read our dog testimonial & articles for
Canine Calmness and Well-being

Beagle Dog in Grass

9 Suggestions for Calming Dog Anxiety

February 17, 20244 min read

9 Suggestions for Calming Dog Anxiety

Living with a dog is a joyous experience, but for some furry friends, anxiety can cast a shadow over their days, affecting both their well-being and that of their human companions. Whether triggered by separation, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments, dog anxiety is a common issue that requires understanding and compassionate care. Fortunately, with the right approach and strategies, you can help your canine companion find a sense of calm and security.

Understanding Canine Anxiety

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to recognize the signs of anxiety in dogs. These may include excessive barking, panting, pacing, trembling, destructive behavior, or even withdrawal. Identifying the root cause of your dog's anxiety is essential for tailoring effective solutions.

Create a Safe Haven

Just like humans, dogs seek refuge in familiar and safe spaces. Designate a cozy area in your home where your dog can retreat when feeling anxious. This could be a comfortable bed in a quiet corner or a crate covered with a blanket to create a den-like atmosphere. Encourage your dog to use this space by placing favorite toys or blankets inside.

Establish a Routine

Consistency breeds comfort for dogs. Establish a predictable daily routine for meals, walks, and playtime. Knowing what to expect can help alleviate anxiety by providing a sense of stability and security.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever for dogs. Ensure your furry friend gets enough exercise each day through walks, runs, or play sessions. Not only does exercise help burn off excess energy, but it also promotes relaxation and boosts mood through the release of endorphins.

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is essential for keeping your dog's mind engaged and reducing anxiety. Incorporate activities such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions into your daily routine to provide mental enrichment. These activities not only challenge your dog's problem-solving skills but also help redirect their focus away from anxious thoughts. Consider introducing new toys or rotating existing ones to keep things interesting. Engaging your dog's brain in positive and rewarding ways can boost their confidence and overall well-being, contributing to a calmer and more contented companion.

Try Calming Techniques and Therapies

Explore various calming techniques to help soothe your dog during moments of anxiety. Gentle massage, aromatherapy with lavender or chamomile scents, or soothing music can all contribute to creating a tranquil environment. Additionally, consider investing in flower essence blends and calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or compression vests, which can offer comfort during stressful situations.

Flower essences, such as Bach Flower Remedies, are a natural and gentle way to support your dog's emotional well-being and alleviate anxiety. These essences are made by infusing flowers in water and harnessing their healing properties. Each essence targets specific emotional states, making them a versatile tool for addressing various forms of anxiety in dogs. For example, Rescue Remedy, a popular blend, can help soothe nerves during stressful events like vet visits or car rides. By adding a few drops to your dog's water or directly onto their skin, you can provide subtle yet effective support for their emotional balance. While flower essences are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, many pet owners find them to be a valuable complement to their anxiety management toolkit.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, can be powerful tools in addressing canine anxiety. Reward calm behavior and gradually expose your dog to anxiety-inducing stimuli in a controlled manner. Over time, this can help desensitize them and build confidence in facing their fears.

Seek Professional Help

If your dog's anxiety persists or intensifies despite your best efforts, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a professional. A veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist can offer tailored advice and may recommend medications or specialized training techniques to manage severe anxiety cases.

Avoid Punishment

Refrain from scolding or punishing your dog for displaying anxious behaviors. Punishment can exacerbate anxiety and erode trust between you and your furry friend. Instead, focus on providing comfort, reassurance, and positive reinforcement to help them feel secure.

Reduce Triggers

Identify and minimize triggers that exacerbate your dog's anxiety whenever possible. Whether it's loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or specific situations, take proactive steps to mitigate stressors. This could involve using white noise machines during fireworks or thunderstorms, gradually introducing new experiences, or providing a safe retreat during social gatherings.

Practice Patience and Empathy

Addressing canine anxiety is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and understanding. Be patient with your dog as they navigate their emotions, and offer comfort and support every step of the way. Remember, with time and consistent effort, you can help your furry friend overcome their anxiety and lead a happier, more relaxed life.

