Many situations and events can stress out your dog. She cannot tell you that she is not feeling well. But her body language, behavior, and physical attributes will speak volumes if you look closely.
Fortunately, there are many ways to calm and relieve her stress. Let’s discuss some of them.
Here are some stressors that your dog may encounter:
Here are some of the signs that your dog may exhibit if she is stressed:
Body language
Behavior
Physical
Stress is inevitable for humans and dogs alike. But you can alleviate your dog’s stress in many ways.
Removal of the stressor
The first step is to remove the stressor or move your dog away from the stressor:
Calm down
Your dog might be picking up your anxiety and stress. So, you need to teach yourself to calm down as well.
Do not comfort your pet too much. Hugging or restraining her might cause the stress to build up even more. Just pet her and talk to her in a calm, reassuring manner.
Create a safe zone
Prepare a room or area where your dog can spend some quiet time. Pick a spot where there is very little foot traffic. Your dog must be able to access it easily. But other pets or humans should be prohibited from going there when your dog needs to relax.
Provide physical and mental stimulation
Take your dog to regular walks. Exercise is one of the best ways for her to work out her tension and anxiety, and to bring her stress levels down. Her mind will also be stimulated by what she sees, hears, and smells during your walk.
Some experts recommend going on a walk and tiring your dog out before you leave her alone for an extended period.
On the days when you can’t go out, play games with her. Let her blow off some steam by playing tug or fetch.
Also, buy toys that stimulate her mentally. This is important if you need to leave her alone for long periods. Challenge her mind as well as her body.
Socialization
Speaking of being alone, all dogs need to socialize. It’s in your dog’s DNA to want to be with a pack. So, if you need to be absent for a while, engage the services of a dog walker/sitter or enroll your pup in a dog school.
Train her properly
Train her every day so that she has something to think about other than how bored she is. But be sure that you are training her properly. Do not confuse her with inconsistent commands. You will only add to her stress if you do not use the proper training methods for dogs.
Supplements and Treats
Just like the age-old saying goes: you are what you eat. There are dog supplements and treats that help calm down pets. Try our Calm + Comfort Aid soft chews. It contains ingredients that are safe for your pet. These ingredients are known to relax pets and relieve their stress.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
