Man’s best friend is not immune to what is typically seen as a human condition. Anxiety has long been known to torment our beloved canine companions, with them feeling stress, fear, and anxiety for a multitude of different reasons.

Here we’ll teach your how to recognise the signs of anxiety in dogs and what steps you can take to help they’re emotional wellbeing. From medication to calming music, there’s a lot you can do if you have a worried dog!

What does anxiety in dogs look like?

As much as we wish they did, dogs can’t talk. So, we have to think a little deeper into their behaviour to work out what this looks like for them.

From excessive barking, panting, and pacing to trembling and shaking, their anxiety comes out in lots of worrisome ways. When anxious, your dogs tail may be tucked, eyes dilated and showing the white around them and their ears back.

Certain triggers may cause this reaction in your dog, giving you a better idea of what kind of situations are making them anxious.

If you see these key indicators, alongside destructive behaviour, and a loss of appetite, it sounds like it’s time to take steps to make your precious pooch feel more peaceful.

Home remedies for dog anxiety.

Home remedies can be a great first port of call to try if you start seeing signs of anxiety in your dog. Home remedies for dog anxiety are perfect to alleviate mild to moderate symptoms in dogs.

Safe Spaces For Dogs

Creating a safe space in your home is a great start. Provide your pooch with their very own safe sanctuary. This is where crate training from a puppy can become very useful, a crate with a blanket on top can provide a safe place your dog can go to when it needs to. If your dog is anti-crate, then we recommend letting them “choose their own space,” essentially, understanding their favourite place to nap and making sure they have access, from a pet basket to your own bed. Creating a space that is just for them, with blankets that smell familiar will help them relax.

Exercising Your Dog

Just like us, exercise helps calm even the most chaotic of canines. Regular daily walks and play time will help reduce their stress levels and burn off that energy that is fuelling their anxiety.

Calming Supplements for Dogs

Calming supplements for dogs can help with anxiety.

Dog Training to Relieve Anxiety

Your last port of call before looking into medication could be training to desensitise them. Gradual exposure to what is causing them anxiety may help alleviate some stress for them over time if done in a controlled and positive manner.

Medication for dog anxiety

For some dogs, at home remedies are not enough and we have to listen to their vet on what’s best to help them live a calmer, happier life.

Here at Hyperdrug we offer a wide range of products specifically designed to help dogs with their anxiety, but your vet will point you in the right direction.

Medications humans use help regulate the serotonin levels in human and dog brains alike. Your vet may suggest trying these to give your best friend the little boost they need. Hyperdrug stock and can dispense any prescribed treatments at competitive prices.

Ranges of nutraceuticals such as Zylkene and Adaptil which include active ingredients that promote relaxation in dogs may be suggested.

Finally, pheromone products which create a sense of security for dogs could a good choice. These often come in diffusers and collars making them easier to treat the dog with.

Create calm for your best buddy with Hyperdrug.

Treating anxiety in man’s best friend is similar to how we’d treat anxiety in ourselves. Patience and perseverance to find what works for them is key, tailoring your approach to your pets’ individual needs.

Consult with your vet to find the best course of action and trust in Hyperdrug to provide you what you need, when you need to to keep your pet feeling their best.