If you find that you have a nervous dog, chances are good that there are external factors affecting his temperament. Nervousness in dogs should be addressed promptly, as anxious dogs are more likely to be destructive or aggressive over minor issues. In addition to anti-anxiety medication, there are a variety of dog treats, toys and supplements designed to calm your dog. You should examine your pet's environment carefully and reduce any external stresses that may be contributing to his anxiety.
Potential Causes of Canine Anxiety and Nervousness
A simple change in daily routine, a move, a new configuration of humans in the home and any number of other startling or disturbing factors may cause your dog stress. Each dog responds to stresses in a different way, although it is common for emotional or psychological stress to manifest itself in physical ways. Most commonly, nervous dogs exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
- Inappropriate barking or growling
- Aggressive behavior
- Chewing, clawing, scratching and other destructive behavior
- Eliminating in inappropriate locations
If your dog displays one or more of these behaviors, consider what may be causing him stress. It is also a good idea to have a veterinarian examine your dog, because often pain or an underlying medical condition may contribute to canine stress. You may also want to consider one of the following calming remedies.
Product Remedies for Nervousness in Dogs
There are three primary remedies for anxious or nervous dogs: treats, supplements and pheromone treatments.
Calming Treats
Specialized dog treats contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and herbs designed to balance your dog's internal chemistry and provide an outlet for stress-induced behavior. Many of these treats are in the form of chew toys or rawhide bones. These allow your dog to relieve his stress in a non-destructive way.
Supplements
Canine calming supplements contain natural relaxants from plants and other herbs. These may be fed to your pet in appropriate doses to encourage calmness or sleepiness. Typically, these products contain valerian and essences of flowers like passion flower, impatiens and clematis. Consult with a veterinarian before purchasing or administering a calming supplement for your pet.
Pheromone Treatments
Due to the powerful canine sense of smell, dog appeasing pheromones are effective at providing your pet with a calming atmosphere. These pheromones are designed to mimic a mother dog's scent and are odorless to humans. Purchase an air diffuser to spread these relaxing pheromones through your home.
Different dogs will respond to each of these relaxation methods in different ways. If your dog seems stressed, examine your home environment carefully and take your pet to a veterinarian for a physical analysis. Speak with your vet for further advice regarding the moderation of your dog's anxiety.