Hello everyone! It’s your favorite neighborhood pup – Arby. Today I’m going to talk about something many of my furry friends and our companions struggle with: anxiety. Anxiety can be defined as apprehension or nervousness. Often times, our owners can easily spot the warning signs when we are scared. Sometimes, we hide under the couch or the kitchen table to feel safe. We may shake, tremble, cower, pant, or vocalize.
Different events can bring on these feelings of worry such as fireworks, unfamiliar surroundings, separation anxiety (fear when our owners leave us), and age changes. Luckily for us, there are many natural solutions to help keep us happy, safe, and calm!
Long Walks
If you know your best friend is anxious when you need to leave the house, start by planning ahead. Exercise, such as playing fetch or a generously long walk will help keep us calm when you leave! Just like in our human friends, serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical) is released when we exercise, which leaves us feeling calmer and happier. This will also make us ready to curl up and take a much-needed nap while you’re away.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are a fantastic, natural remedy for anxiety. Petsafe oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, and Clary Sage have calming properties when diffused or applied topically. Remember – we have sensitive skin and noses, and essential oils must always be diluted properly before use.
In a 10ml roll-on bottle, add 10 drops of high-grade Lavender oil, and top with fractionated coconut oil. Apply this to the tips of our ears and back of the neck. After applying, a gentle and soothing massage can help work the oils into the skin and relax us even more. As always, be aware of what oils to avoid, as many of them are too potent for us!
Play with Us!
Distraction can be key when keeping your fur-babies calm during an anxiety attack. Engage us in a game of tug-of-war, fill a toy with peanut butter and treats, or give commands with positive reinforcements. If we are focused on you and having fun, we won’t have as much time to think of the things scaring us.
Sound Therapy
Just like babies, or anxious adults, us four-legged pets love calming music. When we hear soothing sounds, we may focus on them more than the noises outside. Before you leave the house, try starting a nature program on the T.V., Play classical music from your phone, or even a CD is great too! Through a Dog’s Ear is a great sound therapy album that my parents have used and me and my brother love it!
Whatever it is, play it on a lower volume, and don’t play anything too energizing or loud. Nature sounds, orchestra music, piano ballads, and meditation sounds can all be beneficial to our well-being.
As always, listen to your furry best friends. We communicate in ways that are different, but we communicate nonetheless. If we respond positively to these natural resources, continue to offer them to us! Never scold or punish a scared pet, we want to please you, we are just nervous.
Remember, if the anxiety you see in your pet becomes overwhelming, consider talking with your veterinarian.
Hopefully, these Tips and Tricks will help you, and may we all be happy, healthy, and calm!
Yours in writing,
Arby
