When something’s bothering your dog, you can tell. After all, you know your pet best. Just like how each dog has his own way of exhibiting stress, each dog can react differently to calming methods. Whether your dog suffers from anxiety or is experiencing a stressful situation like thunderstorms or fireworks, try some of these strategies out the next time your pet needs some comfort
How do you calm a nervous dog?
Whether you are wondering how to relax a dog with anxiety or calm a nervous dog, there are different approaches that can make your pet more comfortable.
1. Play some music
You probably have a go-to song you listen to when you’re overwhelmed—but did you know that music can calm down dogs, too? Playing music can help calm dogs with stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that playing music—specifically soft rock and reggae—can reduce dogs’ heart rates, cortisol levels, and other symptoms of stress. There is even special calming music meant for dogs, too. It can help ease separation anxiety when you’re away from home and reduce stress during storms or fireworks.
Try putting on some tunes or switch on the radio the next time your pet gets anxious.
2. Try aromatherapy
Yes, there’s aromatherapy for dogs! Aromatherapy can be useful in calming down an anxious dog. Essential oils can help soothe your pet; you just have to be careful. Don’t use any essential oils you have around the house. Instead, purchase a vet-approved, specially formulated oil meant for pets. These will include the right balance of oils and be diluted properly.
When applying, be sure to rub the oil along your dog’s back and avoid applying to places where they could lick it off.
Don’t forget to do your research on what essential oils dogs enjoy and what you need to stay away from. Chamomile, lavender, cedar, and bergamot have calming and grounding properties, so look for formulas that include these oils.
Steer clear of tea tree, citrus, anise, clove, wormwood, and other essential oils that are harmful to dogs.
3. Get some exercise
When your dog is hyperactive or jittery, go for a run or play some fetch. This will help alleviate extra energy and work out any nerves from being cooped up for too long or getting stressed out.
A frisbee and some fresh air can work wonders. If your dog remains hyperactive, take breaks during a game of fetch. Every time they return the ball to you, have your dog sit and make eye contact with you before you throw it again. This can help calm them down.
Try to avoid other dogs or dog parks until your dog is calm. Otherwise, too much social stimulation may stress them out even more. It is important to calm down or relax an anxious dog before putting them in potentially stressful settings.
4. Soothe your pet
If music, aromatherapy, and exercise don’t help, try these soothing strategies:
5. Remember reinforcement
Reinforce positive behavior and discourage negative behavior. When your dog is jumping, barking, and getting too hyper, don’t immediately reach to pet them or soothe them. This can teach your pet that these behaviors work to get your attention fast.
Instead, don’t make eye contact or touch your dog when they’re acting this way. When ignored, your dog can stop this behavior and calm down.
When your dog deals with stress positively, don’t forget to reward them with a treat!
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