Anxiety is a common trait most humans exude. However, you’ll be surprised to learn that we’re not alone. Anxiety extends to animals too. More often than not, dogs also have anxiety. Their anxiety can stem from numerous factors. Perhaps, you left them alone for a long time, leaving them to feel abandoned. Maybe, they were poorly treated at the dog pound. Regardless of the reasons behind their anxiety, you’ll find most dogs display some unhealthy behaviors that indicate anxiousness. 

According to a study published in Scientific Reports, a team of researchers quizzed dog owners about their dogs’ behaviors. According to their findings, 72.5 percent of dog owners stated their dogs expressed some anxiety symptoms. The study also found other factors that can trigger anxiety in dogs, including noise sensitivity and general fear. 

Based on the findings of this study, it’s highly likely you have a dog that displays some anxiety too. If that’s indeed the case, you’ll want to learn how to calm your dog’s nerves.

Tried and Tested Ways to Calm Your Dog

Here are some tried and tested ways to calm your dog. They include:

Exercise

If you’ve got an anxious dog, some exercise will help cheer them up. Anxiety can often cause an energy excess in dogs, meaning your dog might become restless. It’s a good idea to take your dog outdoors for a long walk. In addition, you might want to play some fetch with your dog to help alleviate their stress. Dogs, like their human counterparts, produce endorphins when exercising. Endorphins are scientifically known to help alleviate stress.

Physical Contact

Nothing soothes dogs more than their owner’s touch. Consider cuddling or petting your dog if you witness them being anxious. Physical contact is an excellent way to nip the problem in the bud before it escalates.

Music Therapy

Music therapy has proven benefits for human beings. However, did you know music therapy also soothes dogs? That’s right. Music therapy can help calm your dog while you’re home, in the car, or at work. In addition, it can also alleviate their noise sensitivity since the music blocks out noises that might scare your dog. Research shows dogs prefer classical music. So, consider playing some Beethoven the next time your dog seems anxious.

Time-Out

Anxiety isn’t something that you should punish. However, it might benefit you and your dog if you give them a time-out. Consider isolating your pet in a safe and quiet place because it could help them regain their nerves. Ideally, you’ll want to send them to a room with their bed. If you don’t have a separate bed for your dog, you’ll find Majestic Pets has some excellent options. They produce numerous dog beds in different designs and colors.

Calming Clothes

It might be a good idea to get your dog some calming clothes. These clothes are usually designed to make pets feel safer and less anxious. Most calming clothes apply mild pressure to a dog’s torso, surrounding it like a cloth on a baby. We recommend checking out Furhaven Pet Products.

Alternative Therapies

According to the American Kennel Club, some anecdotal evidence suggests CBD products can help your dog’s anxiety. Although no formal studies exist, dog owners have shared positive experiences regarding CBD oil for their pets. We recommend checking out CBD Dog Health to find CBD oil for your dog.

‍

‍

Scruffy the Dog

Scruffy the Dog is the ideal website for dog owners looking for assistance handling their canine compatriots. We publish blog posts to help you prepare your apartment for small dogs. In addition, we also have guides about low maintenance dog breeds. Furthermore, we also share dog grooming tips, pet travel tips, homemade recipes for small dogs, and more. Visit our website today to get started.

‍