A dog can instantly become a part of your family right from that first moment you welcome it. It’s a massive commitment, but there’s no doubt that it can really enhance your family life. Having a special someone else to take care of is so lovely, and a dog gives back loads of affection in return. For kids, dogs in the home are great at teaching some responsibility. But the main thing dogs are known for is helping to improve the wellbeing of their humans.
While owning a dog brings you many benefits for your wellbeing, you also need to consider your pet’s own feelings. Many dogs suffer with anxiety, and many more experience separation anxiety. So, how can you help to reduce your dog’s anxiety levels so that they can lead a calmer, happier life? Here, we will explore some of the ways that you can improve your dog’s wellbeing and reduce their anxiety levels.
Take action early
Getting your pet into great habits right from the start is always beneficial. This will get your dog off to the very best beginning. To reduce the likelihood of your pet experiencing anxiety, you could start by socialising as soon as you are able. You may need to wait until they’ve had all their puppy vaccines before you can do this. However, there are many puppy socialisation classes out there that will help your pooch get used to being around other dogs.
Taking your pet out and about for walks in different locations is also a helpful way to get them used to being in a variety of environments. This should help to ease any anxiety they have about new places.
Deal with separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a really common issue for dogs of all ages. Many dogs hate it when their owners leave the house. Even a short space of time separated from their humans can have some dogs pining for them to return. You can handle this by ensuring that your dog has activities and toys to safely play with while you are out. This distraction will keep them occupied and less likely to bark or cry for you.
For puppies, it’s helpful to slowly build up the amount of time you leave them for, this will assure them you always return.
Try treatments
Nowadays, there are a host of treatments to be used to treat anxiety in dogs. From plug-in scents containing hormones to ease anxiety through to CBD oil for dogs, there are many methods you can try to help soothe your pet. Discussing your pet’s anxiety issues with your vet is an excellent way to get professional advice on the problem.
Your vet will be able to determine if there’s a medical issue that is causing your dog’s anxiety. An underlying condition may contribute to your pet showing the signs that appear to be anxiety. It’s always best to get your dog checked over just for the peace of mind that they’re not in any discomfort.