How Do I Reduce Anxiety Naturally in Dogs?

Reducing a dog's anxiety requires patience.

Anxiety can be triggered within a dog for numerous reasons. They may suffer with separation anxiety--a fear of being left alone--or their worries may be caused by an element such as moving or a new pet. There are numerous ways you can naturally reduce anxiety in your pet.

Separation Anxiety

Begin by encouraging your dog to be independent. Continue to offer your pet affection, but do not succumb to all your dog's demands. Begin by separating the dog from yourself while indoors, such as closing a door between you and the dog for a small time. Next, very slowly increase the time that your dog is left alone each time you go outdoors. Upon return to the house, do not lavish the dog with attention.

Distraction

Treats can help relieve a dog's stress.

Distracting a dog can help to reduce its anxiety, whatever the cause may be. Provide it with special treats or toys to play with. According to Miniature-Pinscher-World.com, playing a background noise, such as a radio, can also help relieve a dog's stress.

Routine

Dogs like routine and fear change, according to Vetinfo.com. If your dog's anxiety has been triggered by a new pet or even a new baby, stick as much as possible to the dog's normal routine. Continue to offer the dog the same amount of affection you did prior to the change.

References

• Vetinfo: Environmental and Emotional Causes of Dog Anxiety
• Miniature-Pinscher-World.com: Dog Anxiety--7 Tips to Help Your Pet Deal With Stress