Table of Contents
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Anxiety
Treatments
How to Relieve Dog Anxiety
How Itch Can Help
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Understanding Anxiety In Dogs
- By Emma
-
- March 22, 2024
- 2 MIN READ
Let's talk about a topic that's close to many of our hearts: anxiety in dogs. Our furry friends can experience stress and anxiety just like us, and as responsible pet parents, it's essential to understand the signs, treatments, and ways to alleviate our canine companions' anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs can exhibit a wide range of signs and symptoms when they're feeling anxious or stressed. Some common signs of dog anxiety include:
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Excessive barking or whining
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Panting and pacing
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Restlessness or inability to settle
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Destructive behaviour, such as chewing or digging
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Trembling or shaking
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Aggression towards people or other animals
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Urinating or defecating indoors, despite being housetrained
Treatments
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help dogs manage their anxiety and feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Here are a few common approaches:
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Behavioural Training - Behavioural training techniques, such as desensitisation and counterconditioning, can help dogs learn to cope with stressful situations more effectively. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding calm behaviour, can also be beneficial.
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Supplements or Medication - Supplements can significantly calm down anxious pups and reduce the unwanted behaviours in a lot of cases. In very severe cases, vets may prescribe medication to help dogs manage their anxiety. These may include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, to calm dogs down who sadly experience significant anxiety.
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Lifestyle Changes - Whilst not always a curing treatment, making changes to your dog’s routine and around the house (carefully and with consideration) can really help your dog to feel more settled. We’ve listed some of our top tips below.
How to Relieve Dog Anxiety
In addition to formal treatments, there are several simple strategies and lifestyle changes you can use to help relieve your dog's anxiety at home:
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Provide a Safe Space
Create a designated safe space for your dog where they can retreat when they're feeling anxious. This could be a cosy corner with their bed and favourite toys, or a quiet room away from noisy household activities.
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Establish Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so try to establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, exercise, and rest. Predictability can help reduce anxiety and provide your dog with a sense of security.
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Regular Exercise
Regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining your dog's overall health and wellbeing. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive games can help burn off excess energy and reduce stress levels.
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Calming Activities
Engage your dog in calming activities, such as gentle massage, aromatherapy, or music therapy. Some dogs find comfort in the soothing sounds of classical music or nature sounds. Check out our article where Itch creates a unique audio calming experience for pets and humans
How Itch Can Help
At Itch, we understand the importance of keeping our furry friends happy and healthy, which is why we offer a range of products designed to support your dog's wellbeing, including those aimed at reducing anxiety.
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Itch Calm Treats - Our specially formulated Itch Calm Treats contain natural ingredients, including chamomile, lavender, probiotics (and more!) which are known for their calming properties. These tasty treats can help soothe your dog's nerves during stressful situations.
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Itch Calming Supplement - Our Itch Calming Supplements contain clinically proven ingredients to help soothe your doggo! With L-Theanine (an amino acid and one of the main active ingredients in green tea) helping to increase dopamine production (aka the happy hormone!), lemon balm to keep them chilled out, Vitamin B12, B6 and much more. This powerful combination of active ingredients will have your dog feeling the zen vibes in no time!
Anxiety is a common issue that many dogs experience, but with the right support and treatment, it can be managed effectively. By recognising the signs of anxiety in your dog and implementing strategies to help alleviate their stress, you can improve their overall quality of life and strengthen your bond with them. And with products like Itch Calm Treats and Itch Calming Supplement, you can provide your dog with the extra support they need to feel calm and content. Here's to happier, more relaxed dogs everywhere!
SHOP CALMING SUPPLEMENTS HERE
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