Reducing Your Dog's Anxiety
Does your dog hate when you leave or become anxious/nervous when left alone? Do you come home to destruction of bedding, blankets, furniture, etc. after leaving your pet alone? Have you noticed your pet runs, hides, barks, pants, or drools excessively when loud noises such as thunder or fireworks occurs? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your dog has anxiety! Anxiety can be caused by many different factors in your pet’s environment or can be an issue your pet deals with constantly. Some pet’s anxiety symptoms are so mild that they are barely noticeable while others are so extreme that the pet may harm themselves if not appropriately managed.
Separation Anxiety
When dealing with separation anxiety, it is important to show your pet that when you leave, it is not forever! This can take some time and effort on your part. Try going outside without your pet for a couple seconds a few times a day. Over time, gradually increase the amount of time you are outside or eventually gone from your home. This can help your pet become less anxious in your absence and make them more confident that you will return! Changing your routine can also be helpful. Doing things in a certain order can hint to your pet that you are leaving. Try getting everything you need together then sitting on the couch for a while before leaving or picking up your keys and placing them somewhere else multiple times during the day without going anywhere. Also try being calm when you leave and when you return. This includes ignoring your pet until they are calm.
Noise Phobia/Anxiety
It is important when trying to comfort your dog’s noise anxiety, not to “baby talk” or act as though there is a reason to be anxious. Keep your voice at a normal tone/volume when addressing them and use other things such as games/interactive puzzles, special time with you, or his favorite treats as a distraction from the noise. It is also important to help find your pet’s “safe spot” when loud noises occur. This is a place your pet can run to and feel hidden and safe when anxious, like in a crate, small room, or even a closet.
There are many other things that can be done to help with a pet’s anxiety including:
When dealing with separation anxiety, it is important to show your pet that when you leave, it is not forever! This can take some time and effort on your part. Try going outside without your pet for a couple seconds a few times a day. Over time, gradually increase the amount of time you are outside or eventually gone from your home. This can help your pet become less anxious in your absence and make them more confident that you will return! Changing your routine can also be helpful. Doing things in a certain order can hint to your pet that you are leaving. Try getting everything you need together then sitting on the couch for a while before leaving or picking up your keys and placing them somewhere else multiple times during the day without going anywhere. Also try being calm when you leave and when you return. This includes ignoring your pet until they are calm.
Noise Phobia/Anxiety
It is important when trying to comfort your dog’s noise anxiety, not to “baby talk” or act as though there is a reason to be anxious. Keep your voice at a normal tone/volume when addressing them and use other things such as games/interactive puzzles, special time with you, or his favorite treats as a distraction from the noise. It is also important to help find your pet’s “safe spot” when loud noises occur. This is a place your pet can run to and feel hidden and safe when anxious, like in a crate, small room, or even a closet.
There are many other things that can be done to help with a pet’s anxiety including:
- Work with a trainer
- Use white noise such as T.V. or radio
- Use a Thundershirt or other approved compression garments (be careful not to wrap too tightly).
- Add in calming pheromones such as Adaptil (these normally come in collars, diffusers, and room sprays)
- Homeopathic treatments such as Lavender, Anxitane, or Zylkene (these are all over the counter)
- Treat puzzles to keep your pet distracted
- Doggy day care
- Comfort cuddlers – these use your t-shirt or pillowcase to provide your scent to your pet
- Medications from your veterinarian! Ask your vet what medications would work best for your pet!