As a pet owner, it can be heartbreaking to see your dog show signs of anxious behaviors. When our furry friends seem restless, fearful, and distressed, we want to help. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address your dog’s nervous behavior and improve their quality of life.
Signs of Anxious Behavior in Dogs
Dogs with anxious behaviors may exhibit a wide range of signs, including:
- Excessive barking
- Whining
- Destructive chewing
- Drooling
- Ears pulled down or back
- Licking lips
- Shaking
- Whites of eyes showing
Each dog is unique, and your pup may show other signs. Talk to your vet if your dog’s behavior changes suddenly, becomes more severe, or jeopardizes the safety of you and your family.
Causes of Anxious Behaviors in Dogs
First and foremost, it’s essential to identify the root cause of your dog’s nervousness. Common scenarios may include:
- Separation: Some dogs do not want to be separated from their family. They may whine, yowl, bark, pace, soil in the home, or destroy items if they are left alone.
- Resource guarding: Some dogs will growl, threaten, or bite if they think their resources – their food, treats, or toys – are in danger of being taken away. This is most likely learned behavior by dogs that had to defend themselves when food was scarce.
- Territory: Dogs may lunge, growl, or snap at people and other dogs that “invade” their territory.
- Sound sensitive: Some dogs are fearful of high-pitched sounds, as well as the loud noises generated by thunderstorms and fireworks.
- Cognitive issues: This usually affects senior dogs due to age-related brain changes. Dogs with cognitive issues may pace, pant, and seem restless – especially in the evening and at night.
Once you understand what’s causing your dog’s anxious behavior, you can take steps to reduce their exposure to those triggers.
How to Calm a Dog with Anxious Behaviors
One effective way to help settle your dog when they are displaying anxious behavior is with calming supplements. Specially formulated to promote relaxation and soothe nervous dogs, EverRoot Calming Dog Supplements are made with healthful ingredients that can reduce anxious behaviors in dogs without causing drowsiness. These ingredients include calming herbs for dogs like organic chamomile, organic hemp seed oil, and L-theanine, which is derived from organic green tea extract.
Soothing Techniques for Reducing Nervousness
In addition to calming herbs and supplements for dogs, there are several other strategies you can use to soothe your nervous pup. Providing a safe space, such as a crate or designated area of your home, may help your dog feel more secure. Repetition is the key. For example, if your dog seems stressed when you have visitors but enjoys time in their crate, place your dog in his or her crate with a special treat every time company comes over. They will get used to the activity and know it’s a safe spot.
Establishing a routine can give your dog a sense of control. Maintain a schedule for your dog’s activities, such as meals, play, walks, and training sessions, so that they take place at certain times throughout the day.
Regular dog exercise and playtime are also important for reducing anxious behaviors. Physical activity can help release pent-up energy and promote relaxation. Teach your dog a simple trick, like roll-over, paw shake, or other activities that provide mental stimulation for dogs. Then use those tricks to distract your pet from whatever is causing the stress.
Some dog owners swear by pressure vests and anxiety wraps for dogs. These wraps use pressure points to calm dogs during stressful situations. While scientific studies on the benefits of this type of care are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests they may work for some dogs. It can depend on the dog, so check with your vet first.
The things that calm people down when they seem anxious or nervous, like medicines, aromatherapy, essential oils, sound therapy, or music therapy, may not be appropriate for dogs. Consult your vet before giving your dog any medicines made for humans, home remedies, or alternative types of treatment.
Finally, if none of these suggestions help calm your dog, you may want to consider working with a professional that specializes in behavior modification dog training, such as a certified applied animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist.
When to Consult Your Vet
If your dog’s condition suddenly changes, becomes severe, or compromises the safety of children and other people, it’s time for a visit to the vet to rule out any medical conditions that could be the source of the behavior.
Your vet can help identify your dog’s type of anxious behavior and key triggers to determine if the behavior is situational or medical. You and your vet can focus on proper treatment and training plans to help your dog feel calm.
In conclusion, addressing your nervous dog’s needs requires a multi-faceted approach. Identifying triggers, using supplements like EverRoot Calming Dog Supplements, creating a safe space, providing regular exercise and playtime, and potentially working with a professional, may all help calm your furry friend’s anxious behaviors.
By taking these steps, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and relaxed, improving their overall well-being.