Guide to Calming a Nervous Dog

Dogs can experience nervousness and anxiety due to various reasons, such as lack of socialization, changes in their environment, or simply their personality. A nervous dog may display behaviors such as shaking, excessive barking, restlessness, or even destructive behaviors. Helping your dog calm down not only improves their well-being, but also strengthens the relationship between the two of you. Here’s a complete guide to calming a nervous dog.

Identify the Causes of Nervousness Why Is My Dog Nervous?

Before you can calm your dog, it’s important to identify the underlying causes of their nervousness. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lack of Socialization: Dogs that have not been exposed to different people, animals, and environments may feel nervous in new situations.
• Changes in the Environment: Moving, the arrival of a new family member, or changes in the daily routine can trigger nervousness.
• Fear of loud noise: Thunder, fireworks, or even loud everyday noises can be frightening for some dogs.
• Separation Anxiety: Some dogs feel extremely nervous when left home alone.
• Lack of Exercise: Lack of physical activity can lead to a buildup of energy that manifests as nervousness.

Signs Your Dog Is Nervous

Identifying the signs of nervousness in your dog is the first step to helping them. Some common signs include:

• Tremors or Shaking
• Excessive Barking or Howling
• Licking or Biting Yourself
• Restless Walks
• Hide or Try to Escape
• Excessive drooling or panting
• Destructive Behaviors

Provides regular exercise

Regular exercise is crucial to keep a dog balanced and reduce nervousness. Dogs that don’t get enough physical activity can build up energy, which manifests itself in anxious behaviors.

Suggested Activities:

• Daily Walks: Walking your dog at least twice a day helps release pent-up energy and reduces anxiety.
• Fetch Games: Playing fetch or frisbee is a great way to get your dog out and keep his mind occupied.
• Mental Exercise: Interactive toys and puzzle games can mentally stimulate your dog and help reduce nervousness.

Create a Safe and Relaxing Environment

A safe and calm environment can help calm a nervous dog. Providing a place where your dog can retreat when they feel overwhelmed is essential.

Tips for Creating a Safe Environment:

• Personal Space: Make sure your dog has a space of his own, such as a bed or crate, where he can relax undisturbed.
• White Noises: If your dog gets nervous with loud noises, consider using a white noise machine or soft music to mask the sounds.
• Aromatherapy: Using essential oils, such as lavender, in diffusers can help create a relaxing environment for your dog.

Use Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques can be very effective in calming a nervous dog. These include massage, breathing exercises, and desensitization techniques.

Relaxation Techniques:

• Massages: A gentle massage can help relax your dog. Focus on areas where your dog seems more tense, such as the neck and back.
• Progressive Desensitization: If your dog becomes nervous about loud noises or specific situations, gradually expose him to the stimulus in a controlled environment and reward him for staying calm.
• Positive Reinforcements: Use treats and praise to reward calm and relaxed behaviors, reinforcing the idea that calmness is a positive thing.

Try Pheromones and Natural Supplements

There are several products on the market designed to help reduce anxiety in dogs, such as pheromone diffusers, calming collars, and natural supplements.

Recommended Products:

• Pheromone Diffusers: These products mimic the natural pheromones that nursing dogs emit to calm their puppies, helping to create a calm environment for your dog.
• Natural Supplements: Ingredients such as chamomile, tryptophan or CBD can help reduce nervousness in some dogs. Consult your veterinarian before using any supplement.
• Soothing Necklaces: These collars release pheromones, or essential oils, that can help reduce your dog’s anxiety.

More and more veterinarians are encouraged to recommend CBD oils for dogs in clinics due to the experiences they are having in their patients.

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on routines and can feel anxious when their days are unpredictable. Maintaining a consistent daily routine for meals, walks, and rest time can help your dog feel more secure.

Establish a Routine:

• Consistent Schedules: Feed and walk your dog at the same times every day.
• Predictable Activities: Establish a routine for playtime and rest so your dog knows what to expect during the day.
• Avoid abrupt changes: If the routine needs to be changed, do so gradually to give your dog time to adjust.

Consult a Veterinarian or Behavior Specialist

If your dog is showing extreme or persistent nervousness, it may be helpful to consult a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist. They can assess the situation and provide a treatment plan that could include specialized training or anxiety medication.

When to See a Professional:

• Destructive Behavior: If your dog is exhibiting destructive behaviors due to nervousness, such as chewing on furniture or scratching doors.
• Severe Separation Anxiety: If your dog shows severe signs of anxiety when you leave, such as barking constantly or trying to escape.
• Phobic Reactions: If your dog has phobic reactions to certain stimuli, such as loud noises or the presence of strangers.

Socialization and Training

Socialization and training are essential to help your dog handle new situations without getting nervous. Early exposure to different people, animals, and environments can reduce the likelihood of nervousness.

Socialization Strategies:

• Gradual Exposure: Introduce your dog to new situations and people gradually, rewarding his calm behavior.
• Obedience Classes: Obedience classes not only teach commands, but they also help dogs gain self-confidence.
• Consistent Rewards: Use treats and praise to reinforce positive behaviors during socialization sessions.

Bibliography

• Horwitz, D. F., & Mills, D. S. (2009). “BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine.” British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

• Overall, K. L. (2013). “Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.” Elsevier Health Sciences.

• Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2012). “Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.” Saunders Ltd.

• Crowell-Davis, S. L., & Murray, T. (2006). “Veterinary Psychopharmacology.” Wiley-Blackwell.

• Herron, M. E., Shofer, F. S., & Reisner, I. R. (2008). “Retrospective evaluation of the effects of diazepam in dogs with anxiety-related behavior problems.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 233(9), 1420-1424.