How to Calm a Stressed Dog

Do you have an anxious dog?

Oftentimes, people who take in pets find their beloved pals have a hard time remaining calm. In fact, studies have found that more than 70% of all dogs suffer from anxiety. This stems from a variety of issues, from being fearful of loud noises to abandonment issues. 

But if you have one, you’re probably wondering how to calm a stressed dog. Below, we’ll go through all our best tips on how to soothe your pet’s nerves and keep him or her calm.

Keep reading to learn more!

Identify the Source of the Stress

Do you know what is making your dog anxious?

The first step to learning how to calm a stressed dog should be paying attention to what happens when your dog gets anxious. Do you have a lot of loud noises happening in or around your living arrangements? Does the dog seem to react differently to various people or situations?

You might find you can take simple actions to reduce the number of stressors in your dog’s life. For instance, if you live in an area with a lot of construction, you might want to try taking your dog to a quieter place and seeing if he or she calms down.

How to Calm a Stressed Dog: Take Them for a Walk

Have you ever heard that exercise can relieve human stress? Well, the same is true for dogs!

When dogs get exercise, they get to release their nervous energy and calm down. If you have a hyperactive dog, you should notice they get calmer after they go for some exercise. 

You might even find some new places they enjoy going to when they’re stressed out!

Go on a Sniffing Adventure

Did you know that for dogs, sniffing is about so much more than exploring a scent? 

Their brains release dopamine when they sniff, which soothes them and makes them happier. So, if your dog gets nervous, take them to a place with a lot of smells. This could include bringing your pet to a dog-friendly nature park. Should you choose to go out into nature, allow your dog a loose leash and plenty of time to explore and sniff. Resist the urge to hurry your dog along.

You should also be aware of any potential hazards. For instance, if your area has ticks or fleas, make sure you’ve given them anti-flea or tick treatments. In addition, keep an eye out for other creatures, such as snakes. 

If you don’t have a park nearby, buy some dog-safe, scented items for your home.

You can also hide treats around your home! This gives your dog the opportunity to sniff for their treats, keeping them distracted from their stressor and calming them down. You can also use dog-friendly human food, such as small pieces of carrot.

Give Them a Safe Space

Like humans, dogs function better when they have a safe space to retreat to when they get stressed. As such, you should make their area as comfortable and inviting as possible.

Purchase a comfy dog bed and add in blankets, toys, and whatever else your dog loves. You may also consider giving them a room to go into when they’re too stressed. This works particularly well for households with other animals, who may need a break from one another from time to time.

Do Separation Training

Sometimes, dogs suffer from separation anxiety. If you’ve noticed your dog gets anxious when people leave, they might have this type of anxiety.

You don’t have to go somewhere far away to teach your dog that you will come back, though! Try this: every once in a while, leave them in a room for varying amounts of time. Once the time has expired, return. Your dog will learn through this that they don’t have to worry about you leaving them!

Have a Soothing Routine

When you get home from school or work, do you take some time to care for yourself?

Actually, some good pampering can be useful when calming your dog as well. As such, you should consider establishing a simple self-care routine for your furry friend. This could include cuddling together and listening to soothing sounds or giving them a gentle massage.

Once you find something works, make it a regular part of your dog’s day. Having a routine can help ease a dog’s anxieties, as it knows that it will have its needs met.

Get a Licking Mat

Did you know that you can use feeding time to keep your dog calm?

Dogs lick when they’re stressed. In fact, one sign of an anxious dog is sores or irritation from licking. You can redirect your dog’s desire to lick by getting a licking mat and spreading wet food onto it.

These mats trap the food in grooves, encouraging your dog to lick to get it out. 

For wet food, try Greek, peanut butter, or a pure pumpkin spread. 

Get Relaxing Treats

Did you know that there are dog treats designed to calm your dog?

If you have an animal with anxiety, try CBD-infused dog treats. Our all-natural, CBD dog treats combine healthy ingredients with CBD, calming your dog’s nerves in many situations.

Want to Give Your Dog the Best Products?

Knowing how to calm a stressed dog is an essential part of pet ownership.

Even if your dog doesn’t display signs of anxiety every day, it will likely encounter stressful situations in its life. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to restore their calm. 

For more information on how our products promote dog health and well-being, contact us! We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions!