Every dog owners needs to understand how stress and anxiety impacts their furry friend and how to help alleviate it. Today we will go over dog anxiety, the problems it poses, solutions and how antler chews can help put them at ease. Long gone are the days of a worried pet and not knowing what to do. Knowledge is the first step to helping your dog live their best life!
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Dogs Experience Anxiety Too
While it makes total sense, and most dog owners see it in action, it is important to remember that dogs experience anxiety too.
Like humans, all dogs are different and show anxiety and stress in a variety of ways. Some dogs are more anxious and stressed, while others seem highly resilient.
However it is important to care for the mental well-being of all dogs, not just the ones that appear scared. Today we will discuss a natural way to care for your dog's wellbeing with the help of antler chews.
Signs Of Anxiety
- Destructive behavior: Chewing furniture of other items
- Pacing and restlessness: Repeatedly moving around or seeming agitated
- Hiding or avoidance: Withdrawing from social interactions or hiding to feel more safe and secure
- Aggression: Serious anxiety can manifest in snapping, growling and aggressive behavior
- Urination & Defecation: This can happen in the house even for well-trained dogs if they are anxious
Problems When Dogs Face Anxiety
Dogs struggling with anxiety can pose problems not only for themselves but their owners and nearby pets as well.
One common problem of prolonged anxiety is emotional changes. Your dog might not feel like your dog. They make become detached, sad, reserved or might not feel like their old self.
Another problem they might face is lowered health and wellness. If they aren't doing their typical activities and are stressed out, their health, wellness and immune system will be weaker. This is why it is essential to stop anxiety early on.
Aggression can also pose huge problems to humans, other pets and the dog experiencing anxiety. Aggression may be targeted or indirect depending on the situation, causing harm to others or themselves.
How To Help Reduce Anxiety In Dogs
Reducing stress and anxiety in your pets should be paramount. While some issues may require professional help, there are healthy habits for happy dogs!
- Get adequate exercise: Dogs love to be outside playing! They need to move, run, and breathe in fresh air. This can be hard to achieve with our busy lives but ensuring your dog stays active is essential.
- Understand and Identify Triggers: Observe and try and find what triggers your dogs stress and anxiety levels. This will help avoid or unwanted situations and stressors. While we cannot remove every stressor, understanding is a key component for help your dog.
- Create A Safe Place: Dogs need a safe place they feel at home. They need an anchor to keep them ground and secure. A dog bed, dog house or simply "their spot" can help lower anxiety.
- Training And Socialization: Once you understand triggers you can try and train and overcome them. If it is a social aspect, you can help your dog slowly meet other dogs and people and gradually feel more comfortable.
- Familiar Chew Toy: Dogs need an outlet for excess energy. A positive chew toy can help provided much need mental and physical stimulation. Antler chews are great because they are natural, healthy and lasting.
- Physical Contact: Sometimes your dog just needs you to assure they are ok! They need your touch to feel at home and relieve some of their stress and worry.
Antler Chews To Lower Stress And Anxiety
Chewing is a natural, healthy and essential function dogs express. As such, it only makes sense that this natural activity can help calm and relax dogs. There's just one problem, chewing on the wrong item can be devastating! No one wants to come home and see their favorite shoes, furniture or headset torn to pieces.
Enter antler chews.
These natural, durable dog treats not only provide mental stimulation but also offer a calming effect by releasing endorphins during the chewing process. For pet owners seeking natural stress relief for dogs, antler chews are a valuable option.
How Antler Chews Help Reduce Anxiety
Endorphin Release: The repetitive action of chewing on antler chews releases endorphins, which are natural stress-relievers. This helps soothe anxious dogs, providing a sense of calm and well-being.
- Mental Stimulation: Antler chews engage dogs mentally, redirecting their focus away from anxiety triggers and towards a constructive activity. This mental engagement helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Physical Stimulation: Chewing on antlers provides physical exercise, which can help reduce stress and anxiety by expending pent-up energy.
- Comfort and Security: The act of chewing on antlers can offer dogs a sense of comfort and security, similar to a security blanket for children.
Antler Chews Benefits
- Natural and Nutritious: Antlers are rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus, making them a healthy alternative to synthetic chews.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Antler chews are durable, lasting longer than many other dog treats, which reduces the need for frequent replacements.
- Eco-Friendly: Antlers are shed naturally, making them an environmentally friendly option for pet owners seeking sustainable pet products.
Conclusion:
We can't control every factor impacting our dog's health, stress and anxiety but we can help them in many ways. We hope this article helped provided ideas to reduce stress and anxiety for your dog. Feel free to share your tips as we are happy to hear!
Having a spot just for your dog is essential so they can feel safe and secure.
Exercise is essential to reduce stress and anxiety
Antler chews are a great outlet for excess energy and provide much needed stimulation
Blue
"Blue" is a co-founder of Blue Paws Pets and loves going deep into the wild to find antlers so dogs across the country can have antler dog chews. Blue Loves all things outdoors and adventure and provides most of the pictures you see on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can dogs be anxious?
There is no definite answer. This depends on a number of factors including your dog's personality, the causation, much more.
Are other chews good for anxiety?
Yes assuming they are safe there are other good chews. We recommend antlers because of the many benefits.
Will chews help with separation anxiety?
While we can't be certain, chews can help with separation anxiety as they give a positive outlet.
Do all dogs experience anxiety?
Dogs are unique and experience things in different ways. However, it is safe to assume they all experience anxiety at times but some are much less bothered.
