Anxiety: Supporting Your Dog Through It

Anxiety in dogs can stem from environmental changes, loud noises, separation, or past traumas. While some dogs experience mild nervousness, others may struggle with significant distress, impacting their overall well-being.

✅ Recognising symptoms early and applying effective calming techniques helps ensure your dog’s comfort & security.

🔍 Recognising Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs express stress & discomfort through their behavior. Key signs of anxiety include:

✔️ Drooling

✔️ Excessive panting or licking

✔️ Pacing or restlessness

✔️ Whining or barking

✔️ Avoidance or seeking refuge

📌 Understanding these indicators helps pet owners address their dog's distress before it worsens.

🩺 Veterinary Support & Alternative Remedies

Veterinary medications can help manage anxiety, but natural solutions & behavioural support can be effective too.

🚨 Consult a vet before introducing supplements, especially if your dog is on medication.

✅ Recommended Anxiety Supplements

✔️ Proflax Calm & Collected – Best used as the sole herb in meals.

✔️ Dorwest Skullcap & Valerian / Valerian Compound – Ideal for firework anxiety (start two months before events & continue through January).

✔️ Chamomile Tea (cooled) – Naturally soothing:

• Small breeds: 2 teaspoons

• Giant breeds: Up to 2 tablespoons

  🚫 Avoid in pregnant, diabetic dogs, or those with low blood pressure.

  
  

🏡 Environmental Strategies for Calming Anxious Dogs

Creating a stable, supportive home environment reduces anxiety levels.

📌 Key calming techniques:

✔️ Exercise & Settling Time

🐾 A walk before stressful events or separation helps relax the nervous system.

✔️ Background Noise

🐾 TV or radio provides comforting sound, reducing feelings of isolation.

🐾 Popular options include BBC Radio 2 or Classic FM.

🐾 YouTube playlists & dog-friendly TV channels can add extra companionship.

✔️ Establishing a Safe Space

🐾 Covered crates create secure retreats, especially in busy households.

🚨 Ensure crate training uses positive reinforcement—a crate should be a haven, not punishment.

🚫 Remove collars before crating to prevent entanglement.

🐾 Balance lighting—contrast the darkness of the crate with brighter surroundings to reduce external flashes.

✔️ Support Wraps

🐾 Some dogs benefit from pressure wraps, creating a calming effect—but be cautious, as they may catch on furniture or cause discomfort.

🐶 Helping Dogs Navigate Anxiety Long-Term

✔️ Reducing anxiety requires patience, consistency & tailored approaches.

✔️ Not all strategies work for every dog—testing different techniques is essential.

✔️ Identifying triggers, maintaining supportive routines & using recommended supplements builds a stable, reassuring environment.

🐾 By providing structured care, pet owners can help their dogs feel more secure, relaxed & confident over time!

RFFDMSUK Privacy Policy can be found here, our Statement of Transparency is here, and our Terms & Conditions here

As an Amazon Associate, RFFDMSUK earn from qualifying purchases #CommissionsEarned