In this article, we will learn How to Calm an Anxious Dog Step by Step in the comfort of your home using equipment and skills you might already have on hand. Thunderstorms, fireworks, or maybe a bad day don’t have to send your pooch running into anxiety – read on.
How to Calm an Anxious Dog Step by Step
Dogs are loyal and loving companions, but like people, they experience stress or anxiety. If your pet is pacing, whining, barking excessively, or hiding excessively, they may be experiencing anxiety. The good news? You don’t have to be a dog expert to ease their distress.
What Causes Dog Anxiety?
Before jumping into solutions, it’s nice to understand why your dog is anxious. Dogs’ anxieties can stem from a variety of sources, and understanding the cause can make it easier to calm them. Some common causes are:
- Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, or the sounds of construction have the ability to frighten dogs.
- Separation: Being separated from their owners can create anxiety or upset in some dogs.
- New Environments: Getting a new home or having visitors over may upset them.
- Past Trauma: Rescue animals or dogs with rough backgrounds may have additional concerns.
- Health Issues: Pain or discomfort can sometimes appear as anxiety, so a vet visit may be in order if this is new behavior.
Once you’ve got a notion of what is upsetting your pup, you can choose the ideal method to assist. Let’s dive into the how-to segment!
1. Provide a Comfort Zone for Your Dog
Pups feel less anxious when they have a soft, quiet space to withdraw into. It’s like their very own chill corner.
How to Do It
- Pick a Spot: Select a corner of the house that’s away from all noise—such as a bedroom or a closet.
- Add Comfort: Place their preferred blanket, bed, or even an old shirt of yours (your own smell can comfort them).
- Keep It Quiet: Keep windows shut or play calm background noise (like a fan) to prevent fear-inducing noises.
Why It Works
A safe space provides your dog with control. They can retreat when they’re frightened and emerge when they feel safe. For instance, whenever there’s a thunderstorm, my friend’s dog, Max, enjoys burrowing under a heap of blankets in the laundry room—it’s his safe place!
Pro Tip: If your dog enjoys their crate, drape it with a blanket to create a den effect. Only have one side open for ventilation.
2. Apply Calm Touch and Massage
Your hands are perhaps the greatest aid to calming a home-alone anxious dog. Soothing touch can be magic.
How to Do It:
- Begin Slow: Sit next to your dog and allow them to approach you—no pushing.
- Pet Slowly: Gently pat their back or chest with slow, long strokes.
- Practice a Massage: Gently rub their ears or the back of their neck with light pressure.
Why It Works
Touch releases pleasure hormones such as oxytocin in dogs (and you, too!). It’s a natural stress-reliever. If your dog withdraws, don’t panic—give them some space and try later.
Pro Tip: Observe their body language. Relaxed ears and wagging tail: they’re having fun. Stiff posture: they may need a break.
3. Play Soothing Sounds
Music or white noise can mask whatever is causing your dog to become anxious.
How to Do It:
- Pick the Right Sound: Soft piano, classical music, or even nature sounds (such as rain) are excellent choices.
- Keep It Low: Keep it soft—not too loud to scare them.
- Try It Out: Play it at a quiet time first to test if they enjoy it.
Why It Works:
Calming sounds can cover up loud noises such as fireworks and calm your dog down. Research indicates that classical music can reduce a dog’s heart rate—cool, huh?
Where to Find It: YouTube and Spotify have free “dog relaxation” playlists. Search “music to calm dogs” and let it play while you’re home together.
4. Distract Them with Fun Activities
Sometimes, anxiety just needs a little redirection. Keep your dog’s mind busy with something they love.
How to Do It:
- Treat Puzzle: Fill a toy (like a Kong) with peanut butter or their favorite snack.
- Play a Game: Play fetch or tug-of-war if they’re in the mood.
- Training Time: Show them a basic trick, such as “sit” or “paw,” using treats as rewards.
Why It Works:
Concentrating on something enjoyable distracts them from the scary things. It’s like when you scroll your phone to erase a bad day—same concept for dogs!
Pro Tip: Have some toys or treats on hand for surprise anxiety attacks, such as when the neighbor begins their lawnmower.
5. Attempt Calming Scents
Smells matter big time to your dog. Some smells are like a hug on their nose.
How to Do It:
- Lavender: Place a small amount of lavender oil on a cloth by their bed (not on their body).
- Chamomile: Use a chamomile tea bag as a gentle scent source.
