dog health

How To Reduce Anxiety In Dogs

Chunk Pawson
Author: Chunk Pawson, 19 Feb 2024 Humans read in 3 mins, Dogs read in 21 mins
How To Reduce Anxiety In Dogs

Are you ready for a journey towards a happier and calmer life for your furry friend? Well, you're in the right place! At BullyBillows, we're not just about providing top-notch doggy gear – we're all about nurturing the well-being of our beloved canine pals, too. This brings us perfectly to introducing this guide on how to help reduce anxiety in dogs. 

Picture this, your pupper, once anxious and on edge, now lounging in peaceful contentment, their worries whisked away like yesterday's news. This is the goal of our guide to reduce dog anxiety. 

So join us on this tail-wagging adventure as we pave the way towards a calmer, happier, and more confident canine companion. Because at BullyBillows, we believe that every dog deserves to live their best, anxiety-free life!

What causes anxiety in dogs?

Dogs, just like humans, can experience anxiety for various reasons. Some common triggers and causes of anxiety in dogs can stem from so many reasons. Some include lack of socialisation, separation, changes in environment, and traumatic events. 

This guide will help you understand anxiety in dogs and how to help treat and prevent it. 

How to spot anxiety in your dog

First off, let's sniff out the signs. Is your furry buddy pacing like a pup on a mission? Or maybe they're giving you those puppy-dog eyes that say, "Hey, I'm feeling a tad anxious here!" Recognising these signals is key to tailoring our approach to calming those nerves.

Ensure your pup has plenty of exercise

Exercise provides our pups with mental stimulation and helps to burn off excess energy, which can prevent anxious behaviours such as pacing, destructive chewing, or excessive barking.

Different types of exercise may be more suitable depending on the dog's age, breed, and individual preferences. Activities such as walking, running, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports like agility or obedience training can all contribute to reducing anxiety levels in dogs. 

It’s essential we tailor the exercise routine to the dog's fitness level and not overexert them, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

Embrace hemp oil

Ah, hemp oil! Also known as, the saviour! You're barking' up the right tree when you talk about hemp oil for anxious pooches. Now, hemp oil isn’t a magical potion but it IS extremely helpful for doggos that struggle with anxiety. 

This is because hemp oil's got these mighty compounds called cannabinoids, like CBD, that work wonders in calming down those doggy-nerves. 

And if that wasn’t enough, it’s all-natural, there’s no funny business here! None of those nasty side effects you get with other medications. Just pure, wholesome goodness. 

How to give your dog hemp oil…

Just a few drops in their food or treats, and they'll be feeling like a top dog in no time. 

Shop Dog Hemp Oil.

Stay positive

Your pup picks up on your vibes, so keep calm and carry on! Offer plenty of praise, pets, and belly rubs to reinforce positive behaviour.

A cosy fleece

Now, why is a cosy fleece so good for our doggos, especially those who get a case of the jitters? Well, it's all about that sense of security. When your pup's bundled up in a fleece, it's like their own little safe haven, keeping them all toasty and secure. 

They are also rather dashing! Your dog will look like the coolest pup in the park in our dog fleeces. And it’s not just just about keeping them warm. That soft fleece material? It's like therapy for their fur. 

 

Shop Dog Fleeces.

Crate train a puppy

This is pretty specific to dogs when they are in their puppy stage. Crate training older dogs is possible but it may cause more anxiety.

A crate can serve as a safe and comfortable space for a dog, similar to a den, which can help them feel secure. When used correctly, a crate can provide a sense of routine, boundaries, and a place for the dog to retreat to when they need some downtime or want to relax.

Some dogs may not take well to crate training or may have specific needs that require alternative methods for managing anxiety.

Cuddle up with a blanket

There's something about being wrapped up in a blanket that just screams "safety zone" to our four-legged buddies. It's like they're tucked away in their own little sanctuary, shielded from the outside world and all its worries. It's like magic!

Plus, a warm blanket? They're like a hug for your pooch's body and soul. That gentle pressure can work wonders in calming those nerves and easing those anxious thoughts. 

It's like a security blanket, but for real.


Shop Dog Blankets… Suitable for humans too!

When to contact a vet for help

Understanding the potential triggers and causes of anxiety in dogs is crucial for providing appropriate support and addressing their needs effectively. 

If a dog's anxiety is severe or persistent, consulting with a veterinarian or professional dog behaviorist can help develop a tailored treatment plan.

Discover more with BullyBillows

Shop Dog Accessories today at BullyBillows, the perfect accessories for your intelligent furry friends. 

See the BullyBillows Dog Harnesses, Dog Collars, and Dog Leads. They are made to the highest standards because we know how important it is that your dogs are safe and comfortable.

Why not bookmark our Dog Blog for the latest canine news, dog behaviour tips, and product-buying guides? 

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