If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, aggression, stress while travelling or in specific situations, it can be a struggle to know what we can do to help them. There are certain remedies and plug ins that claim to help calm stressed pets, but do they really work and which are the best to use? Read on to find out.
How do I know if my pet is anxious?
If you own a dog, with time you are likely able to read how they feel through their behaviours. However, it is good to be aware of what makes your pet anxious or threatened.
Certain factors such as separation anxiety, loud noises, past trauma, phobias, illness or injuries can make your pet feel uneasy.
The following behaviours may show that your pet is feeling worried:
• Panting
• Trembling
• Hiding
• Barking and howling excessively
• Digestive issues
• Seeking comfort affection
• Constant need for attention
• Trying to escape
• Tucking-their tail between their legs
• Being lethargic
• Pacing
• Destructive tendencies
• Loss of appetite
Understanding dog behaviour and body language
The below infographic from the RSPCA is a handy guide for understanding how your dog is feeling and what their behaviours mean.
What to do if your dog is anxious
If you notice your dog exhibiting signs of anxiety, you should first contact your vet as they can pinpoint the trigger for the stress and rule out if it is an underlying health concern.
If you've spoken to your vet and are searching for some home remedies for dog anxiety, here are some popular dog plug-in diffusers.
While we might not be able to cure their fear the way we’d like to, we can invest in remedies that help keep them calm and reassure them that everything will be okay.
The best dog calming plug-ins and sprays
Amazon
Amazon
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Do pheromone plug-ins work?
As well as from positive personal testimonies from cat and dog owners, studies show that pheromone diffusers do help calm anxious dogs and cats under certain circumstances.
Plug-in diffusers work in the same way as plug-in air fresheners. It creates low-level heat underneath the pheromone liquid, which delivers a continued release of the synthetic pheromones to produce a calming effect in the environment.
Should I consider using a pheromone diffuser for my pet?
If you are looking for home remedies to de-stress your dog, then pheromone diffusers are definitely worth a try. It is important to note that pheromone diffusers should not be used in place of behavioural training or as the sole remedy to stress and phobias. The diffusers work in conjunction with a calming environment. It can take up to a month to see improvements in your dog’s stress levels, and some dogs will not react to the pheromones at all.
Dog-specific pheromone products can help with separation anxiety, noise phobias such as thunderstorms or fireworks and travel. They are not, however, designed to help to tackle canine aggression.