How To Calm An Anxious Dog
Is your dog afraid of fireworks or thunderstorms? Do they get panicked in the car? Or perhaps they really dislike baths or having their nails trimmed. There may come a time where you need to know options for how to calm an anxious dog. Below we offer some of the best tried and true methods to help your pup relax!
Herbal and At-Home Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to help with anxiety in people. And many of these can work for dogs too! For example, lavender is a wonderful scent for aromatherapy for dogs. You can use it in an all-natural spray or even in a diffuser. St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root, and Chamomile are also safe herbs to give your dog to help calm an anxious dog. Many calming treats incorporate these ingredients into their recipes. If you plan on making your own calming treats, be sure to check the concentration and amount of these ingredients for safe ingestion.
Some pet parents have found success in giving their pets Benadryl to help calm their nerves. Be sure to feed the appropriate amount for your dog’s weight category. If you have any questions in this regard, it would be best to first consult with your veterinarian.
Alternative Practices To Calm An Anxious Dog
If your dog gets separation anxiety, one thing you can do is to change up your routine as you leave the house. Perhaps you make your coffee, grab your keys, put on your shoes, and head out the door. Try alternating this and instead, grabbing your keys, putting on your shoes, then making coffee before leaving. You can even practice this and leave the house for just a few minutes and then come back inside. Another helpful method is to give something positive to distract your pup as you depart. A frozen peanut butter kong is a great way to accomplish this!
If your dog gets anxious as a result of loud noises, you could try a thunder shirt. The wrapping therapy of this method can result in some comfort to distressed dogs. Another alternative is to play soothing music for your dog during stressful times. A quick search on You Tube shows numerous videos of calming tunes for dogs.
When At-Home Options Aren’t Enough
Sometimes, you may need more assistance with your pet’s anxiety. In this case, it would be a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to discuss options. They may prescribe a mild sedative, such as Trazadone, to help with distressing situations. It can be a good idea to combine certain at-home remedies (such as music or aromatherapy) with your pet’s medication. But be sure to first ask your veterinarian before doing so.
And if your pets have any medication needs, our team of professional pet sitters will take care of it! Reach out today to learn about our team!