Buzz
Generally, the approach to calming a dog's mind depends on the specific situation. Encounters with strangers, thunder, fireworks, garbage trucks, vet visits, or the presence of other animals can make pets fearful, anxious, or agitated. While we may instinctively comfort and hug our dogs, an alternative method is to train them not to feel fear, anxiety, or agitation. To soothe a dog, it's important to understand their behavior and identify the cause of their reactions.
Steps
Calming a Dog's Mind
Understand the body language of a dog in a state of anxiety. A dog's body language can be quite complex and is often misunderstood.
There is no universal sign to indicate a dog is anxious, as each one expresses anxiety in its own way.
While some may become aggressive when afraid, others might run away and hide. Both behaviors suggest that they seek safety, but their responses to the situation are different.Common signs include
- Arched back
- Turning away/ Dilated pupils
- Ears flattened or pulled back
- Wrinkled forehead
- Whining
- Shaking
- Sweating on the paws
- Loss of control over bladder and bowels
Understand the causes of a dog's behavior. The causes are often fairly obvious. Your dog might be scared of thunder, strangers, loud noises, or certain environments.
Put yourself in your pet's shoes.
They may have limited exposure to the outside world but are witnessing something terrifying. How would you act in that situation? It's important to empathize with your companion.
Minimize stress-inducing triggers. If something scares your dog, move them to another room. Close the curtains and play music to mask the sound of thunder or fireworks. If your dog seeks a safe space, such as their crate, cover it with a thin blanket to block out the panic-inducing noise. As mentioned earlier,
choose the calming method that suits the specific cause of your dog's distress.
- Create a safe hiding spot by opening a room far from loud noises, or train them to use their crate. If a similar situation happens again, your dog will return to the crate to calm itself.
Redirect your dog's focus. Shift your dog's attention to something 'pleasant' and even useful. Does your pet have a favorite toy or chew stick? If so, give it to them to divert their focus away from the fear trigger.
Turn a stressful situation into a fun time.
Over time, your dog will associate the original stressor with a positive experience, and won't be affected by it in the future (e.g., strangers, thunder, vet visits, or other animals).
Comfort your pet. Every dog has different preferences when it comes to being petted, and they may enjoy different styles of affection. Some dogs prefer gentle strokes, while others like firmer pats or tight hugs. A popular way to comfort your dog is to
gently stroke their back.
Place your palm on top of their head and softly stroke from their spine down to their hips. Repeat several times to reassure your pet.
- However, keep in mind that petting can sometimes be misunderstood as rewarding your dog for being afraid. Although it may seem counterintuitive, comforting your dog in this way could unintentionally cause them to feel more fearful in the future. Assess the situation carefully, and sometimes it’s better to ignore their fearful mood, so they learn there is nothing to fear.
Use a 'Thundershirt.' This shirt is worn around the dog's body and applies pressure when they become anxious.
The dog perceives the pressure in a similar way a baby feels when wrapped in a swaddle.
For some dogs, this shirt helps calm them down.
Play classical music for your pet. Many pet owners and animal shelters often play classical music to help soothe their dogs.
Preventing anxiety in dogs
Train your dog. Most dog trainers believe that anxiety, agitation, or extreme fear
is often caused by a lack of proper training.
It's important to reinforce positive behavior during training. Teach your dog to remain calm when visiting the vet, not to become overly excited in dog parks, or to be unafraid of thunderstorms. You can do this by providing a substitute task to keep your dog focused, then rewarding them when they complete the task successfully.Example of dog training
If your dog becomes extremely anxious in the waiting room at the vet, ask them to 'sit' or 'lie down.' Basic commands will be effective in this situation. Afterward, reward your dog for following the command.
This helps reinforce the training and shifts your dog's focus away from the stressful situation. In the future, your dog will associate the vet waiting room with sitting and receiving a treat, rather than with being examined by a stranger.
Control your own reactions. Your dog views you as a member of its pack. If your pet senses that you are anxious or afraid, it will likely pick up on those emotions. In difficult situations, try not to show your emotions. Breathe deeply, count each breath, and then exhale slowly and calmly.
For example, if you take your dog to the clinic for surgery and feel tense, try not to let your dog see your anxiety. Instead, create a positive attitude for your pet in these situations. Avoid screaming when you hear thunder, as your dog may think something terrible is happening, causing it to become fearful as well.
Use a pheromone diffuser. Pheromones are chemical signals produced by mother dogs while nursing their puppies to calm them. Currently, there are synthetic products like Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) available in pet stores. You simply plug the diffuser into the wall or attach it to your pet’s collar and observe how it helps calm your dog’s nerves.
Give your dog Zylkene supplements. This substance contains milk protein with calming properties similar to diazepam. Administer it twice a day, and it has been shown to reduce anxiety in dogs during events like thunderstorms, veterinary visits, or while in their crate.
Consult with a veterinarian. They can guide you on the most effective methods, whether through behavior modifications or medication. If needed, your vet may prescribe stronger medications. Common drugs for addressing behavioral issues in dogs include benzodiazepines (BZ), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).
Advice
- Research indicates that neutering dogs can have a calming effect on them. However, the best time for neutering (before or after their heat cycle) remains uncertain.
- Pet your dog without hugging it. Studies show that approximately 83% of dogs show at least one sign of stress when hugged.
