· By Beatrice Genco
Is my dog stressed? What can I do?
Dogs, like us, experience stress. Many dogs, in fact, are stressed when their owners are stressed, they mirror you. I once had a training session to teach both my pup and I how to loose leash walk and the trainer stopped me. They said “Why are you stressed, your dog can feel that you are stressed and now he is stressed. Relax. If you are calm and relaxed he will be calm and relaxed.”
Fortunately, there are a slew of options for relieving your dog's anxiety! Look no further if you want your four-legged pal to be leased stressed; we've got you
Is My Dog Suffering From Stress?
Because our canine companions cannot communicate directly with us to let us know when they are worried, we must be able to study them and recognize the indications of stress. Dogs are affected by stress in some of the same ways that humans are.
Although some of the indicators are similar, they may be exhibited in slightly different ways. Here are a few ways to detect if your dog is stressed.
Making Sounds
Whining is one of the telltale signs of an anxious dog, and when they're very agitated, they can't contain themselves.
Pacing
There's a significant possibility your dog is agitated if he or she can't seem to sit down and keeps pacing back and forth. This behavior usually occurs outside of customary activities that would induce it, such as mealtimes. Pacing also tends to last for a longer period of time when it is linked to stress. There could be a physical reason for your dog's restlessness if they pace for brief periods of time.
Cowering or Freezing
A tucked tail between the legs is one of the telltale symptoms of an upset dog. This usually indicates that something is wrong with our dog and that it is having a significant impact on them. Shivering or cowering may be present in addition to the tail tucking.
If the stress your dog is under is extreme enough, they may even freeze, indicating that they are shutting down as a result of the stress. Because dogs can become violent in this state, it's better to start by comforting them from afar.
What Can I Give My Dog to Help Him Relax?
If your dog is displaying any of the symptoms outlined, they are most likely stressed. If that's the case, there are a few things we may offer our dogs to help them cope with their anxiety. They, like us, are entitled to stress alleviation.
If you want to assist your dog relax, consider one of the following suggestions.
Playtime
Playtime is huge. When my dog is stressed, I go straight to playing tug, or fetch. Not only will this release some stress but it will establish a bond between you and your pup.
Go for a long
Going for a long walk is good for our physical and mental health, and it’s no surprise that it helps your pup’s too.
Keep in mind, the advantages of a long play session that tuckers out your dog go beyond their stress levels. Regular exercise and playing for dogs enriches their life, making them happier and healthier in general.
Brain Stimulation
Boredom can also be a source of stress. Boredom makes dogs more prone to act out and engage in harmful behavior, trust me I know - try being sick while your border collie just got neutered. It's critical to provide mental stimulation to your dog in order to keep him from becoming bored.
This stimulation can be provided via a puzzle toy that requires them to work for a reward, or by feeding them with a slow feeder on occasion. My favorite game to play with my dog is find it. I take a toy that we have been playing with and I hide it. Teaching them new tricks or providing them with fresh training can also provide mental stimulation, especially if they are a working dog breed.
Comforting treat/
It's sometimes preferable to just let your dog lay down with you and a soothing chew toy or blanket to reduce stress. Your dog, like us, may require a vacation from things from time to time. It can make a world of difference to sit and relax with your dog, offering them a toy to gnaw on and a blanket to cuddle up with next to you.
Give your dog some of your
Finally, the best method to ease your dog's tension is to give them your time. Before, during, and after a stressful situation, a dog requires the attention of his or her owner.
By paying attention to your dog, you may aid in the identification of their triggers and, perhaps, lessen stress in their lives so they don't have to deal with it as frequently. You can also study their stress tendencies and offer relief before the stress becomes too much for them. The greatest method to soothe your four-legged friend's stress is to give them your time and attention.
Cocclusion
Dogs experience stress in the same way that humans do. Though they may not display it the same way we do, dogs can be observed to experience stress in the same way that their owners do.
It is critical for their emotional and physical health that they relieve this tension, and there are several ways to do so. Play, exercise, and quality time.
Whatever way you look at it, the most important thing you can give your stressed-out dog is your time. In the long run, they'll appreciate you for it.