Natural Solutions For Dog Anxiety

You know your dog better than anyone. You know when they are bored, relaxed, happy, but do you know when they are stressed out and feeling anxious?

Dog anxiety is one of the most common things a dog will experience whenever they encounter or go through something unpleasant and stressful. If ever it gets worse, it can affect your fur-baby's day-to-day activities and eventually will become a life-long problem.

In this article, we have identified the most common types of dog anxiety, their signs & symptoms, and the many natural ways you can of and safe ways to help calm your dog whenever they feel anxious.

What is dog anxiety

Anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion for dogs to feel. And although it’s not quite pleasing, according to The American Kennel Club, all dogs experience anxiety from time-to-time. But if uncontrolled levels of anxiety are left unchecked and not managed, your fur-baby can eventually develop an anxiety disorder. If not properly addressed, dog anxiety can lead to behavioral and other issues.

Behavioral anxiety is when your dog has anxiety as a response to something unpleasant, like separation anxiety, being stressed out whenever you're not at home or being stressed out whenever they are separated from you. This anxiousness is commonly seen in dogs in or who have been in shelters and different homes, been abused, and who have been traumatized of losing somebody really close to them.

While situational anxiety, on the other hand, is your dog being afraid of something very specific. This is a form of anxiety that will come about in response to a specific situation, like taking a bath or hearing the loud noise from thunder. This is often caused by new situations or changing events in a dog's daily routine. It can also be triggered by various events that make a dog uncomfortable.

Separation anxiety is when your dog develops anxiety when you are leaving them alone. This is one of the most common forms of dog anxiety. You may notice that your fur-baby starts to freak out whenever he sees you packing up or grabbing your keys.

These anxieties can go away eventually if handled and managed well by you or a trusted care taker.

Signs of dog anxiety

To know whenever your dog is anxious, you have to look very carefully and pay attention to the following signs:

To learn more about the signs pet anxiety, check out this article.

As what people say, a tired dog is a happy dog. Indeed, it is true! Exercise and the idea of getting out of the house and inhaling fresh air is a great anxiety and natural solution for dog anxiety.

Massage and Acupuncture. Yep, you heard it. Massage and acupuncture can also be good for dogs. There are body parts of your dog that are natural pressure points (like the ears, feet, and top of the head) and will absolutely manage their stress levels when these areas are massaged.

Supplements. Pet Parents^® Calming SoftSupps^® are a wonderful natural solution for dog anxiety. You can incorporate these supplement chews into your dog’s diet to prepare them for stressful situations. Some situations that might make your dog extra anxious include traveling, hospitalization, loud noises, moving, or vet visits. Supplements can help to keep your fur-baby calm and relaxed.

Mental Stimulation. This is a stress-relief technique that is wonderful in all ways. Mental stimulation includes teaching your dog a new trick as this will divert their attention away from whatever is causing them stress. Mental stimulation also includes a "scent walk" - this is taking a different route while walking to provide extra enrichment for your dog as they inhale new scents and meet new people.

Another way you can help stimulate your fur-baby is by offering them Gnawtlers^®. Gnawtlers^® are elk and deer antler chews for dogs that satisfies your fur-baby's gnawing needs, stimulating them mentally. These antler chews for dogs are all-natural, safe for your dog to chew on as they don’t easily splinter or break, and are very nutritious too!

Isolation. While experiencing anxiety from time to time is not considered bad, it’s important to give your dog a time out whenever they are feeling stressed. Isolating your fur-baby and keeping them in a safe and quiet place in your house will help keep them calm and secured, according to The Central California SPCA (CCSPCA). You may also consider playing a soothing music, and turning lights low. 

Blankets. Another helpful way to help lower down your fur-baby's anxiety levels is by providing them with Pawtect® Blankets. Pawtect® Blankets are waterproof blankets that are made with the softest faux fur fabric there is that offers a soothing nature to your dog. These blankets, being a source of comfort, will help keep your fur-baby remain calm and relax.