Dogs and Anxiety: Part Three — Treatments
There are a number of methods to ease a dog’s anxiety, whether it’s regarding separation, noise, travel, or confinement. They range from behavior modification, environment, equipment, and medication.
Desensitization Therapy (graduated exposure therapy) evolves gradually, enabling your dog to have a pleasant experience with whatever it is that causes the fear. This can take days, weeks, or months. It can be effective with all types of anxiety. It is a gradual exposure, increasing the noise, time gone, or decreasing the distance from a feared object. With each encounter, it is important to reward your dog only if it remained calm and non-fearful. This reward should be both a small, but extra flavorful treat along with praise. This applies to time alone, either with or without a crate by beginning with a short absence, even if only in the other room. Increasing this time apart gradually.
To assist with preventing boredom, include a Kong or food puzzle, beginning with a simple one. Both of these enable you to include treats inside them. Also, consider good bones to chew (a natural need) to promote strong gums and healthy teeth. Remember, slow and steady for lasting results.
There are other ways to reduce anxiety with your dog, either through their ears or touch.
You can create a relaxing environment with music. We’re not talking rap or pop, but soft, soothing instrumentals. Maybe even nature sounds coupled with that music. A nice way is to add thunderstorm exposure and nurture calm responses. Maybe you could even sing along and share these recordings.
Another item is the Thundershirt. It wraps around your dog in a snug way, providing gentle pressure that seems to help numerous dogs feel reassured. Remember that the entire experience begins with your encouraging voice, and touch making it a pleasant time. They come in many sizes and colors too.
Sometimes there is the need to modify your dog’s diet. Don’t let those puppy dog eyes sway you into giving fattening dog treats. A healthy diet is key. Rewards are healthy and can be so tiny, along with praise to reinforce the desired behavior.
We here at Healthy Dogma believe that in order for your pet to thrive and be happy it begins with their diet. That’s why we only provide natural, whole foods of the highest quality to ensure a vibrant life.
Your pet may need more to aide with their anxiety. A therapeutic touch can do wonders along with coping during that noisy thunderstorm. You can just give that loving touch, or learn specific techniques. Dog Appeasing Pheremone (DAP) is chemically made to replicate a scent the mother produced to calm her puppies. It is available in a room automizer, collar, or spray. There is also alternative medicine. These range from acupuncture, aromatherapy to herbal therapies. More information is available from AHVMA: American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. And then some of our furry friends need the help of some conventional medicine to ease fears.
Please remember that at any time during any training, or therapy, should your dog ever exhibit any signs of aggression, your vet should be included. Don’t assume it will go away with time. You may need to include strategies specifically guided by the doctor.
Whatever approach is used, the most success is when it is combined with behavior training, such as the desensitization therapy. Through patience, consistency, and time for both you and your dog, you’re developing a relationship that will be greatly rewarded. They tend to be the greatest for the ones you’ll receive.
