How to Calm Down Your Anxious Dog

08-26-2024 | General

Some dogs can’t sit still, constantly needing to be on the move, while others are perfectly content lounging around as couch potatoes. The breed of a dog often plays a significant role in these behaviors. For example, high-energy breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers are more prone to hyperactivity, requiring ample physical and mental stimulation to keep them calm. On the other hand, breeds like Bulldogs and Basset Hounds are generally more relaxed and content with minimal activity. Additionally, certain breeds are more susceptible to stress and anxiety. Herding and working breeds, such as Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds, may experience higher levels of anxiety if they don’t receive enough external stimulation. Understanding the natural tendencies of your dog’s breed can help you better manage their energy levels and overall well-being. Dealing with an anxious or hyperactive dog can be challenging, but there are several natural techniques you can try to help soothe your furry friend. These methods focus on providing physical and mental stimulation, promoting relaxation, and using natural calming aids, including specially-designed music. By incorporating these techniques into your dog’s routine, you can help them manage their stress and anxiety, leading to a happier and more balanced life.

When to Consider Medication

If natural methods aren’t enough to calm your dog’s anxiety, it might be time to consult your veterinarian about medication options. There are several types of medications that can effectively manage anxiety in dogs, which typically fall into the category of either anti-depressants or sedatives. From a holistic point of view, it's worth asking why a pet is either depressed or so over-amped that they need sedatives. If CBD chews can rob a dog of vitality, you can imagine what prescription sedatives might do, especially over the long term. Yes, there are times when we are glad for pharmaceuticals, but the trade-off is often quality of life. If you have to employ pharmaceuticals, it’s essential to work closely with your vet to determine the best medication and dosage for your dog’s specific needs. Your vet will consider your dog’s overall health, the severity of their anxiety, and any other underlying conditions before prescribing medication.

Managing High-Energy Dogs

High-energy dogs require ample physical and mental exercise to stay balanced and well-behaved. By incorporating strategies like regular exercise, puzzle toys, and training into your dog’s routine, you can help manage their hyperactivity and create a more balanced and happy environment for both you and your furry friend. Remember why you added a pet to your home and life. They require attention, time, and creative solutions. Dogs were not made for being left alone all day in a high-rise. If this is your situation, then breed selection is a major consideration, as are solutions. What you’re looking to do is to train your dog to behave appropriately. This may mean that you have to devote more time to their well-being. Your happy dog, as you know and desire, will provide you with happiness beyond measure.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

It’s essential to recognize signs of anxiety in your dog. Watch for these common symptoms:

• Excessive barking or howling
• Pacing or restlessness
• Destructive behavior (chewing, digging)
• Shaking or trembling
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, it’s important to discuss them with a trusted dog trainer or your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical issues and suggest appropriate treatment options to manage your dog’s psychological anxiety.

Breeds Prone to Anxiety

Certain dog breeds are naturally more prone to hyperactivity and anxiety due to their genetic makeup and historical roles. As mentioned, high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers require ample stimulation. Similarly, many working and herding breeds can develop anxiety if their needs for activity and purpose aren't met. Understanding these tendencies can help you provide better care and appropriate activities for your dog. By recognizing the specific needs of your breed, you can tailor your approach to their care, ensuring they receive the right amount of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction to thrive.

Creating a Balanced Sensory Environment

Creating a balanced sensory environment for indoor dogs involves considering their natural behaviors and providing stimuli that cater to their senses. Here are some sensory ideas that can enrich your dog’s life:

Visual Enrichment

Provide various toys and objects for your dog to look at and interact with.

Auditory Enrichment

When indoors, take a sonic inventory. Make sure you provide your dogs with a sensory environment that works for them, just as you have tricks and tools for your own self-soothing. Specially-designed calming music is a very important and an easy fix. The calming music we create is specifically designed to cater to a canine’s nervous system and unique needs.

Olfactory Enrichment

Use scent games, puzzle toys with hidden treats, or even calming essential oils (ensure they are pet-safe) to engage your dog’s sense of smell.

Tactile Enrichment

Different textures provide surfaces for your dog to explore, such as soft beds, mats with different textures, and carpets.

Taste Enrichment

Utilize puzzle feeders, long-lasting chews, and varied treats to provide mental stimulation through taste and chewing. By incorporating considered sensory elements into your indoor dog’s environment, you can create a more stimulating or calming space that caters to their needs and keeps them engaged.

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s anxiety, stress, or hyperactivity can be significantly influenced by their breed and potential underlying medical conditions. Different breeds have varying levels of energy and mental stimulation needs, which, if unmet, can lead to behavioral issues that really affect your household. Remember, your household is now their household – usually by your choice! To help manage your dog’s anxiety or hyperactivity, it’s crucial to ensure they receive sufficient physical and mental exercise. Regular physical activities like long walks, runs, or play sessions can help burn off excess energy. Mental stimulation is equally important; activities like puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions can keep your dog’s mind engaged and satisfied. Involving your dog in specific activities that cater to their instincts and energy levels can be particularly beneficial. Consider nose work, which taps into their natural scent-tracking abilities and provides a fulfilling mental challenge. Agility training is another excellent option, offering both physical exercise and mental stimulation through obstacle courses. When your best furry friend is indoors, consider their sensory environment, especially if they are left alone. Canine sensory tolerances are very different than yours and mine. Their hearing and sense of smell are far greater than humans. Do they feel safe? Are they cared for? The age of your dog can make a big difference with their needs. At the end of the day, your dog is valuable and possibly out of their natural, inbred or genetic environments. The better you understand and take care of them, they will greatly reciprocate.