How can you help your anxious dog?

January 3, 2025

It's no fun seeing your dog in this state, but you can help them feel better.

 

An  anxious dog is not a happy dog. Do you know how to recognize when your  dog is scared or nervous? Maybe you know how to recognize it, but what can you do to help your pup?

Do you have an anxious dog?

Usually,  he or she is happy-go-lucky, relaxed, and ready to have fun. But then  something happens that transforms them into a dog that you might not  recognize. Is your usually relaxed dog

• pacing
• drooling excessively
• wide-eyed
• trying to hide
• tucking the tail
• trembling

If  you see these or other uncharacteristic behaviors, your dog might be experiencing a case of the nerves. It’s a good thing to be aware of. Knowing is the  first step in helping them feel better.Then you will be more able to recognize when they need help.

Knowing how to recognize when your dog is in need of help and having a few tricks up your sleeve can help prevent your dog from reaching the breaking point.

 

Why is my dog acting this way?

Sometimes  events happen that turn your lovable mutt into a mess. For example, have you ever  noticed that when a thunderstorm hits, your dog runs for the basement? Dogs can hear that or other scary sounds long before we're aware of it.  Possibly, you see these behaviors when you go to the vet’s office?  That’s definitely a place that most dogs are less than fond of. All  those loud noises, like fireworks, hurt the ears and provoke anxiety too.

These  situations and many more can cause your dog some discomfort. You might  not be able to prevent anxiety provoking  situations, but you can learn when to anticipate that your dog will have a problem and help prepare them to  deal with it.

Your dog's anxiety doesn't need to rule your life if you work with the situation and find ways to decrease it. Both of you will be glad you did.

 

How can you help your dog to tolerate these anxiety-producing events?

There  are several steps you can take in order to be prepared. You may not be  able to get rid of the fear completely, but anything you can do to  minimize the anxiety will help.

• The  first step is to KNOW your dog. Seems simple, right? But how well do  you really know them? Do you know the top few situations that make them  nervous? How do they react?
• Once  you are aware of the issues, you can get ahead of the situation with a plan. For example, if thunderstorms are a problem, knowing they are in the  weather report and roughly when they’re predicted can allow you to keep  your dog inside, use medicines, music, etc., to keep them calm.
• Explore techniques that help decrease anxiety ahead of time so you can use them effectively.
• If  you can, be present with your dog. You provide a whole lot of security to  them. If you can’t be there, try to have a safe place like a kennel, a  comfy bed, or a favorite toy so they can feel protected.
• After  the situation, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. You now have a  chance to refine your approach so next time, things can be even better  for your dog.

If you have a dog that gets anxious, there are steps you can take to prevent them from totally losing it. A little preparation on your end can make life easier for you both.

Techniques for decreasing anxiety

Learn  about several methods of reducing anxiety ahead of time so you know when they'll be most effective and have whatever it is on hand.

Here are a few you might consider:

- Thundershirts, which work in the same way as swaddling a baby for calming. This method works short term, but the effects are almost immediate.

- CBD or hemp oil, treats, etc. that have become popular for calming. You have to purchase ahead of time from a reliable source, hopefully one that tests their product for effectiveness. It can work for a few hours, but has to be in their system long enough to work before the stress level gets to be too much.

 - Medications from the vet can be helpful, but they can have side effects and have to be purchased before you need them. These also have to be in their system ahead of time to work well.

- Calming music can work pretty quickly.  If you have a source ready to use, this is a great anytime technique for anxiety.

- Exercise can wear off anxious energy.  If you know ahead of time about a stressful situation, you can take your dog on a good hike or run so they don't reach the breaking point.

- Acupressure can be helpful, even during a scary situation. There are many resources that will help you locate the best acupoints to use.  Although if your dog has lost it, it will take much longer, so better to use it before they reach the breaking point.

There are probably many more techniques that can help, so do some research and give it a try.  You can evaluate how something works and adjust for the next time. Combining techniques might help.  Having several approaches means a  greater chance of success.

Your dog can be less anxious

Knowing  that something is likely to cause anxiety and getting ahead of the  situation allows you to be proactive before your dog reaches that “about  to jump out of their skin” state. Once the anxiety reaches that level,  it’s really hard to diffuse. Catching it early gives you a better chance  of helping your dog have minimal reactions or maybe even none at all.

Figure  out what turns your sweet pup into an anxious dog. They don’t do it to  be naughty. You can help them to handle situations better by applying a  few tips and tricks. You’ll both feel better if you do. 

Do you have some techniques you’ve used that help your dog feel less anxious? Tell me about them in the comments below.

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