5 ways to calm your anxious dog at home
What's the story
Dog anxiety is a common challenge that can lead to stress for pets and owners alike.
A calm home environment goes a long way in reducing anxiety levels in dogs.
By making a few strategic changes, your home can become a sanctuary for your furry friend, ensuring that they feel safe and secure.
Here are five tips to help you make your home more comforting for your dog.
Safe zone
Create a safe space
Designate a safe space at home where your dog can retreat when anxious.
This could be a quiet corner where they spend time with their bed, toys, and some comforting items like blankets.
Make sure this space is away from loud noises or high-traffic areas of the house.
Having such a refuge lets dogs self-soothe during stressful times, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Aromatherapy
Use calming scents
Just like they work on humans, certain scents have a calming effect on dogs too.
Try placing diffusers with essential oils (lavender or chamomile) around the house.
However, make sure these aren't used excessively and kept away from pets to avoid ingestion or irritation.
The soothing aroma can help create an overall tranquil atmosphere that'll help ease anxiety symptoms.
Routine stability
Maintain consistent routines
Dogs flourish on routine as it gives them predictability and security.
Try to keep feeding times, walks, play sessions, and bedtime routines, consistent every day.
Sudden shifts in schedule can amp up stress levels in anxiety-prone dogs.
By following regular patterns, you provide stability that helps keep their stress at bay.
Brain games
Provide mental stimulation
Engage your dog's mind with interactive toys or puzzles that challenge them mentally, keeping them engaged during times they're alone at home.
Activities such as hide-and-seek games or treat-dispensing toys not only encourage problem-solving skills but also divert their attention from potential stressors outside their control.
These activities are essential for mental stimulation and can significantly reduce anxiety by focusing their energy on constructive tasks.
Quiet environment
Reduce noise levels
Loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks often trigger anxiety episodes among sound-sensitive dogs; hence, minimizing exposure becomes crucial here!
Consider using white noise machines, which mask external sounds effectively without causing additional distress themselves - alternatively, closing windows and doors tightly also helps reduce noise infiltration indoors significantly.