How to Settle Down a Dog With Anxiety

Anxiety is a problem that many dog owners encounter. Characterized by a heightened amount of nervousness and fear, anxiety can be caused by a number of different factors. Noise, new situations and being left alone can bring on anxiety attacks in many dogs. Calming a dog with anxiety can be a bit of a struggle, but learning to calm your dog will make it a much happier companion.

Things You'll Need

  • Isolation room
  • Crate
  • Toys
  • Treats
  • Radio
  • Herbal remedy
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any physical reason for your dog's anxiety. Dogs will often display elevated stress levels when they are ill or in pain, so eliminating any physical cause is necessary to help calm your dog.

    • 2

      Create an isolation room for your dog in your house. Loud noises and new people can trigger anxiety attacks in many dogs, so having a quiet room full of familiar objects gives nervous dogs a place to retreat. Put the dog's crate in the room as a place for the dog to lie during stressful periods. Place a few favorite toys in the crate to encourage relaxation. Reward your dog with a treat when it calms down and shows no more signs of stress.

    • 3

      Turn on a talk radio station and allow it to play while you are gone, if your dog displays separation anxiety. The voices on the radio program mimic conversational voices in a full household and will help keep your dog calm and distracted while you are away.

    • 4

      Give your dog a dose of an herbal remedy such as Rescue Remedy. Many herbal supplements are made with vitamins and herbs that help calm a dog and encourage relaxation without the use of drugs. The supplement can be bitter, so make sure to give your dog a treat afterwards to show the supplement is actually a positive experience.

    • 5

      Drop your dog off at a doggy daycare or petsitter if you do not trust it at home alone. At a daycare center your dog will get to play and interact with other dogs as well as people, which will help distract it and keep its mind off your absence.