- Determine the origin of your dog's anxiety before devising a special treatment plan. Schedule an exam with the veterinarian to eliminate the possibility of his suffering from Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism, among other conditions. Teach your dog basic obedience commands such as come, sit and stay, and help him find an outlet to distract him from the source of his anxiety.
- Arrange encounters that expose your dog to the source of his anxiety, and gradually increase each exposure until he no longer reacts with excitement. You may offer affection and a treat each time he shows improvement. A dog that shows symptoms of separation anxiety may benefit from the company of another dog, but if that option proves impractical, you might try desensitizing him to the cues that occur before you leave the house. Proceed through the motions of preparing to go out, but instead of leaving, sit down and read, watch television or perform any task that excludes your dog. Leave when your dog's attention turns to something besides you. Return several minutes later, and wait a full ten minutes before addressing the dog. Repeat this routine intermittently until your dog views your leaving as part of his normal day.
- Consider the devices developed by veterinarians to simulate the smell of pheromones, a female dog's natural chemicals which comfort and pacify nursing puppies. The products include a plug-in diffuser, a collar, and a spray, all of which contain a pheromonelike scent that calms many anxious dogs. You might want to try a special shirt or wrapping material sold for the purpose of relieving your pet's anxiety with its snug fit around the animal's midsection, similar to the security an infant feels when swaddled in a snug receiving blanket. A grain box which contains a hole for the dog's head and encases the dog in oats for up to 30 minutes may present another effective option for your distressed pet; according to Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson, authors of "Animals Make Us Human; Creating the Best Life for Animals," this full-body restraint method makes animals amazingly calm.
