HOW TO HELP YOUR moderately anxious dog

The common signs of anxiety or fear include:

• barking,
• shaking,
• scratching or licking themselves,
• pacing or restlessness,
• chewing,
• panting,
• drooling,
• toileting in the house.

There are numerous reasons a dog can be fearful, including:

• Upbringing, some dogs are just genetically nervous and there is not always an obvious cause,
• Not socialised enough when young,
• Being left home alone can trigger separation related problems,
• Loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms,
• A big change at home (a baby, someone leaving...), a new pet,
• Visitors,
• Car rides can be stressful, as the movement may be unsettling, and there are different sounds and the outside whizzes by,
• Vet visits can be linked to an unpleasant experience,
• Sometimes older dogs may experience a gradual loss of awareness, memory and perception, which may make them confused and anxious.

For dogs, socialisation training as a puppy is the best way to prevent later anxieties and fears.

Expose your dog to a wide range of situations, people and experiences in a gradual and positive way. This builds positive associations and helps them develop into well-balanced, confident dogs that are able to cope with new situations, rather than react fearfully to them.

Talk to a professional.

It is important to check there isn't an underlying medical problem affecting your dog e.g. pain can be a reason for many behavioural issues in dogs. Your vet or an accredited behaviourist can help you identify the possible triggers and underlying issues connected to your dog's anxiety.

Try to spend more time with your furry friend. It will help them for sure. The bond between you means that your dog values your presence, so being with them is beneficial for their mental health.

You can help your dog by creating a safe space at home for them to escape to when needed and relax undisturbed.

Routine exercise and activities are great to use some energy, keep their brain active and have fun together! Play and enjoy spending time together!

Read how to recognise the signs of anxiety in your dog for more information and tips to support your dog.

Many dogs suffer from anxiety. It's much more common than it might seem. Our modern life can affect dogs - we live busy, noisy lives and expect our dogs to fit in with our expectations.

Sometimes, the circumstances of a dog's upbringing can lead to general anxiety e.g. life before your home or circumstances to breeding.

When ADAPTIL Calm Collar comes in contact with the skin, your dog’s body temperature warms the collar resulting in the diffusion of “appeasing messages” into the local environment.

Immediately upon being fitted to your dog, the calming pheromones will start to diffuse. Be sure to adjust the collar properly and check regularly to ensure a proper fit (if the collar is too loose, it will not be warmed enough by your dog’s body heat).

ADAPTIL Calm Collar size S is recommended for dogs up to 15 kg (neck measurement up to 37.5cm).

ADAPTIL Calm Collar size M/L is recommended for dogs up to 50 kg (neck measurement up to 62.5cm).

ThunderShirt exerts a gentle constant pressure on the body of your dog, which helps calm your dog, like swaddling soothes a baby. This calming pressure is helpful for over 80% of dogs*.

*2011 ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Survey

Our Dog trainer recommends to combine both solutions if you have a very anxious dog. "They work differently and can help manage signs of stress and anxiety."

The best way to help your anxious dog is usually through a combination of preventative strategies, training and generally building their confidence.

If your dog needs support when home alone, music can help mask any sounds. Take a look at our Calming Music for Dogs Playlistfor hours of relaxing sounds.