10 Ways To Help Your Dog Overcome Stress

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Dogs can feel stressed about a new person in the family, bright and loud fireworks, thunderstorms and high winds, moving to a new home, visiting the vet, etc. In addition, some breeds are more susceptible to stress than others. How can you help your pet calm down and deal with negative emotions?

Dogs have a very sensitive nervous system and, like humans, can experience stress and heightened feelings of anxiety. It is extremely important to notice signs of stress on time. Below are the signs of stress in dogs that every four-legged pet owner should know:

• Excessively rapid breathing, • Tense muscles, • Ears pressed to the head, • Sweaty paws, • Shivering even when it is not cold, • Tail tightly between the paws, • biting the leash, • Diarrhea, constipation or other digestive problems, • Decreased appetite, • The preference of the pet to be alone, • Frequent yawning, drowsiness, • Aggression towards people or other animals.

Stress is bad for your pet's health and weakens the immune system. Dogs under stress are more likely than other animals to develop high blood pressure or coronary heart disease, as well as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, ulcers, digestive problems, memory loss, muscle tension and fatigue. Regardless of how overt signs of stress a dog may have, the owner can help his pet overcome the problem.

1. Protection from stressful situations

It is advisable to avoid some common stressful situations (fireworks, regular guests in the house or loud music), protecting the dog from unnecessary anxiety. For example, if your dog is nervous about loud music, you should try to turn it on more quietly and less often, or listen to it behind a closed door.

2. Gradual overcoming of fear

This is another effective way to reduce stress. It is important to do this gradually, so that the pet gets used to the frightening factor without noticing it. For example, if a pet is afraid to go to the park and meets other dogs, it is necessary, without haste and pressure, to introduce him first to one stranger dog, so that then gradually bring him into the society of other relatives. So the fear of meeting new dogs or people will disappear.

3. An atmosphere of trust

Help your dog build a relationship of trust as this can significantly reduce stress levels. If a person has just taken an animal into his home, it must get used to it and learn to trust its owner. You should not yell at the dog and force him to do something against his will. The animal needs to be stroked, caressed, talked to him more. Physical contact helps people and dogs relieve anxiety, fear and stress, so you need to try to pay more attention and time to your pet. It also helps to develop rapport and her bond with her host.

4. Exercise

Exercise is sometimes good for a dog that is suffering from stress. At times, stress can be triggered by inactivity and boredom, so it can be relieved by having fun in the fresh air. Taking a walk together can help your dog use up stored energy and release some healthy hormones, which in turn can help him calm down. The more time the owner spends with his dog, the more secure and confident he will feel.

5. Listening to music

Calm melodic music calms and relaxes dogs as well as humans. It is important to choose just classical quiet music: rock, heavy metal and similar directions in music, on the contrary, can provoke even more stress in the animal.

6. Convenient place

Regardless of how large the house is, it is advisable to set aside a separate place for the pet in it. There he will be able to calm down in the moment of anxiety. Pets love to have their own place where they can feel safe. There you can put a comfy blanket along with your favorite dog toy. It is important to visit your pet more often on his territory, especially during a stressful situation for him. The presence of a beloved owner next to it will provide the animal with significant support.

7 a sense of independence

To help your dog deal with stress, you need to be close, but not overdo it. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the animal to do without the owner, it will become very dependent on him. If necessary, install baby gates throughout the house to prevent constant harassment. And the dog should get new toys so that he has something to do alone.

8. Touching

Sensory therapy is one of the best ways a person can use to help their dog relieve stress. A gentle and pleasant touch soothes the animal and increases the level of trust. You can massage your pet's back, scratch the belly to help him relax. At the same time, you cannot punish a pet if it reacts poorly to petting. This will only worsen the situation and make him more stressful.

9. Aromatherapy

Like humans, dogs can relax from a pleasant, soothing scent. For example, chamomile and lavender essential oils are perfectly safe for dogs and have a calming effect. You can put a few drops of aromatic oil on a handkerchief and wrap it around the animal's neck. Pet stores sell a variety of balms, drops, and other products specially formulated to relieve stress in pets.

10. Consultation with a specialist

If your dog continues to experience noticeable stress even after using the above methods, you should contact your veterinarian. Sometimes stress can be linked to a serious health problem.