Vet on Spotify or the Soft Rock for Dogs playlist on Spotify.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils can be toxic if ingested, especially to our pets. You should never apply them directly to your pet.
That said, you can still use essential oils at home—just make sure you don’t go overboard.
Diffusers are a safer way to implement these essential oils so that your dog can benefit from their soothing properties. Lavender and frankincense are generally the most effective essential oils for your pet’s anxiety. Others that may have calming properties if you want to mix them in are orange, tangerine, ylang ylang and patchouli.
Again, essential oils are not safe for direct application to dogs. If you have essential oils in your home, be sure to store them in a place your pet cannot access. Our pets are much more sensitive to essential oils than us humans. Many oils can be toxic and pose a danger to most pets.
ThunderShirt
The ThunderShirt—because sometimes your dog just needs a comforting hug during a storm. It’s a wrap that applies gentle pressure to help with anxiety, fear, and all the chaos storms bring.
Be careful not to overuse this wrap. Try to limit its use to high-anxiety times. Using it too frequently can make it less effective.
Massage
Who doesn’t find a massage relaxing? Your dog sure will. Dog massage: it calms your pup and lowers blood pressure—for both of you. Bonus points for you getting to relax, too!
Massaging the top of the head, feet, and ears are great for stress relief as these are natural pressure points. Just 10–15 minutes a day can have a huge impact on your dog’s anxiety. Require some tips on how to become a better pooch masseuse? Check out this article from Modern Dog Magazine.
Brushing & Grooming
Don’t forget to pamper your pup. Therapy for your dog could be as simple as 10-15 minute of brushing every night. It’s a win-win: your dog gets a chill massage, and you score some bonding time. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to check for any spots that might need a vet’s attention.
Mental Stimulation/Distraction
If your dog’s anxiety is tied to certain situations, like a thunderstorm or being in a crowd of people, consider some way of distracting your dog. Making your dog think will help them to focus on something other than the anxiety causing environment.
Mental exertion can have the same calming effect as physical exercise. Try working on new tricks. Doesn’t matter what tricks you teach—your dog just wants your undivided attention. Without enough mental stimulation, boredom kicks in and, well, that’s when the trouble starts.
Supplements
Melatonin—because sometimes your dog requires a little extra help catching those Z’s. It calms them down and helps with sleep, but it’s more of a quick fix.
Another supplement for mild to moderate anxiety is L-tryptophan. Studies have shown that this supplement can bring improvements in anxiety-related behaviour.
CBD oil and chews have recently become available. There is, however, no regulation about potency, so this can be a difficult supplement to utilize.
Rescue Remedy is a popular supplement for those seeking herbal treatments. It’s a mix of herbs and flowers that can help with anxiety. But before you start dosing your dog, chat with your vet about the right amounts.
Managing YOUR Stress
We feel the stress of others in our lives, and it can have a significant impact on our anxiety. Dogs will feel our anxiety as well. Most of us have experienced the empathy that a dog. Coming to us in our time of need.
Regulating our stress and anxiety will have a positive impact on our dog’s well-being. We have to take care of ourselves too—can’t forget we’re part of the team!
If your dog’s anxiety is a real issue, get a vet appointment. They’re the pros when it comes to treatment options. Read up, ask questions, and be your dog’s health hero!
