Ideas for Dogs

In this business I get a lot of questions from pet owners asking for help with their dogs. Sometimes it's about food, sometimes it's about behavior, sometimes it's about what products to buy, so in the next few posts I'm going to address some of the most common questions posed by pet owners. Today's topic is anxiety and nervous behavior in pets.

Yes pets can have anxiety! It can come from genetics, can be learned, can be due to lack of structure, consistency or confidence and can arise after traumatic situations. Anxiety and nervousness can occur regularly or in certain situations like when your pet is alone or not by your side. Pets who suffer from anxiety can display it in a number of ways. They may suffer from anxiety only in your absence or they may display anxious behaviors even when you are home. They may act out in your absence by displaying destructive behavior or by eliminating in your home. They may drool excessively, vomit or lick themselves obsessively. Some dogs have such high levels of anxiety in certain situations they may even self-mutilate or attempt escape to the point of harming themselves. Some dogs will display anxiety even in their owners' presence when exposed to loud noises like fireworks or thunder or when presented with unfamiliar situations, people or animals.

Pets who suffer from anxiety should be seen by a vet and it's not a bad idea to seek the advice or counsel of a behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist as well. Often such professionals schooled in animal behavior can offer tips and treatments for anxiety and veterinary behaviorists can also prescribe medication to help ease your pet's anxiety if needed.

Aside from medications there are some things you can do at home to help make your pet feel more comfortable both at home with you and in your absence. Below are some solutions to common pet anxiety triggers:

Music
 Music and even spoken word/talk radio can be a comfort to your pet while you are gone. Some companies such as Through A Dog's Ear have developed music specifically for pets based on research that indicated that specially designed recordings can have a positive and calming effect on the nervous system of both humans and dogs. Some studies have indicated that having human voices present in the home while owners are gone can help to soothe pets by giving them a sense that someone is present. For this reason, some owners will leave on talk radio or television for their pets while they are gone. I like to leave on the "soundscapes" music channel on my television which is new age and relaxation music meant for meditation and relaxation. Sounds of nature and soothing instruments help to provide a calming environment. Not only do I put it on when I leave my pets but when I'm home too and need some relaxation!

Activity
During your absence, give your dog something to do. Have someone come in once or several times throughout the day to give your dog some exercise and activity but also provide things for your dog to do while they are alone. Some great tools for this are interactive toys and treat dispensing toys. It's a great idea to even feed your dog from treat dispensing toys when you're home and when you're not! Below are some great toys specifically designed to stimulate your dog's interest and your dog's mind:

KONG Products
Tug-A-Jug
Buster Cube
Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble

And a WONDERFUL website for finding puzzle toys, games and interactive toys for your dog:

Active Dog Toys

and

Nina Ottoson Toys

Holistic & Natural Remedies
Some pet parents have found help with holistic remedies like Bach's Flower Remedies: Rescue Remedy which has ingredients that promote a calming effect on both people and dogs. A few drops in your pet's water or in their mouth can help soothe your dogs. Not as effective for highly anxious dogs but can be effective to just take that "edge" off for nervous dogs.

Another product with good reviews from pet parents are Dog and Cat Appeasing Pheromones that come in plug-in type diffusers. A company called Comfort Zone makes the most popular of these in both canine and feline versions.

There are also some all natural stress relief supplements on the market which are trial and error. I have found some success with Acti-Pet Anxiety Free and there are others that can be found in your local pet supply store that you can try out. Anxiety and stress supplements will usually have ingredients like St. John's Wort, Valerian, Skullcap & Chamomile.

Thunder, Fireworks & General Anxiety Relief
A new product I learned of in a recent issue of my pet products magazine was a product called Thunder Shirts . The product is meant to pinpoint pressure points in a dog's body that help release anxiety, somewhat in the same way massage or acupuncture help to target certain points in the body to release pain, stress, toxins and anxiety. I have not had any personal experience with this product but have heard some good reviews about it from other pet parents and has been well reviewed in several publications.

Some other solutions for thunder and fireworks use the technique of gradual desensitization which is a common method used in behavior modification. By using audio recordings such as those made by a company called Starfire For Dogs owners can help reverse their dogs fear of these sounds. It does require patience as it is imperative you always go slowly with a fearful dog. Rushing or using negative methods, even becoming frustrated or angry during training with your dog only sets a dog back or makes their fears worse.

The solutions out there for helping anxious pets are endless. These are some of the ones I have had some experience with or have gotten great feedback about. If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned here or if you have something you'd like to hear about please don't hesitate to ask! Always remember I am not a vet and what you read here should not be regarded as veterinary advice. Always seek advice from your vet when your pet's health is concerned!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for our next topic which will cover pet safety. Hug your pets and keep reading!