Through this article, you will learn how to calm your anxious dog at night.
It’s important to mention anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in dogs. Several factors can cause it, leading to severe behavioral problems. Therefore, being a pet owner you should know how to calm your anxious dog at night.
Anxiety manifests itself differently in dogs depending on the type of anxiety they are experiencing. The most common symptoms are excessive panting, trembling, hiding, and pacing. Dogs that experience separation anxiety may refuse to go into their kennel or crate when left alone or chew furniture and other objects in their environment. They may also exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture or urinating on the floor when left alone at home for periods.
Dogs with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will exhibit symptoms across many situations and environments. In contrast, those with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) will only show signs when they are around people or other animals. Dogs with separation anxiety have intense and persistent symptoms of distress and may be destructive when left alone for too long. Dogs with generalized anxiety will exhibit signs in all situations, even during crate rest time.
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How To Calm Your Anxious Dog At Night(10 ways)
Dogs can be a little anxious at night, but many ways to help calm your anxious dog down. Some dogs might have separation anxiety, while others might need a little reassurance that everything is okay.
1. Make sure your dog has had a good amount of exercise during the day, so they’re tired come nightfall.
2. Playing with your pup before bedtime, or keep them around you while watching a show or news on TV.
3. Give them a treat before bedtime to reward them for being calm and patient. Create a bedtime routine, so your dog knows what is happening and why. It will help in calming down and knowing what to expect at night.
4. Let them sleep with you in your room or on the couch next to your bed if they are afraid of being alone in the dark. Set up a cozy little spot to sleep in with a favorite blanket or toy.
5. Try giving them something to chew on, like a bone or toy that will occupy their mouth, so they don’t bark out of boredom or anxiety. Some people prefer using a puzzle feeder, which can be filled with food or treats so the dog can get food from it while they are left alone. It will help keep the dog occupied for a more extended time and make it easier for you when you have to go and leave your pup at home for an extended period.
6. Some classical music or white noise to help them relax and fall asleep. When the dog gets used to the music or any white noise, the dog will feel relaxed and won’t show signs of anxiety.
7. Massage Therapy – Massage treatment has numerous advantages for dogs. Pain relief, improved circulation, and improved range of motion are all benefits of massage. Additionally, it can aid in promoting relaxation and lowering stress and anxiety. Massage treatment is a terrific approach to giving your dog more love and attention. Besides, it’s a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog.
8. Use a Thundershirt or other Anxiety Warming Tool. ThunderShirt may help. ThunderShirt’s gentle, constant pressure hugs your pet’s chest like swaddling a baby.
9. Keep the lights off in your house at night so that the dark doesn’t scare them as much. Some dogs are more sensitive and may find this comforting, but others may not care about the light being off.
10. Aromatherapy can help calm your dog from its anxiety and stress. Take complete advice on the use and benefits of essential oils. Use lavender, chamomile, or cedar essential oils on the back instead of the animal’s tummy or other places vulnerable to licking for best results. Your veterinarian can advise you on authorized essential oils to manage your pet dog.
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Proven Strategies For Getting Your Dog Used To Be Alone
This section will discuss strategies for getting your dog used to being left alone.
When pet owners must leave their dogs at home alone, it can be one of the most problematic situations. Both the dog’s owner and the situation may be challenging. Here are some methods to simplify this for both parties.
1) Start by taking short breaks from your pet and gradually extend them until you can spend an hour or two apart from them.
2) Make sure you spend some time in public so your dog doesn’t feel abandoned and lonely while the dog is home alone.
3) Try leaving a radio on or playing music from a phone or tablet while you’re gone so that your pet has some company while he waits for you to
A Recap – How To Calm Your Anxious Dog At Night
A dog is not a human. We need to understand that dogs have different needs and desires. Dogs are pack animals, which means they need to feel like they belong in the pack. When we leave them alone, they are often left feeling anxious and abandoned. It is always a good idea to bring a goody or something they like when you come home after being away.
So, I have explained how to calm your anxious dog at night. I hope, you have found it informative as well as helpful.
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