Anxiety is not just reaching epidemic levels in humans, it is affecting our four-legged friends in huge numbers too. The pandemic has made things worse as many of our pets have gotten used to having us around a whole lot more as we fought to keep the coronavirus spread at bay, only for us to return to work and be forced to leave them to their own devices a lot more.
The good news is, there are lots of things we can do to help relieve our dogs’ stresses and enable them to live as healthy and happy lives as we would want them to…
Exercise them
The best thing you can do to help relieve your dog’s anxiety is to ensure they get lots of regular exercise. Not only does this engage them in a fun activity they love but the more tired they are, the less likely they are to be troubled by you having to go out or whatever else may be stressing them out. It is also the number one thing that will help them to live a longer, happier, healthier life, so make walkies a priority.
Put them in daycare
If your dog is anxious because he is being left alone more than he would like, then sending them to a company like All Dogs Unleashed which provides doggy daycare is a good option, they will get lots of attention and they will be able to socialize with other pups, which means they are much less likely to suffer from separation anxiety, and far more likely to have fun even when you aren’t around to provide them with entertainment.
Puzzle them
Yes, you can buy puzzles and games for dogs and they are a great way of keeping them mentally engaged, thus taking their mind off the things that would usually cause them anxiety. Just make sure that, if you’re giving your dog a puzzle to play with while you are not there, that it has been certified safe for solo play, otherwise, you should always supervise your dogs when playing. Toys like Kongs that you can stuff with peanut butter are generally safe and provide hours of fun for pooches of all ages, sizes and demeanours.
Crate train
Anxious dogs can often benefit from crate training because their crate provides them with a safe haven that is just for them. If your dog is not already trained to use a crate, consider doing so and their mental health will probably improve as a result.
Play classical music
Classical music can often be used to calm down anxious dogs, especially if it is external sounds that are causing them to feel fear, but it can also act as good company when you are out too.
Stressed-out dogs can become very unwell and none of us wants our pets to be unhappy, which is why, if your dog is experiencing anxiety, it is definitely worth trying out the above techniques to help them, and if that does not work, you should speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible.