Learning how to calm down a dog is crucial to helping maintain good behavior in a house pet. As a dog owner, you might be familiar with the feelings of excitement, anxiety, or even aggression that can arise in your pet under certain circumstances. In this article from Canvas Personalized, we’ll go through various ways to cool down your dog in the scenarios above.
Why Dogs May Get Agitated And Need To Be Calmed Down
For various reasons, dogs can get anxious and need to be calmed down. One typical explanation is fear or anxiety, which can be brought on by loud noises, strange people or animals, being separated from their owner, or being in a new location. When meeting new people or other dogs, playing, or being overstimulated by their surroundings, dogs may also become agitated out of excitement.
In addition, conditions like pain or discomfort brought on by an accident or sickness can make dogs agitated. Because of their high energy levels and desire for physical and mental stimulation, some dog breeds, such as the Australian shepherd dog and the English bulldog breed, may also be more prone to agitation.
Learning how to calm down a dog is crucial to avoid acting out destructively, aggressively, or in other ways that are not good.
Identify the Symptoms of Your Dog’s Anxiety or Agitation
The medical director of Best Friends Animal Society, Dr. Susan Konecny, RN, DVM, lists a few clinical indicators as follows:
- Excessive barking or whining
- Pacing or restlessness
- Trembling or shaking
- Destructive behavior, such as chewing or digging
- Aggressive behavior, such as growling or biting
- Hiding or seeking extra attention
- Panting or drooling excessively
- Loss of appetite or excessive hunger
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Trying to escape or run away
If the anxiety is not treated, eventually, they can stop eating and withdraw altogether.
“Dogs use body language to express how they feel,” explains Ashley Atkinson, CPDT-KA, a Best Friends Animal Sanctuary behavior expert. For instance, if your dog appears restless or obsessed with licking, it may express anxiety, tension, or fear.
Addressing the situation and learning how to cool down a dog if you observe any of these symptoms is crucial. To rule out any underlying medical issues that might be causing your dog’s nervousness or agitation, speak with your veterinarian.
How To Calm Down A Dog With Anxiety
When the dog has left alone at home, it experiences separation anxiety. Gradually acclimating your dog to being left alone in small, incremental steps can benefit dogs with severe separation anxiety.
The following advice may be helpful for dog owners who are looking for ways how to cool down a dog:
1. Create a safe and comfortable environment: Dogs with anxiety often benefit from a safe, enclosed space where they can feel secure. Ensure your dog can access food, water, and a cozy resting place. Additionally, you could want to give the person moving objects like a beloved toy, blanket, or piece of clothing that smells like you.
2. Implement a consistent routine: Dogs thrive on routine, and a consistent daily schedule can help alleviate anxiety. Try to feed your dog at the same time every day, give him regular playtime and exercise, and maintain a consistent nighttime schedule.
3. Consider natural remedies such as lavender or chamomile: Lavender and chamomile are two natural treatments that help relax dogs. These can be found in treats, sprays, and even essential oils. Before utilizing any natural medicines, ask your vet for advice.
4. Consult a vet for medication or other treatment options: If your dog has extreme anxiety, your vet could suggest medication or other treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy. To determine the best course of treatment for your dog, consult your vet frequently.
5. Desensitizing pre-departure cues: You can learn how to calm down a hyper dog by grabbing the keys or putting on a jacket, for example, before going out.
How To Calm Down A Hyper Dog At Night
6. Ensure your dog has had enough exercise during the day: If your pup didn’t have enough physical or cerebral stimulation throughout the day, it might be restless at night. To ensure your dog is weary and prepared for sleep at night, try to give them lots of exercises and play earlier in the day.
7. Establish a regular sleep routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so creating a consistent sleep routine can help them feel more relaxed at night. Nighttime routines may include a short walk, massage, or gentle playfulness. Try to stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time for your dog.
8. Provide a comfortable sleeping area: Your dog’s sleeping area should be comfortable and cozy, with a comfortable bed and blankets. Make sure it’s peaceful, cool, dark, and free of any distractions that might keep them awake.
9. Try calming music or white noise: Calming or white noise can help drown out any outside noise. You might use a white noise machine or soft music in your dog’s room.
10. Consider using a calming supplement or pheromone spray: Pheromone sprays or calming supplements can ease your dog’s stress and encourage relaxation.
Chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower are your best bets for ways how to calm down a dog.
Calm Down A Dog During Fireworks or Storms
11. Create a safe and secure place indoors: It is essential to keep them indoors during fireworks to reduce exposure to loud noises and bright flashes.
Ensure all doors and windows are shut, and provide your dog a safe and secure location in a quiet room or crate. You may also try covering their kennel with a blanket or towel to give them a sense of security.
12. Make your dog used to loud noises: Introducing your dog to loud noises in a safe location, like fireworks, is essential to learning how to calm down a dog.
You might start by playing a low-level recording of fireworks and progressively turning it up over time. Remember to associate the sounds with treats or other forms of reinforcement.
13. Play calming music or white noise: Calming music or white noise can help drown out the sounds of fireworks and create a relaxing environment for your dog.
14. Consider using a calming vest or wrap: Calming vests or wraps provide gentle pressure and help calm dogs’ anxiety. It will give your dog a sense of security during stressful occasions like fireworks since they function similarly to swaddling a newborn.
15. Massage: Do you know that dogs can also benefit from massage? This is one way to let tension be brought on by anxiety. You might even be able to pinpoint the source of your dog’s worry so you can concentrate your efforts there.
How To Calm A Puppy Down From Barking
Identify the cause of the barking: It’s essential to understand why your dog is barking. Is it a result of territorial behavior, fear, anxiety, or boredom? You can start addressing the habit once you are aware of its cause.
16. Redirect your dog’s attention: If your dog is barking out of boredom, try redirecting their attention with toys, puzzles, or interactive games. If they are barking out of fear or worry, grab their attention by giving them a favorite toy or food.
17. Try positive reinforcement training: using positive techniques to discourage excessive barking is one of the ways how to calm down a hyper dog.
Give your dog praise, treats, or playtime when they are quiet. Increase the intervals between incentives gradually to promote longer stretches of silence.
18. Consider using a calming supplement or pheromone spray: Numerous soothing remedies and sprays can help dogs feel less anxious and stressed.
19. Avoid eye contact with hyper dogs: Although dogs need your attention, sometimes it can be ineffective. When they get attention while barking, hyper dogs showing signs of anxiety could feel like their actions are justified.
Try to ignore a hyperactive dog instead until they quiet down. Then give them lots of eye contact and dog treats as a reward for calming down.
Although it’s vital to remember that dogs naturally bark, excessive barking can be annoying and may point to a problem. Be persistent and patient, and seek advice from a qualified trainer or veterinarian as necessary.
What Can I Give My Dog To Calm Down Naturally?
You can offer your dog several natural therapies to help them calm down, including:
CBD oil: A component of hemp plants called CBD (cannabidiol) has relaxing effects. It can aid in lowering stress and anxiety for most dogs.
Chamomile: Chamomile is an herb that has a calming effect on dogs. Chamomile tea or chamomile food can be given to your dog.
Valerian root: Valerian root is a natural sedative that can help you find a way how to cool down a dog. You can offer valerian root supplements or tea to your dog.
Lavender: Calming scents like lavender can help soothe anxious pets. You can spray lavender essential oil on your dog’s bed or in a diffuser.
Exercise: Getting your dog moving regularly is a natural approach to calming down a hyper dog. Pent-up energy can be released, and stress and worry can be lessened.
It’s crucial to remember that you should always check with your vet to make sure any natural therapies you give your dog are secure and suitable for their unique needs.
>>>Further reading:
- How To Potty Train A Puppy Fast: A Step-By-Step Guide Easily
- My Dog Ate A Pencil? Here’s What To Do Next To Keep It Safe
- How To Leash Train A Puppy Or To Walk On A Leash: Tips & Tricks
When you give your dog some ways to maintain their composure, they are more likely to enjoy life. You can have a more satisfying and delightful relationship with your dog by learning how to calm down a dog with tips and advice from Canvas Personalized. Always remember that time and effort are necessary to soothe your dog successfully.
