How to calm an anxious dog

Just like people, many dogs suffer with anxiety. Whether it’s triggered by loud noises, or your dog hates changes to their routine, it’s important that we help our dogs to feel as calm and comfortable as possible.

Thankfully, there are a number of products available to try and help your dog to live their best life, particularly when you know they’re likely to be put in a stressful situation, for example moving house or when you go on holiday.

Here are our recommendations.

There are many things that can make a dog anxious.

These include:

• Separation anxiety: this is incredibly common in dogs, but can be very traumatic, both for them and for you as the owner
• Loud noises, such as fireworks or construction
• New environments, such as moving home or kennels
• Changing routines

There are some easy tell-tale signs to look out for if your dog is experiencing anxiety.

These include:     

• Shaking
• Pacing
• Hiding or trying to run away
• Paw raising
• Whining
• Toileting
• Destroying furniture

Helping your fluffy best friend manage their anxiety results in a happier and healthier them, and a happier you!

Your dog having a safe spot to retreat to when anxious can be incredibly helpful. This should be a calming area containing their bed and toys, preferably somewhere quiet away from the main hubbub of the house.

If your dog is struggling with loud noises or separation anxiety, you can help them more by leaving them in a nice, quiet room, shutting curtains and leaving the radio on to muffle any outdoor ‘scary’ sounds.

Keeping your dog’s brain engaged helps soothe any anxiety it may be struggling with. Ensure your dog has their favourite toys with them, particularly if doing something stressful like a car journey.

We also recommend enrichment dog toys and puzzles if your dog struggles with separation anxiety. Putting these out before you leave gives them a new form of entertainment until you come back.

Punishment is an absolute no-go, particularly when it comes to managing anxiety and stress.

Instead, reward your dog for being calm or calming down when stressed with a treat or lots of fuss and playtime.

Reassurance for your dog goes a long way.

Adding calming supplements to your dog’s diet is something that can make a world of difference to your dog.

Calming supplements are a great way of regulating your dog’s moods, helping them cope when their anxiety is triggered.

There are many key ingredients to look out for:

Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP): This is naturally produced by a mother for her puppies for reassurance. This still has a brilliant effect on dogs when they’re older as it triggers that same instinctive calming response.

B vitamins, e.g. Thiamine (B1). B Vitamins have been shown to have a calming effect on humans and dogs alike, supporting healthy brain function.

Herbal ingredients, such as rosemary and melissa, are popular remedies for soothing anxious brains.

There are many ways that your dog can take calming supplements.

It can be worth experimenting to see what works best for your dog, or work with your vet or behaviourist and follow their suggestions based on your dog’s unique needs.

Here are some of the most common forms of calming supplement:

Chews

• Chews are an easy way to give your pet their supplement. Taken just like a treat, these can be given daily or as one-offs when stressful situations hit.
• We love Zylkene Calming Chews for Dogs, which come in three different options for small, medium or large dogs.  

Diffusers

• Diffusers are an great way to help your dog without them needing to consume anything.
• These diffusers plug in to the wall, and work just like a plug-in air freshener. 
• Plug-in diffusers release Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), helping provide support for your dog in stressful situations.
• Products such as the Adaptil Calm for Dogs Home Diffuser Starter Kit also come with a refill, helping you see the difference it can make to your dog for longer.

Sprays

• Sprays work similarly to diffusers, but are more portable.
• They can be applied to areas your dog tries to destroy, such as bits of furniture, or on your dog’s blankets to help create that calming environment.
• You can also get diffusers designed for certain situations, such as Adaptil Dog Transport Calming Spray.  

Oils

• Oils like Dorwest Valerian Calming Compound for Dogs and Cats use valerian to help relax your dog’s muscles and nervous systems without making them drowsy. Oils can be placed directly into the mouth, or put onto your dog’s regular food.
• Oils like this are also used for show dogs and agility dogs so they can stay focussed and not get over-excited.

Powders

• Calming powders come in pre-measured sachets, making them practical for home use or travel.
• Powders like Protexin SereniCare Calming Support for Dog and Cats are convenient and easy to mix with food, and help support relaxation and emotional balance in dogs.

Yes!

For many dogs, calming supplements help them to live a more relaxed life, and are happier in themselves.

However, like all products, they may not work for every dog. Chat to your vet and see what products they would recommend for their specific situation.

Stress and anxiety is a part of life, but you can help your dog to cope with it more effectively.

Calming supplements, alongside environmental changes such a providing your dog a safe space to go when anxious, can make a huge improvement to your dog’s wellbeing, whether they’re stressed by loud noises or struggle with changes to normal routine.

If you are concerned about your dog’s anxiety and stress levels, book an appointment with your vet. They can also help check for any underlying health conditions which may be making their stress and anxiety worse, or refer them to a behavioural specialist if necessary.