CBD Oil for Pets

How to Calm Dog Anxiety Naturally: 6 Solutions

Posted on by
07
May

This week is Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. Since as many as 70% of dogs may experience some type of anxiety, this is an important time for all pet parents!

Whether your dog displays behavioral anxiety (ongoing stress about something, like separation anxiety) or situational anxiety (afraid of specific things, like fireworks or thunderstorms), there are many ways to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Signs of Dog Anxiety

It’s often fairly easy to notice when your dog is anxious — or maybe you already know the triggers (fireworks, thunderstorms, strangers in the house).

Common signs include:

  • Hiding
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Chewing or destructive behavior
  • Barking or crying
  • Restlessness, pacing
  • Excessive licking
  • Aggression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive panting

Pharmaceuticals for Dog Anxiety?

Many pet parents turn to their vet when anxiety is a concern. Conventional vets may suggest anti-anxiety medications such as Valium, Xanax, Prozac, Paxil, or Lorazepam — the same types used in humans.

These medications act on neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help some dogs feel calmer. However, they may take several weeks to notice changes and can have side effects, including:

  • Sleepiness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Shaking
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Weight loss

More serious side effects can include seizures, aggression, or persistent vomiting.

While medications can be appropriate in some cases, many pet parents explore natural approaches as well.

6 Ways to Support Calmness Naturally

Here are some natural ways to help your dog feel calmer. Often, a combination works best:

  1. Exercise Exercise can help reduce anxiety by keeping dogs physically and mentally engaged. It also helps release built-up energy and tension. Try walks, hikes, or backyard play before a normally stressful event.
  2. Anti-Anxiety Clothing Products like the Thundershirt provide gentle pressure that can give dogs a sense of security. Blankets or swaddling in their bed can sometimes have a similar calming effect.
  3. Pet CBD Oil (Observational Use) Some pet parents explore CBD as part of a wellness routine for their dogs. While research in dogs is still emerging, many use it as part of a broader approach to supporting calmness. Always consult your vet and follow product directions.
  4. Mental Stimulation Mental engagement can help tire your dog’s mind and reduce anxiety. Ideas include:
  • Hide-and-seek with toys or yourself
  • Teaching new tricks or reviewing old ones
  • Backyard or indoor agility courses
  1. Calming Pheromones Dog-appeasing pheromones can help some dogs feel more secure, especially with separation-related stress.
  2. Massage Gentle massages can mimic the relaxation humans experience, helping some dogs feel calmer:
  • Backstroke: Start at the back of the head and gently stroke along the spine.
  • Head massage: Use gentle pressure from the top of the nose over the head.

Final Thoughts

Every dog is different, and what helps one pup might not help another. Try these tools, observe your dog’s responses, and create a calming routine tailored to their needs.