Dog anxiety is often overlooked by pet parents because the symptoms can seem like dog behaviour issues. Dogs of any age and breed can experience anxiety; however, some experience anxiety more often than others. Initially, anxious dogs may demonstrate behaviour such as whining, barking, and pacing around. If left untreated, dog anxiety can lead to more intense dog behaviour issues like house destruction and aggression.
Potential Causes for anxiety
- Loud noises (eg. alarms, vacuum cleaner, thunders)
- Change in environment
- Experience of abandonment
- Loss of a family member
- Lack of exercise
- Boredom
- Fear
Fortunately, there are many solutions that can help calm your dog’s anxiety, like anxiety medication, crate training, and supplements.
Read more: How to Handle Separation Anxiety
Read more: Dietary Remedies to Soothe Separation Anxiety
In addition to medications, home remedies, and training, pet parents can also try using some gadgets to help curb your pup’s anxiety! We’ve listed out our top 7 pet supplies must-haves to help curb your furbaby's anxiety.
1. Pet Monitoring Camera
If you don’t want to spend a minute away from your pup then a pet monitoring camera is an absolute must-have product! Leaving your dog at home whilst you go to work can be difficult if you have an anxious dog. With a pet camera, you will be able to keep an eye on your furry friend at all times. Furbo Dog Camera is an interactive pet camera that allows you to see, talk, and play with your dog remotely! The two-way audio helps you to soothe your dog's anxiety from anywhere, at any time. Most importantly, the treat toss feature will keep your dog engaged and away from boredom!
2. Durable dog treats
A big reason why dogs experience anxiety is that they’re bored. Tough dog treats, such as a Kong or chew will take longer for your pup to finish. If your dog is suffering from anxiety due to boredom, a durable dog treat will help keep your dog busy for a while. After your dog finishes the treat, he would likely want to rest, which decreases the possibility of anxiety.
3. Snuggle dog toys
Nothing beats the comforting feeling of a soft snuggly toy. If your dog suffers from anxiety due to fear, then the snuggle toy can offer some relief for that fear. It’s best to purchase snuggle dog toys that can be heated up because warmth can also help calm your pup’s nerves.
4. Interactive dog toys
In addition to having a soft snuggly toy, your dog might also love playing with toys such as a sniff mat or a puzzle toy with treats inside. Not only will those dog toys relieve your dog of boredom, but they can also help promote mental stimulation! Whether you are off to work or on an important call, interactive dog toys can help keep your pooch busy for a while.
5. Anxiety vests
One of the common ways people deal with anxiety is to wrap themselves up in bed to get a warm and comforting feeling. Anxiety vests such as Thundershirt may be used to help calm your pets during fireworks, vet visits, travel, thunderstorms, and separation anxiety. The weighted vest imitates a warm hug by gently distributing pressure over the back, side, and chest of your dog.
6. Weighted blanket
Recently, weighted blankets have been all the hype for humans that struggle with anxiety. Did you know, weighted blankets can achieve the same results on our pets? The weight from the blanket mimics a warm hug and can provide feelings of security, comfort, and calmness. If your pup struggles with anxiety vests, try adding a weighted blanket to his bed or crate to help soothe anxiety.
7. Essential oils
Aromatherapy can work wonders especially for dogs because they are very sensitive to scents. Some of the most classic scents that can help relieve your dog of anxiety include chamomile, lavender, and sweet marjoram. Aromatherapy for dogs comes in various affordable products including sprays and massage oils. Not only will you soothe your dog’s anxiety, but he will also smell great!
