A relationship with your dog might be complicated. Sometimes, you may end up in a situation where you have to take care of its needs without all the essential information.
After all, you cannot communicate with your pup as well as you do with people. One of the worst issues that you can stumble upon is your dog getting anxiety.
If you think that your beloved puppy might be anxious, you may be inclined to worry, however, you should not lose hope. There are many ways to deal with symptoms and eliminate the cause of your dog’s anxiety.
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How to Deal With Anxious Pup?
Do not leave your dog alone
Leaving your dog alone can be a great way to help it deal with its anxiety. However, there are cases when leaving the dog alone can be a bad idea. If the dog is suffering from separation anxiety, you may have to take other measures.
Discuss the problem with your vet
If you suspect that your dog’s anxiety is a result of a medical condition, you will need to discuss that issue with your vet. If the condition is chronic, the best thing that you can do is try to treat it as soon as possible.
Use appropriate techniques
You can try some of the techniques that many dog experts recommend for dealing with this issue. These include:
- Giving your puppy some CBD oil. I know it sounds radical but it has been proven to reduce anxiety in both dogs and humans alike. You can hop over to PrimaBee CBD and pick some up for your puppy. Just make sure you know the right dosage!
- Switching up the toys and treats in order to confuse your pup. If your dog has an anxious personality, this can work pretty well.
- Using positive reinforcement and desensitizing your canine. It is always a good idea to combine these two techniques for a successful outcome.
- Giving your dog plenty of attention and hugs. If you are dealing with anxiety issues, you can do it by finding some time every day to spend with your canine companion without any distractions. The animal will feel more relaxed and comfortable.
- Allowing your dog to sleep on your bed can also be helpful. It will allow both of you to spend equal time together and connect with one another. You should, however, be careful with things around the house such as pillows and blankets or anything else that might pose a threat to your beloved pet.
Helping Your Dog Cope With Its Fearfulness
There are lots of ways in which you can help your dog cope with its anxiety. You can use the methods mentioned above or explore new ones. Apart from these techniques, paying attention to your puppy’s needs and being a loving owner can really make a difference.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Anxiety in Dogs?
One of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs is change. Change is something that is hard for humans to handle, and it can be just as hard for dogs. Dogs that don’t do well with change will need quite a bit more work to get them there, but it can be done. If you are interested in helping your dog deal with anxiety due to change, there are a few steps that you can take.
Do not over-stimulate your dog during training sessions
When you are training your dog to adjust to change, you should not stimulate the animal too much. If your pet’s anxiety level is high and you push it into new situations, it is only going to make things worse.
Consistency is key
As with any other dog training, consistency is key. You want your dog to learn that change is normal and that you have no problem with it. This can be done by rewarding the dog when it adjusts well and by not rewarding the dog when it does not adjust well. Consistency will also help you teach your dog what it is that you expect from it.
Be patient
Your dog will not learn overnight, especially if it has an anxious personality or has been through a lot of changes in the past. Be patient with your furry companion and give it time to adjust. Eventually, it will learn that change is okay and that nothing harmful comes from it.
How to Help Your Dog Deal With Separation Anxiety?
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it can be quite a struggle for both you and the animal. This type of anxiety is caused by the dog’s fear of abandonment or being alone. If you are dealing with it, there are some steps that you can take to help your pup feel better:
Use confinement methods
One of the most effective ways of dealing with separation anxiety in dogs is to use confinement methods. Most often, this involves using a crate. You will have to keep this in mind when you are planning to leave your dog at home alone.
Use a leash
Using a leash when your dog is suffering from separation anxiety is a good idea. It will allow you to control your pet and make sure that it does not cause damage while you are away. If you can manage to make the experience positive for your dog, it can actually help the canine get rid of its anxiety.
Leave something familiar behind
If your dog starts to show signs of separation anxiety, it might be a good idea to leave something familiar behind. This could be its favorite toy or its blanket. Having something to cuddle with should be able to help the dog feel better.
Make a list of things your dog loves
Separation anxiety can come about because your dog does not feel like it has anything to do while you are not around. One way to help your pet feel better is to make a list of all the things that it loves. You can then use that list to keep your dog occupied when you are not around.
Create a reward system
Sometimes, creating a reward system can be very helpful in helping your pooch deal with separation anxiety. It is always a good idea to reward your pet whenever it behaves well when you are away. This can include going outside for walks and other fun activities that can take you some time doing together.
What Else Can You Do If Your Dog Has Anxiety?
There are many things that you can do if your dog has anxiety issues. The first thing that you should do is talk to your vet about the problem and ask for professional help. Your vet will know what needs to be done and will give you advice on how to deal with the issue. If you want to find out more about dealing with canine anxiety, keep reading below.
Choose an appropriate diet
There are studies that show that the food that we feed our dogs can affect their mood and energy levels. If your dog suffers from anxiety, it might be a good idea to switch its diet and see whether it helps ease your dog’s anxiety. You may need to discuss this with your vet first, though. Some experts claim that high-fat diets can improve anxiety issues, while others claim that high-protein diets are best for reducing symptoms.
Give your dog space
If your dog has anxiety issues, giving it some space might help reduce its symptoms. You should also give it plenty of attention so that the animal feels loved and appreciated. It is important to remember that every dog is different and what works for one might not work for another.
Get rid of bad habits
If you have noticed any bad habits such as excessive barking, pacing, or other tendencies that are linked to anxious behavior, try getting rid of them as soon as possible. This will not only help your furry friend feel better but will also make their life much easier in general.
Summary
Just like us humans, dogs have their own personalities and with these personalities come disorders too, like anxiety. If you think that your puppy is broken, rest assure that you’re not alone. So many puppies and even older dogs deal with anxiety at some point in their lives, just like most humans. This is especially true if you have just adopted your dog from a shelter, moved houses, or even just changed your puppy’s routine. A dog can also develop anxiety if you have decided to bring a new furry friend home too. There are many different reasons why a dog can develop anxiety but thankfully there are many ways to treat it too. If your dog is getting the right diet, you are training it correctly, and making them feel loved, your dog will be back to normal in no time at all. If you are still unsure what is causing anxiety in your dog, consult with your vet.
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