Conclusion

Caring for a dog with anxiety requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses understanding, patience, and proactive intervention. By creating a safe environment, establishing routines, practicing calming techniques, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can help your canine companion find peace and tranquility amidst life's uncertainties.

With your unwavering support, your dog can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling life filled with love, security, and happiness.

blog author image

Catherine Winfree

Catherine Winfree is a nationally certified health and wellness coach, medical massage therapist, animal communicator, and flower essence practitioner. Supporting people and their pets to live in harmony with customized flower essence blends is the basis of her Calm Animal Solutions and Custom Essence Blends businesses.

Back to Blog

Before and After Videos

Before and After Videos

Calm Canines Unleashed:

Magical Before & After videos!

Command Training Improvement

Supported by WELL-TRAINED DOG Solution

Take a look at the increased tail wagging!

before

3-weeks after

Reative Barking Dog

Calmed By Quiet Dog Solution

Notice how much calmer the barking dog's eyes are 2-weeks after Quiet Dog Solution.

before

1 week after

2 weeks after

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

Paw Praises

No More Fear of Garbage Trucks

No More Fear of Thunder and Leaf Blowers

No More Begging to be Carried Downstairs

dog laying on wood floor lookin up

GOAL:

Stay Relaxed and Calm with all Noises

outdoor photo of white dog with eyes closed sensing something to the left

GOAL:

Comfort with all Noises

brown and white dog laying at the top of the stairs

GOAL:

Confidence Going Down the Stairs

I always know when the garbage truck is in the neighborhood because my dog goes and hides in the upstairs bathroom.

One week later:

I was sure the garbage truck had not come because Shay stayed downstairs all day. Yet, I noticed my neighbors taking their garbage cans back to their houses. I went and checked mine, and sure enough, it was EMPTY! I’m so glad Shay does not feel the need to hide from the garbage truck anymore.

— GM

Pepper would let me know hours in advance that a storm was on the way. And she always went inside when I was blowing leaves.

One week later:

I was surprised to see a thunderstorm rolling in. I was used to Pepper letting me know hours ahead that a storm was on the way. She was curled up on the couch, sleeping through the whole storm. I also noticed she is content to be outside with me while I’m blowing leaves.

— VB

I know I created a problem when I started carrying Precious down the stairs instead of letting her manage the steps on her own. Several times a day she would whimper at the top of the stairs, waiting for me to carry her down.

One week later:

I was able to ignore the whimpers and noticed Precious had come down the stairs to where I was on her own.

— EW

No More Fear of Garbage Trucks

dog laying on wood floor lookin up

GOAL:

Stay Relaxed and Calm with all Noises

I always know when the garbage truck is in the neighborhood because my dog goes and hides in the upstairs bathroom.

One week later:

I was sure the garbage truck had not come because Shay stayed downstairs all day. Yet, I noticed my neighbors taking their garbage cans back to their houses. I went and checked mine, and sure enough, it was EMPTY! I’m so glad Shay does not feel the need to hide from the garbage truck anymore.

— GM

No More Fear of Thunder and Leaf Blowers

outdoor photo of white dog with eyes closed sensing something to the left

GOAL:

Comfort with all Noises

Pepper would let me know hours in advance that a storm was on the way. And she always went inside when I was blowing leaves.

One week later:

I was surprised to see a thunderstorm rolling in. I was used to Pepper letting me know hours ahead that a storm was on the way. She was curled up on the couch, sleeping through the whole storm. I also noticed she is content to be outside with me while I’m blowing leaves.

— VB

No More Begging to be Carried Downstairs

brown and white dog laying at the top of the stairs

GOAL:

Confidence Going Down the Stairs

I know I created a problem when I started carrying Precious down the stairs instead of letting her manage the steps on her own. Several times a day she would whimper at the top of the stairs, waiting for me to carry her down.

One week later:

I was able to ignore the whimpers and noticed Precious had come down the stairs to where I was on her own.

