Often, I find that the thing an anxious dog wants more than anything else is physical contact with their owners. After all, in their eyes we are the leader of the pack and so are the best things to be around if there is danger.
Of course, when possible petting, patting, or even hugging your dog can be a great way to relieve their anxiety. The problem is that there are situations when this isn’t always possible to do. For example, through the night when you want them to sleep, or on a long car ride when you need to have your focus on driving.
Happily, I have found some other strategies for dealing with anxious dogs that can help. Keep reading to find out what they are.
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Time out
I know that many people, myself included, see their dogs in a very similar way to children. That they need to be taken care of and looked after.
Of course, this means that sometimes when faced with a very anxious dog, the best thing you can do for them is to take them out of the situation and give them a timeout, just as you would do with a panicking child.
Obviously, the aim of this time out is not to punish your dog, but to provide a quiet and calm environment in which they can safely and happily calm down. In particular, I have found that their kennel or crate is the best choice here, just be sure to leave the door open so they can move around as they like.
Supplements
I have also found that using supplements can be very useful for calming anxious dogs. Indeed, there are a great many on the market to choose from, something that means it’s worth doing some research on them beforehand and checking with your vet.
In particular supplements like CBD dog treats can be a great option for reducing anxiety, especially on things like trips in the car, or when you have to have another dog come to stay in your home. Also because they are treats you won’t have any trouble getting Fido to take them, which can help prevent even more anxiety and suffering.
Diffuser
Another option for calming dogs that I have found useful is the diffuser plugs in. These are designed to release a relaxing combination of scents, and because dogs’ sense of smell is so good, can be very effective. However, the downside to such diffusers is that they can be expensive to buy and get used up fast, something to consider when you make your choice.
Calming coats
Last, of all, I have found that a calming coat can be especially helpful when dealing with an anxious dog. Such coats are crafted to apply mild pressure to your dog’s body, sort of like a hug or a weighted blanket.
The great thing about calming coats is that they can be used when you take your dog out for a walk, which is great news if this is when anxiety is most likely to strike.
