Stress Less: Tips for Calming Your Dog's Anxiety

Once you identify the triggers that cause your pup to stress out, they’re a lot easier to avoid. Plus, you can slowly desensitize them to the source of their distress. You can also try to replace an anxious reaction with a positive association, e.g., give them a treat when something upsetting happens. Anxiety issues do not just disappear, so plan ahead for unsettling, predictable situations like fireworks or visitors to your home. Pet Supplies Plus can help with calming products that offer simple fixes for life’s stressful moments. If you have more questions about pet anxieties, please talk with your veterinarian.

Getting nervous now and then is normal for dogs; however, high levels of anxiousness can lead to anxiety disorders, behavioral problems and other health issues. If things like loud noises, unfamiliar experiences or other dogs upset your pup, it could be due to fear-related anxiety. If your dog gets anxious whenever they’re left alone or separated from their people, this is probably separation anxiety. And with older dogs, cognitive dysfunction syndrome can lead to age-related anxiety. Of all the symptoms associated with anxiety, the most dangerous sign is aggression. If your dog becomes increasingly hostile, you should see a veterinarian because the issue could go beyond anxiety.

Relax. Pet Supplies Plus offers all sorts of stress-relieving remedies your dog can try. For example, calming supplements and treats can help temper the “freeze, fight or flight” reaction when canines get stressed. Calming vests can pacify your fur baby by applying pressure around them like a weighted blanket. Calming diffusers and sprays fill the air with safe, pet-soothing chemicals. And if necessary, talk with your veterinarian about prescription anxiety medications (our online pharmacy can fill your order).

For nervous pets, one of the most Zen places their paw parent can go to is your local Pet Supplies Plus. We carry a wide assortment of animal-safe products that can help your fur baby focus on something else besides their troubles and worries. These solutions are designed to help give your pets a greater sense of control and release their pent-up nervous energy.