In contrast to people, dogs are incapable of communicating if they are uncomfortable, bored, or sad. Nonetheless, they may illustrate it to us; it is crucial not to dismiss actions that we occasionally consider to be usual. Frequent signs of anxiety in dogs include excessive barking or howling, unnecessary panting and pacing, shivering, hiding in a corner of the house, damaging furniture, self-mutilation, and loss of appetite.
Not only is anxiety common among humans, but it may also affect animals. Many of the dogs in our care are apprehensive due to abandonment, fear of being home alone, loud noises, travel, and unfamiliar people, youngsters, or other animals. There is also anxiety in mistreated or neglected dogs.
The most effective technique for treating your dog is to discover the cause of the problem. Anxiety is often obvious and easy to detect. Once the problem has been identified, you can begin treatment. It is crucial to treat your dog’s nervousness to prevent it from escalating to dangerous levels; here are five strategies for calming a worried dog.
1. Physical Interaction
Because dogs enjoy physical contact, pet them. The owner’s touch has the greatest calming effect on an anxious dog. Identify the signs of anxiety in your dog and treat them immediately by picking them up, hugging them on the sofa, or giving them a lengthy session of petting.
2. Calming Phrases/Music
It has been demonstrated that music therapy benefits both humans and our canine and feline pets. While at home, in the car, or away from your pet, the soothing and calming effects of music may be experienced. Music can assist lower noise sensitivity by blocking out irritating or frightening stimuli that agitate and induce anxiety in some dogs.
3. Remedial massage
You are undoubtedly aware that a massage can relax and calm even the most frantic person; but did you realize that it also works wonders for dogs? Muscular tension is a common symptom of anxiety, and massage therapy is one approach for alleviating stress. With lengthy strokes, begin at the neck and work your way down. Maintain one hand on the dog while massaging with the other. Over time, you may be able to identify the root of your dog’s anxiety and devote your whole attention to that area.
4. Working out
Physical activity is an excellent stress reliever for both people and dogs. In terms of aiding a dog with anxiety, exercise has many purposes. Initially, it enhances the production of serotonin, the feel-good chemical that people create when they exercise or go hiking. Second, it releases tension and pent-up energy, which can exacerbate anxiety.
5. A canine buddy
You might try giving your dog a stuffed animal or another buddy with fur. Finally, take your dog on doggy play dates.