10 Mind Boosting Ideas for Relieving Anxiety

from SIT, STAY, BEHAVE in Lowcountry Dog Magazine

WRITTEN BY: AMELIA PALMER of MDRN CBD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Animals experience anxiety and stress in much the same way humans do. It often comes out in a physical manifestation of the emotional and mental concern. It’s completely natural for a pet to experience anxiety, even in a home they love. All you have to do is watch for the signs and help your pet before their anxiety escalates.

Signs Your Pet is Distressed

Anxiety in pets is usually caused by a change in routine or the setup at home, fear from sudden loud noises or moving objects, or aging. It’s important to find out what’s causing the anxiety to treat it to the best of your ability. When looking for the signs, you’ll usually see one or several of the following:

1. Pacing and a general inability to settle down

2. Panting

3. Barking or crying

4. Weeing in the house

5. Over washing or excessive licking

6. Destructive behavior

How to Deal with the Stress

1. Lots of Physical Contact Domesticated pets love a good cuddle and feeling their owner close to them should calm their anxiety. If you know something in particular such as fireworks are about to cause distress, or there has been a sudden loud noise, pick your pet up or get into their bed with them. A feeling of closeness can be very therapeutic.

2. Plenty of Exercise Exercise is good for anxiety because it releases endorphins to boost your pet’s mood and it can tire them out too. A good walk can do wonders, as can a quick run or splash in the pool. Exercise is also a great bonding time that will help ease separation anxiety.

3. Mental Exercises Mental stimulation in the form of obstacle/agility courses or a puzzle toy are brilliant distractions from situations that cause anxiety. If they’re focusing on something else, they can’t sit and dwell on their stress. You can break a negative focus by shifting their attention to something they enjoy.

4. Music or Sound Therapy Never underestimate the power of music to calm a pet. It’s been proven that if you leave music playing or the radio or television on while you’re out, your pet is more likely to be calm. It’s a source of comfort because it sounds like humans are around and it provides a distraction from other noises that could cause stress.

5. Massage Therapy A good massage can physically relax your pet and help them let go of tension carried in their muscles. You can also break the cycle of shivers or nervous shakes while having a good bonding session.

6. Calming Wraps If you aren’t able to give your pet a cuddle or a hug constantly, look into buying them a specially designed wrap or top. These garments apply mild, constant pressure to the body and can be just as reassuring as a hug from you. They’re particularly good for dogs who don’t like thunderstorms.

7. Giving Them a Time Out Anxious behavior isn’t naughty or bad, but isolating your pet or speaking to them authoritatively can break the cycle of the behavior. Just be sure to do so with care and calming tones rather than angry shouts or commands. If you put them in a room on their own, try turning down the lights and playing calming music. A break from the real world might be all they need.

8. Counter-conditioning If your pet has developed bad habits because of their anxiety, it’s important to try to retrain them. Start with telling them to stop as soon as they start pacing, panting or over washing. Be firm but gentle. You may need help from a professional trainer if the habits are too ingrained.

9. Aromatherapy and Diffusers Animals are big on scents. In the same way that some scents can alleviate human stress, there are those that can work with your pets too. You can use a normal aromatherapy diffuser in your home along with the right oils for your pet. Just be sure to check that the oils are pet-friendly. Alternatively, invest in a diffuser tailored for anxious animals that releases just the right pheromones.

10. Calming Supplements There are various supplements—both natural and prescription—designed to help your pet cope with anxiety. CBD oil is a popular option for dogs, as are supplements that contain thiamin, melatonin, L-tryptophan or L-Theanine. However, before dosing your pet with any medication, it’s always best to chat to your vet.

An anxious pet can be heartbreaking but by following this advice you can help them stay calm and break any bad habits they’ve developed. It may take time and patience, but your furry friend will feel all the better for it and so will you! ■