Tips to Calm Your Dog | Pet Palace | Pet Boarding Resort

Tips to Calm Your Dog

calming your dogDogs aren’t so different from people. Just like humans, they can get stressed and anxious for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn what stressors might cause your dog to become anxious and what you can do when it occurs.

What Causes Dogs to Feel Anxious?

While every dog is unique, many dogs get stressed by:

  • Being left alone for long periods of time
  • Moving to a new place
  • A member joining or leaving “the pack” (like getting a new puppy or the death of a family member)
  • Traveling in cars
  • Loud noises
  • Past trauma
  • Unfamiliar environments

What Are Signs My Dog Is Stressed?

Typical signs your dog is stressed include:

  • Pacing or Shaking – you may have noticed this behavior when bringing your dog to the vet
  • Whining or Barking – tense dogs sometimes do this to get your attention or to self-soothe
  • Yawning, Drooling, and Licking – while yawning is associated with boredom, dogs also do it when they’re stressed out
  • Changes in Eyes and Ears – look for dilated pupils, rapid blinking, or ears pinned back against the head
  • Changes in Body Posture – a tucked tail or cowering are good indicators of stress
  • Avoidance or Displacement Behavior – your dog may look to avoid interaction with other people or dogs by turning away, ignoring them, or even hiding behind you

How Can I Calm Down My Stressed Dog?

When your dog’s stressed, you can calm him down by:

  • Playing Music – Try music that’s specifically designed for pets suffering from separation anxiety while you’re away (yes, it exists!).
  • Essential Oils – An aromatherapy balm or spray gently patted on the back of your dog’s coat may help relax him.
  • Physical Contact – Most dogs enjoy being pet and will relax when their fur is stroked.
  • Exercise – Sometimes, the best way to release nervous tension is through exercise. This can be especially helpful when your dog has an abundance of uncontrollable energy.
  • Giving a Time Out – For some dogs, no amount of praise, rewards, or treats will help them calm down. When your dog is too wound up to respond to your attempts to calm him, he needs a quiet space with no stimulation. This will give him the opportunity to unwind, without any stressful input.

Does Pet Palace Offer Any Services that Will Help with My Dog’s Anxiety?

Pet Palace Resort is the perfect place to help your dog relax! For instance, if your dog gets stressed when he’s left home alone, we offer a fun dog day care that will keep him entertained while you’re at work.

Plus, just like you, your dog would probably enjoy a nice spa day. So, you may want to consider bringing him in for a professional grooming session. During his time here, we can even offer extra pampering, like a massage if you want!

To learn more about the full range of services we provide visit your local Pet Palace web page. We have eight locations to serve you throughout Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina.

Lora Shaw

About the author

Lora Shaw

Lora Shaw is currently the Vice President of Operations at Pet Palace.

Categories: All Posts, Dog Daycare, Dogs, Pet Grooming, Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets

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