— EW

...more PRAISES

No More Jumping on the House Guests

Improved Dog Training and Behavior

From Car Sick Dog to Traveling Dog

brown and white dog with a happy looking face_pink background

GOAL:

Calm and Confident Greeter

man with dark hair and facial hair crouched down and leaning in close to a white dog with a chest leash

GOAL:

Come Quickly and Steady Leash Walking

close up photo or older reddish-brown dog

GOAL:

Stay Relaxed During Car Rides

I'm seeing signs of change in Ginny, every time I sat down, I realized she wasn't jumping on my lap for attention. I've left the house about four times; when I return, she doesn't jump on me until I've put all my stuff down and start petting the dogs.

One week later:

I opened the door to find three dogs, each with all four paws on the floor, wagging their tails. Nobody was jumping on me or winding around my feet, tripping me.

— JU

I wasn’t expecting much, but the essences have really helped our dog.

One week later:

I noticed Max was responding to the first call to ‘come’. He was pulling less on the leash when he was distracted by a squirrel.

— MB

We are an on-the-go-family. Our new rescue dog, Sparrow, had a nervous stomach, which made traveling miserable for him.

One week later:

I am so pleased to report Sparrow is much more relaxed in the car—he goes with us everywhere!

— EW

A Trained Animal Communicator Connects with Your Pet

With every order, a trained animal communicator connects with your pet to choose the right blend of flower essences

(e.g. Bach Flower Essences) for calming their anxiety. Custom blended flower essences are natural pet calming products.

all-natural vegan and organic ingredients icon
icon showing molecular representation of vegetable glycerin against a blue carrot background
icon showing molecular representation of water against a blue water drop
flower essences icon with blue flowers in the middle
unscented, oil-free, non-herbal, CBD-free and fragrance-free icon
logo with artistic drawing of a cat, a dog and a horse

Calm Animal Solutions

Calm Animal Solutions offers customized, natural remedies for dog anxiety, and are calming for cats. Plus, we create blends for horses, small animal pets, birds, poultry, reptiles, and fish.

©2024, Catherine Winfree. All rights reserved.

Mandatory FDA Notice: The statements made regarding Calm Animal Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any animal disease. Although the ingredients in Calm Animal Solutions are generally regarded as safe, you are encouraged to consult your veterinary before using any essence product (such as Bach Flower Essences, for example).

...more PRAISES

No More Jumping on the House Guests

brown and white dog with a happy looking face_pink background

GOAL:

Calm and Confident Greeter

I'm seeing signs of change in Ginny, every time I sat down, I realized she wasn't jumping on my lap for attention. I've left the house about four times; when I return, she doesn't jump on me until I've put all my stuff down and start petting the dogs.

One week later:

I opened the door to find three dogs, each with all four paws on the floor, wagging their tails. Nobody was jumping on me or winding around my feet, tripping me.

— JU

Improved Dog Training and Behavior

man with dark hair and facial hair crouched down and leaning in close to a white dog with a chest leash

GOAL:

Come Quickly and Steady Leash Walking

I wasn’t expecting much, but the essences have really helped our dog.

One week later:

I noticed Max was responding to the first call to ‘come’. He was pulling less on the leash when he was distracted by a squirrel.

— MB

FROM CAR SICK DOG TO TRAVELING DOG

close up photo or older reddish-brown dog

GOAL:

Stay Relaxed During Car Rides

We are an on-the-go-family. Our new rescue dog, Sparrow, had a nervous stomach, which made traveling miserable for him.

One week later:

I am so pleased to report Sparrow is much more relaxed in the car—he goes with us everywhere!

— EW

A Trained Animal Communicator Connects with Your Pet

With every order, a trained animal communicator connects with your pet to choose the right blend of flower essences (e.g. Bach Flower Essences) for calming their anxiety. Custom blended flower essences are natural pet calming products.

all-natural vegan and organic ingredients icon
unscented, oil-free, non-herbal, CBD-free and fragrance-free icon
icon showing molecular representation of water against a blue water drop
flower essences icon with blue flowers in the middle
icon showing molecular representation of vegetable glycerin against a blue carrot background

Mandatory FDA Notice: The statements made regarding Calm Animal Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any animal disease. Although the ingredients in Calm Animal Solutions are generally regarded as safe, you are encouraged to consult your veterinary before using any essence product.

logo with artistic drawing of a cat, a dog and a horse

©2024, Catherine Winfree. All rights reserved.