Classic signs of anxiety in a dog are:
- Tucking their tail in
- Pacing and panting heavily
- Not looking directly into your eyes
- Trembling and shaking
- They may go off their food too
- They may begin to eliminate in the home
- Occasionally this may be displayed aggression
- Sometimes they also become destructive
How To Help A Dog With Anxiety
Much like humans, dogs respond great when they feel they are being taken care of. Here are a few things that you can do to help your best buddy relax in times of stress.
Toys - You can pick up some hard wearing dog chew toys to give them something - rather than your shoes or skirting board. Dogs have a lot of energy and one of the ways that you can help them channel that fundamental need for safety, stimulation and energy placement is with toys. They can go back to that toy whenever they need to, think of it like a ‘blankie’.
Supplements - There are many people who just don’t want to dose their dog with medicines from the vet. If that sounds like you, then you might like to look into evening primrose oils and CBD oils. Both of which have a good reputation for helping dogs, you can check out more recommended reading and see what might work for you both.
Be calm - Dogs are very in tune with their owners. They respond to both positive and negative emotions, likewise for stress and calm. If you take a few deep breaths and be as calm as possible, they will begin to feed on your demeanor. It sounds very simple, but think about how often we as humans display stress by seeing our pets stressed. Talk to them in a steady tone, calm and a lot of reassurance.
Hug it out - Just like when you are upset, a big hug from someone you love releases all sorts of stress-reducing hormones, the same goes for your furry friend. Grab a big blanket, and get cozy with your dog. Combine it with a soothing voice. Once you see any of the signs for anxiety try and use the same blanket over and over. This will train them to associate the blanket with a calm time. They might even begin to take the blanket to you when they (or you) need it.
Walk - Dogs usually have a lot of energy to expel, so get your trainers n and go for a walk. Not only is it good for you, but it’s great for them too. Walking, or running will let them burn off tension in the form of movement. Even playing with a ball in the garden is likely to have great results.
Learn to read your dog's body language, but if you are unsure, or think they may be in pain head to your vets for a chat and some peace of mind.
