Similar to us, even our canine babies fall prey to mental ailments like anxiety, stress and depression. Therefore, calming them down and making them feel secure is an essential part of responsible dog parenthood. Thankfully, there is a plethora of dog calming products available on the market formulated to provide comfort and relief to our dogs during stressful situations.
In this guide, we will take you through some of the most effective calming products to help your pooch enjoy a relaxed and happier life. We will also shed light on some important tips that will help you reduce anxiety and control unwanted stress-related behavior in your dog. Read on to find out more.
Calming Products for Dogs
- Zylkene Calming Supplement
Zylkene Calming Supplement is made of natural ingredients and works well to calm dogs in stressful situations. It supports canines when traveling, visiting new places, vet visits, spending time alone at home and during fireworks. The supplement is non-addictive and non-sedative one and can be easily administered by mixing it into your dog’s diet.
- Anxitane Chewable Tablets
The oral anxitane chewable tablets are very effective when it comes to relaxing dogs and helping them adapt to a new place. The treatment is also immensely beneficial during stressful situations like thunderstorms, traffic noise and other loud noises. Additionally, it makes car rides, socialization and relocation stress-free for canines. The tablets are highly palatable and help in easy administration.
- Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets
The anxiety relief supplement is made of herbal ingredients and caters to both dogs and cats. The all-natural formula works excellently to manage stress and calm hyperactive and nervous dogs. It doesn’t impact dogs’ normal behavior or make them drowsy. It works well during stressful situations like separation anxiety, loud noises, traveling and training sessions. The tablets are easy to administer and are readily accepted by pets.
- Adaptil Collar for Dogs
Adaptil Collar provides a convenient way to help reduce unwanted stress-related behaviors in dogs. Suitable for canines of all ages, the collar benefits dogs during traveling, socialization and training sessions. It is easy to fit around your dog’s neck and remains effective for 4 weeks.
- Adaptil Spray
Adaptil spray is specifically formulated to control and prevent fear and stress-related behavior in dogs of all ages. The spray is odorless and helps keep dogs relaxed during stressful situations like fireworks, traveling, vet visits, moving to a new house, staying alone at home and loud noises. It also works well during training sessions.
Causes of Stress & Anxiety in Dogs
Let’s look at some of the common causes of stress and anxiety in dogs.
- Separation: A condition faced by dogs when separated from their human family members.
- Loud Noises: Dogs tend to get triggered by loud noises caused by thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, construction sounds, etc.
- Changes in Environment: Canines easily get anxious when they move to a new home, experience changes in their daily schedules or start living with new family members.
- Trauma & Past Abuse: It takes dogs very long to get over the abuse that they’ve experienced in the past. They often get scared and anxious, stemming from previous neglect or mistreatment.
- Genetic Predisposition: According to studies, there are certain dog breeds, like German Shepherd, Jack Russel Terrier, Toy Poodle and Labrador Retriever, that are more susceptible to fear and anxiety than others.
- Aging: Aging in dogs leads to a decline in cognitive function that causes confusion, fear and anxiety in senior dogs.
- Unfamiliar Environments: Dogs tend to get uncomfortable and anxious around unfamiliar environments and get triggered by interaction with unfamiliar humans and animals as well as in new environments.
Signs of Stress & Anxiety in Dogs
The following are some of the common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs.
- Excessive Barking
- Pacing or Restlessness
- Panting Heavily
- Yawning Frequently
- Excessive Drooling and Licking
- Hiding
- Ears Pinned Back or Lowered
- Tail Ticked Between the Legs
- Loss of Appetite
- Growling
- Chewing & Scratching Objects
- Spinning & Tail Chasing
- Increased Urination or Diarrhea
Tips to Control Fear & Anxiety in Dogs
Here are some of the most effective tips to control fear and anxiety in dogs.
- Creating a Safe Space: As a dog parent, it is important that you create a safe and secured place for your dog to take shelter when they get scared or anxious.
- Maintaining a Consistent Routine: In order to keep your dog calm and relaxed, you should provide it with a consistent routine when it comes to daily activities like feeding, walks and playtime.
- Limiting Exposure to Triggers: You should try your best to prevent your dog’s exposure to triggers like loud noises, unfamiliar people and new environments so as to keep it calm and relaxed.
- Providing Mental Stimulation: You can consider providing mental stimulation to your pooch by offering them puzzle toys to play with. It helps them release their stress and calms them down.
- Offering Regular Exercises: You must always prioritize providing your dog with ample amounts of physical exercise as it is one of the best ways for dogs to release their stress and tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I punish my dog for anxious behavior?
Punishment is never encouraged when it comes to addressing anxiety in dogs, as it can worsen fear. Positive reinforcement and patience are the best approaches.
- Is separation anxiety common in dogs?
Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders in dogs. The symptoms include barking, destructive behavior and unexpected urination when left alone.
- When should I take my anxious dog to a veterinarian or a behaviorist?
You should take your anxious dog to a veterinarian or a behaviorist when the anxiety or fear-related behaviors are severe, persistent or escalating, especially if they indulge in aggression, self-injury, or profound phobias.
Wrapping Up
Reducing anxiety in dogs is not always the easiest of tasks. But, with behavior modification, environmental management and medical intervention, it can be successfully achieved. Above all, it is patience, consistency and understanding from you that will help your dog lead a happy and stress-free life.
At DiscountPetCare, we carry a wide range of calming treatments and supplements for dogs at the best prices. Check out our online store to enjoy lucrative offers on your preferred products.