Anxiety is not a disorder peculiar to humans alone. Our canine friends can suffer from this as well. There are many things that can trigger anxiety in dogs. However, the good news is that anxiety can be treated the same way other unhealthy dog behaviors like biting and chewing are treatable.
Even if you cannot completely cure their anxiety, it can be managed effectively given the right circumstances. People with dogs suffering from anxiety will find this post helpful and explore several proven ways to help an anxious dog.
Before then, however, we will examine anxiety in dogs and its causes.
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Anxiety in Dogs: Meaning and Causes
There are many ways anxiety manifests itself in dogs. An anxious dog can express this via shivering, whining, whimpering, etc. In extreme cases, the dog might be hostile, destructive, and chew on things. Anxiety left unaddressed in dogs can lead to loss of appetite and a socially withdrawn dog.
A dog often becomes anxious due to abandonment, extreme noises, fear of separation, and being alone, the presence of unknown people, kids, or other pets. Abused or neglected dogs can also develop anxiety.
There are many ways to address anxiety in dogs, and this article will shed light on them:
1. Music Therapy
Without a doubt, the power of music is impressive in calming an anxious mind, both in man and animals. When the dog is home, on a trip, or in the presence of strangers, music can be calming and relaxing. Another way music helps by blocking scary noises or extreme noises from the street that terrifies your dog.
According to research, a lot of dogs prefer classical music. Many dog owners have realized that leaving home with the TV or radio switched on can help comfort their dog. There are music compilations specifically designed to support and relieve a dog with noise phobia.
2. Exercise With your dog
The same way humans feel relieved after exercise, dogs can also experience relief. There are many things your dog will enjoy via exercise. Exercise induces the release of serotonin – the feel-good chemical that humans get when they workout.
Also, exercising is a way for a dog to release stored energy, which can fuel anxiety. This is why you have to make it a habit to walk your dog every day. Simple games like hike, running, fetching, etc., can go a long way to help your dog with its anxiety. Don't forget that a tired dog is a good dog.
3. CBD oil for anxiety
The use of Hemp and CBD oil for anxiety is one of the fastest-growing health trends that many people have accepted both for man and animals. CBD is a compound gotten when hemp or cannabis is processed. According to research, CBD is a proven way to manage anxiety by altering the brain receptor's response to serotonin. The absence of THC in CBD oil helps prevent them from getting high.
There are cannabis concentrates that you can give your dog to control anxiety. Also, the FDA regulates the use of CBD treats for dogs; hence it is safe.
4. Give her a Relaxing Massage
Interestingly, not only humans get relieved from the massage, but your dog can also be relieved. The idea behind a massage is to calm the nerves by using slow strokes to soothe the nerves.
The effect of anxiety in a dog can result in tensed up muscles and nerves. As a result, a message will come in handy to relieve such tension.
One way to have such a massage is to start with the neck and proceed downward using long strokes. You will use one hand to hold down the dog and use the other hand to work the magic.
5. Distract Your Dog
For dogs facing anxiety due to some situations like extreme noises, thunderstorms, fireworks, distraction can work. Distraction involves engaging their brain to direct the focus on something else other than the object of threat.
Distracting your dog is not about training; instead, it is about trying things that your dog is already familiar with, which they will earn a reward. For instance, give her simple commands like sit and reward her for it. Try other tips like sit up, roll over, lie down.
If your dog loves food and is anxious, treat them with various puzzle toys like a tug jug, treat ball, or a toy stuffed with treats. You can make this the norm such that they associate frightening events with impressive rewards. With this, a scary event turns into a delightful one.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a pretty common mental health issue in dogs, which can be pretty terrifying and uncomfortable. The good news is that there are many helpful steps one can take to treat and alleviate it. We have considered a positive and rewarding approach to deal with anxiety in your dog.
Anxiety in your dog does not have to be a terrifying experience for your dog and its owner. These points can come in handy wh