Just like humans, our pets can experience anxiety. In a University of Helsinki study of 13,000 dogs, over 70% exhibited anxious traits such as fearfulness, noise sensitivity or separation related behavior.
Why are anxious behaviors so common in dogs? The researchers cannot say for sure, but they hypothesize that the dogs’ genetic makeup may have something to do with their predisposition to different types of anxiety.
How can we help our pets be calm? There are several options that can help them to feel less stressed when left home alone or when in a high-anxiety situation like a thunderstorm or a car ride.
- Create and maintain a consistent schedule for your pet. Dogs, in particular, are creatures of habit. Try to keep a routine for feeding, exercise, play and sleep.
- Keep your dog mentally stimulated with puzzle toys. Your dog will be active and engaged and less focused on outside stressors.
- Brushing your dog’s coat, especially when combined with a relaxing lavender spray, promotes relaxation in your pet and is a powerful bonding experience.
- Our CalmingPup donut-shaped bed helps to relax your pet because of its den-like structure and the soft, vegan fur that mimics a mother’s fur.