- Your Scent: Leave a worn t-shirt near them if you’re not home.
Why It Works:
These scents can lower stress levels naturally. Lavender, for instance, has been shown to relax dogs in shelters—imagine what it could do at home!
Safety Note: Never put oils directly on your dog’s skin or let them eat them. Check with a vet if you’re unsure.
6. Exercise to Burn Off Nervous Energy
An exhausted dog is a milder dog. Exercise can dissipate anxiety before it accumulates.
How to Do It:
- Take a Walk: A fast 15-30 minute walk around the block works like a charm.
- Play Outside: Play tag around the yard or park if you have one.
- Indoor Option: Create an obstacle course using pillows or chairs.
Why It Works:
Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood-boosters. And it exhausts them so they won’t pace or worry as much.
Pro Tip: Get it timed right—exercise before a stressful activity (such as fireworks night) to keep them calm.
7. Calm Yourself Down
Dogs can sense your energy. If you’re anxious, they may become anxious too.
How to Do It:
- Breathe Deep: Breathe slowly to remain calm.
- Talk Softly: Speak softly and happily to them.
- Act Normal: Maintain a regular routine—don’t hover excessively.
Why It Works:
You’re their pack leader. If you’re calm and cool, they’ll be more likely to do as you say.
Example: During a storm, instead of saying, “Oh no, it’s okay!” in a panicked voice, try, “Hey buddy, we’re good,” with a smile. It makes a difference.
8. Use a ThunderShirt or Wrap
A snug wrap can feel like a constant hug for an anxious dog.
How to Do It:
- Get a ThunderShirt: This is a special vest that applies gentle pressure.
- DIY Alternative: Wrap a scarf or ace bandage tightly (but not too tight) around their back and chest.
- Try It: Try it on during a peaceful moment first to acclimate them to it.
How It Works:
Pressure relaxes their nervous system—similar to swaddling a baby. Lots of dog owners use it for fireworks or vet appointments.
Pro Tip: Use it with a treat so they associate the wrap with positives.
9. Reduce Triggers When You Can
If you can identify what’s triggering your dog’s anxiety, try to minimize it.
How to Do It:
- Draw Curtains: Block lightning from storms or fireworks.
- Turn the TV Off: Blaring programs or news may contribute to the mayhem.
- Stay at Home: If separation is the problem, introduce them to being alone gradually.
Why It Works:
Fewer things to worry about is a good thing. It’s an easy solution that can give you time to experiment with other calming tricks.
Example: If your dog despises the vacuum, run it when they’re outside or in another room.
10. Know When to Call a Vet
Anxiety is sometimes too large for home solutions alone. That’s fine—there’s help available.
Signs to Watch For:
- Constant shaking or panting.
- Avoiding food for days.
- Hiding constantly or being aggressive.
What a Vet Can Do:
- Scan for health issues (such as ear infections) that could lead to anxiety.
- Prescribe calming medication or supplements if necessary.
Why It Works:
A professional can catch what you may overlook and provide additional reassurance.
Pro Tip: Maintain a record of your dog’s symptoms and triggers to report to the vet—it hastens the process.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Calm
Want to maintain your dog’s anxiety-free status forever? Practice these habits:
- Routine: Walk, feed, and play at the same time every day—predictability is loved by dogs.
- Training: Get them doing basic commands to build their confidence.
- Socialize: Introduce them to new people or dogs gradually to create a sense of trust.
Slowly but surely, these little things can leave your dog more confident regardless of what life does to them.
FAQs On Calm an Anxious Dog at Home
Q: How long will it take to calm an anxious dog?
A: It varies with the dog and what causes it. Some calm down within minutes with a toy or a rubdown; some take hours or days to settle.
Q: Will food assist?
A: Absolutely! A little, healthy snack can distract them, but don’t overfeed—stress eating isn’t healthy for them either.
Q: If none of this works?
A: Don’t give up. Every dog is different. Talk to a vet or a dog trainer for personalized advice.
Soothing an upset dog at home doesn’t need to be hard. With a safe place, some comforting touch, and a bit of patience, you can make your pup feel calm once more. Try one or two suggestions from this article—such as a comfort corner or calming music—and observe what works for your dog. They may not thank you out loud, but their wagging tail will show you’re on the right track.
Have a tip that’s worked for your anxious dog? Share it with other pet parents! And if your dog’s anxiety feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet. Your furry friend deserves to feel calm and happy—and you’ve got the power to make it happen, right at home.