Just like us, animals—and dogs in particular—can be prone to stress. Fortunately, there are now simple solutions to effectively reduce their anxiety.
How can I tell if my dog is stressed?
The first thing to do is observe your dog to see if he’s stressed and determine the cause of that stress.
There are many symptoms that can indicate your dog is anxious, so it's important to be alert so you can spot them quickly and find ways to help your dog relax.
Some of the most common signs include:
- Excessive hair loss
- Rapid gasps
- The ears are laid back
- The tail is between its legs
- Excessive barking
- Digestive problems
- Disproportionate reactions
- Hyperactivity
- Excessive licking of the lips
- Attention Disorders
- Excessive salivation
- Cleanliness Issues
- Excessive sweating
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, your dog may be stressed. To help him relax, it’s important to identify the cause of his stress (loneliness, boredom, intense fear, sensitivity to noise, etc.) and find the best solution to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety.
Stress-Relief Solutions for Dogs
While there are, of course, medications that have proven to be effective, there are also more natural methods that are just as effective.
Massaging Your Dog
Physical contact between you and your dog tends to calm him down. When your dog is calm, take the time to help him relax by talking to him and gently massaging him. Before you begin, make sure you’re calm and that nothing will stress your dog out. Then, start by massaging his head, gradually working your way down to his back or belly using small circular motions. Let him settle into the position where he’s most comfortable, and speak to him softly to reassure him. Massaging your dog will reduce his stress and soothe him. For best results, however, it’s best to combine massaging your dog with another, more long-term solution to effectively reduce his stress.
The Anxiety Wrap—the anti-stress vest for dogs
Still relatively unknown but quite effective, the anxiety wrap has proven its worth with our loyal four-legged companions.
How does it work? This compression vest applies pressure to specific acupuncture points to relieve your dog’s tension and stress. The fact that the vest fits snugly also has a reassuring effect on your dog, helping to calm him down. By having your dog wear the Anxiety Wrap, you can help prevent him from panicking when faced with a new stressful situation. This method is quite effective for stress caused by separation, car rides, fireworks, going on vacation, and more. Just like with humans, some dogs will respond better than others.
Consult a dog behaviorist
Consulting a dog behaviorist can also help your pet reduce the source of its stress. If your dog is anxious, the dog behaviorist will study its reactions, environment, and habits to determine the source of its stress. The behaviorist can then provide you with solutions to help your dog cope better with stressful situations.
If you notice that your pet is stressed, talk to your veterinarian right away so they can refer you to a behaviorist who can address your pet’s anxiety.
This approach is very effective; however, it can be time-consuming and costly.
The Anti-Stress Pheromone Diffuser
Another method for managing stress in dogs is the pheromone diffuser. It works on the same principle as mosquito repellent diffusers: you plug the diffuser into an outlet, and synthetic pheromones are released into the room. Stress-relieving pheromones are naturally secreted by a mother dog after giving birth to reassure her puppies. Recreated in a laboratory, this scent will therefore reassure them and alleviate their stress. This solution is particularly helpful for dogs that get very stressed and anxious when their owner is away, for example, or for those who are experiencing a new environment (such as moving to a new home or going on vacation).
CBD Oil for Dogs
Although still relatively unknown for its effects on animal well-being, CBD oil is a 100% natural solution for soothing stressed dogs. CBD is derived from the cannabis plant and is widely recognized for its effectiveness in relieving stress.
CBD does not contain THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. CBD oil can therefore be safely used on both adult dogs and stressed puppies. Just a few drops in your dog’s food or under its tongue, and it will enjoy all the benefits of CBD. Our CBD oil for pets has a pleasant bacon flavor, making it easier for your pet to take. And unlike essential oils, there are no contraindications or side effects.
It is therefore possible to relieve your dog’s stress naturally. Without medication, you can significantly reduce your dog’s stress—or even eliminate it entirely—and help your dog or puppy regain full health. If needed, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.
