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Items to Help Your Canine Friend With Their Anxiety
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items As a dog sitter, I deal with a lot of dog anxiety. Sometimes it's their personality, but usually it's temporary just because their owner is away. Separation anxiety in a dog can even contribute to your own anxiety. Here are some of the things I've fo...
Sections
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Medications
Toys
Clothing
Appliances
Activities
Bedding
Medications
Please always check with your vet first and if this is for a dog you're watching check in with the owner first! Always read all labels and warnings on medications before administering.
Hemp is great for helping an anxious dog. It's just a plant so there are less serious side effects typically. Always discuss medications with your veterinarian first though especially if they take anything else because there could be medicines that n...
Calming Treats For Dogs
Please get a prescription from your vet before giving your dog Xanax. This is usually my last option for a dog and only for temporary situations like 4th of July, not every day use.
Xanax (Alprazolam) for Dogs: Dosage, Side Effects, and Risks
Sometimes when dealing with strong situational/environmental stressors like traveling, sedatives can be a good option. Always consult your pet care team before administering any medications.
Dog Sedatives For Traveling
Toys
These toy items can be great for helping your dog release stress. Anxiety can often manifest and poor behavior if not redirected! Play behavior stimulation can also reduce stress and anxiety levels, kind of a fake it til you make it situation.
Nerf makes super durable dog toys and sometimes being able to make that squeaky noise can ease anxiety or shift it to exciteability instead.
Nerf dog LARGE Squeak Ball
These durable toys can handle heavy chewers. Chewing can be a symptom of anxiety in dogs. But it does help them relieve the anxiety.
Indestructible Dog Toys Tested for Tough Chewers
Puzzle feeders and toys can be a great way to distract and excite a dog struggling with separation anxiety. It's also good for challenging the minds of older dogs.
Dog Puzzle Toys
Tug of War toys can be great for getting your dog active and present in their body which can greatly reduce anxiety symptoms.
Dog Tug Of War Toy
These Kong toys can be filled with treats to help provide a distraction during human absence in canines with separation anxiety, especially for short trips away.
Kong Dog Toys
Clothing
Dog clothes that help soothe anxiety. I wouldn't make this your only tool, but it can help when used in conjunction with other tools as anxiety is multifaceted. Also they look so cute dressed up lol.
These are excellent for dogs with severe anxiety, the gentle pressure is very relaxing for them. Available in sizes XS-XL.
ThunderShirt for Dogs - Calming Wrap
Although these are typically used for grooming, they can also help in general with noise related situational anxiety like fireworks.
Dog Ear Protection
Appliances
Items you can get for around the house to help soothe your canine's anxiousness. May not work for all dogs. I always find a multifaceted approach is more likely to be effective. Considering all types sensory engagement can only lead to more helpful i...
Sometimes masking scary sounds can help a dog during situational anxiety and especially for dogs who are alone in the home a background noise can be soothing
Yogasleep Pawzz White Noise Machine for Pets
I have one dog that I pet sit for who is afraid of the dark so these really help her at night time. Great for night time walk safety too! Aka my anxiety lol.
Dog Lights
Dog fountains offer a two in one benefit. Give your dog cleaner, filtered water while also offering the gentle sound of running water to help ease your dog's separation anxiety throughout the day while you're away.
Best Dog Fountains
Activities
Things you and your dog can do to help ease their anxiety. Of course, always take into account the personality and health history of the dog first. Some older dogs with pain may be resistant to massage or walks. Some younger dogs with poor social ski...
Massage can be very calming for dogs! Heck, I'd like a massage for my anxiety lol.
Dog Massage: Everything You Need to Know About Canine Massages
Sometimes a walk provides a great distraction from separation anxiety if you're pet sitting. Sniffs and curiosity can be quite helpful.
Saint Louis Dog Walkers
Dog tv can be great for background noise or distraction for an anxious dog. Beware though because for dogs with dog anxiety it could make it worse.
DOGTV
Here's some calm, relaxing music that can help some dogs with anxiety. Remember that dogs all have their own unique personalities and what works for one may not work for another!
Relax My Dog - Relaxing Music for Dogs
Bedding
These bedding items will help your anxious pup get cozy and relaxed. And honestly, I'm a sucker for fuzzy comfortable bedding items, too! Who isn't?
Sometimes dogs enjoy a nice fuzzy blanket to be cuddled up in. Please be weary of using heated blankets on animals as it can be dangerous!
Fuzzy Blankets
For crate trained dogs, the crate can provide a sense of security and safety during situational anxiety moments like thunder storms.
Impact Dog Crates: Heavy Duty Dog Crates
These cave-style beds can be great for giving dogs a sense of security and safety. Some dogs love to hide and be covered, this can be a safe way for them to have that sensory experience.
Cozy Cave Dog Bed Xl
Dog couches are the absolute cutest (aside from cat couches which are even smaller so obviously cuter lol). It can be comforting for them to have their own separate space while still remaining in your proximity.
Dog Sofa
Treats
Treats can help bribe a hesitant dog or reward behavior you'd like to see again. Also, who doesn't love a good treat? I know I sure do lol!
Here are some good options for healthy dog treats (scroll thru pix for options). Look at fat content, serving size, and recommended daily dosages available on the packaging.
Healthy Dog Treats in Dog Treats(1000+)
These treats have natural supplements for calming animal anxiety. I love using all natural medicines for my animals whenever possible.
Calming Treats For Dogs
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can be fed fresh or frozen to dogs. Moderation is key as there is too much of a good thing. Cut them up if you have a small dog to avoid choking.
Blueberries
Certain types of dog friendly nut butters can make a great treat. Especially for dogs with separation anxiety, sometimes providing a kong toy with nut butters inside can create quite the distraction.
What Popular Nut Butters Can Your Dog Safely Eat? [+ Some Nutty Treats