3 TECHNIQUES TO CALM YOUR ACTIVE DOG BEFORE BEDTIME

 

TECHNIQUES TO CALM YOUR ACTIVE DOG BEFORE BEDTIME

Some highly active dogs need a helping hand to settle down before going to sleep at night. I have a highly active sport dog, and we often do training, tricks, and play in the evening to engage his mind and body to keep him out of trouble. This helps to keep his active mind and body engaged, and keeps this herding dog out of trouble... most of the time!

However, activity before bedtime also means we have to use calming techniques to transition between energetic play and training, and bed time. Making this part of a regular routine can help your dog learn that it's time to settle down.

Here are three great ways to massage and relax your active dog to help calm him down if you have an unusually active evening.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

I have the most success with taking it very slow and gentle, or it can end up making my active dog think it's play time again. Also make sure to choose a calm, quiet location and to put the toys away before you get started! Think about your voice and body language: it also can help to use a very calm tone of voice to soothe your companion before bedtime.

While you practice these calming techniques, closely watch your dogs' body language and behavior, and take cues from what he seems to like or feel uncomfortable and adjust accordingly. No two dogs are completely alike, and you know your dog best.

1) LONG STROKES DOWN THE SIDE OF THE FACE AND/OR BODY

Dogs relax while being calmly stroked. Focus on the side of the face with gentle, slow strokes, or small circular motions.

When you massage the length of the body, place your palm at the base of your dog's neck, and run it along the spine towards the base of the tail. Do not press too hard, just sweep gently down the back in a calming, repetitive, slow motion. You can end the session by pressing lightly at the base of the head and tail.

2) MASSAGE THE EARS

The ears contain many nerve endings, and can release endorphins into your dog's body when you massage them. An ear massage is a great, natural way to promote relaxation.

Slowly stroke the ears using a circular movement with your finger, moving from the base of the ear outwards. Use very soft pressure, and make sure to watch your dog carefully to see what he enjoys the most.

3) RUB THE CHEST

This might be my dog Mort's favorite. Gently stroke your dog's chest in a circular motion. Take cues from your dog for how much pressure to apply, as too much or too fast may cause excitement. I sometimes combine this with stroking the cheeks (#1, above), or applying pressure in a vertical motion between the snout and forehead using my thumb.

WHAT ELSE?

If your dog is highly active in regular sport activities that use specific muscle groups, you may also want to take this time to focus on a deeper muscle massage.

It's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or canine massage therapist for the proper technique for working with sore muscles properly, in the way that is most appropriate for the sports you take part in. The professional can also teach you the signs of injury or overuse, or develop warm up exercises that will help reduce the chances of encountering them.

YOUR TURN!

An added benefit of any form of calming technique or massage for your dog is the additional bonding time, handling practice (if your dog is sensitive to it), and you will become aware of any subtle changes in your dog's body or health. Give it a try, and let us know how it goes!

Please try this video to calm your pet.

Dog Relaxation-THE BEST Music Therapy for Dogs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJoWX722MnQ&feature=share

 

Dog Anxiety Help: How to Calm Down an Anxious Dog

By Dr. Megan Petroff, DVM

For people, anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating at times. If you have a dog that struggles with fear, anxiety, or stress, it’s important to be supportive and patient.

Calming a frequently anxious dog is possible, but it may require collaboration between you and your veterinarian, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

If you have a nervous dog, here’s some insight you can use to identify the signs and triggers, and steps you can take to help calm your dog’s anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Recognize the Signs of Dog Anxiety

“Dogs use body language to communicate how they are feeling,” says Ashley Atkinson, CPDT-KA and behavior consultant at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

For example, if your dog seems uneasy or is fixated on licking, they could be communicating nervousness, stress, or fear. There are many subtle signs of dog anxiety.

According to Dr. Susan Konecny, RN, DVM, medical director of Best Friends Animal Society, some clinical signs include:

• Pacing

• Trembling

• Shaking

• Hypervigilance

• Lip licking

• Frequent yawning

• Decreased appetite

She also says that some physiological effects of anxiety can include:

• Increased salivation or drooling

• Dilated pupils

• Increased heart rate and panting

• Skin lesions from self-trauma

• Over-grooming

Talk With Your Veterinarian About Your Dog’s Anxiety

Once you learn how to detect when your dog is anxious, you can begin to identify the triggers that are causing the anxiety. Write down the signs that you see and describe the situations and circumstances when your dog showed these signs. Then schedule an appointment with your vet so they can rule out underlying medical issues,and help you get the right treatment for your dog.

Anytime a behavior change is noted in a pet, medical problems in other areas of the body could be at play. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests to confirm that your pet is otherwise healthy.

In all cases, it’s best to seek the help of your veterinarian to make sure you are doing everything you can for your dog. When no other cause is found, your veterinarian can prescribe anxiety medication if needed, and/or recommend a veterinary behaviorist.

Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorists

If your veterinarian thinks it’s necessary, they may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist to help your dog.

These veterinarians are specialists who have done a residency for three or more years in clinical behavior medicine, and passed a board-certification exam. Board-certified veterinary behaviorists are experts in treating fear, anxiety, and aggression in pets.

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists has a directory on their website with the current board-certified veterinary behaviorists near you.

Tips for Calming Your Dog’s Anxiety

Your veterinarian can help create a plan for relieving your dog’s anxiety, and it may include the following steps. Some are simple actions you can try at home, and others require your veterinarian’s oversight.

Remove Triggers That Cause Your Dog’s Anxiety

If you’ve already gone to your veterinarian to rule out other illnesses, and they’ve helped identify possible stressors, then it may be as simple as removing those stressors and seeing if your dog’s anxiety lessens.

For example, if your dog is afraid of other dogs or people, you can skip the dog park. Alternatively, you can take your dog for walks when fewer people will be outside, play in a fenced yard if you have one, and play games inside the home.

Try Dog Appeasing Pheromones

Dog appeasing pheromones are synthetic pheromones similar to the calming pheromones that female dogs give off while nursing puppies.

These pheromones can help reduce anxiety in some dogs and are available in a few different forms. There are collars, sprays, and diffusers, so you can choose the best option for your dog.

Exercise With Your Dog

Exercise can help with our own anxiety, and research studies have shown that greater levels of exercise in dogs are associated with lower levels of aggression, fear, and separation anxiety.1

Create a Sanctuary Space

Some dogs get so anxious in certain situations that no amount of calming, praising, or rewarding will give them relief. “When this is the case, they need a quiet space with no stimulation where they can turn off all the input and simply unwind,” says Dr. Konecny.

This can help in many situations, such as if they are nervous:

• When visitors come to your home

• During loud noise events (fireworks or thunderstorms)

Drowning out ambient sounds with white noise may also help them relax in their sanctuary room.

Ask Your Veterinarian About Anti-Anxiety Medications

If your dog is truly struggling with anxiety, you can talk to your veterinarian about whether anti-anxiety medications would be beneficial.

Some pet owners worry about using these medications:

• Will it make their dog sleepy all the time?

• Will it change their personality?

• Will these types of medications shorten their dog’s lifespan?

When treated with the proper medications, your pet should exhibit less anxiety, seem happier, and still have the same personality. If your veterinarian isn’t sure what to prescribe, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist can help you find the best medication for your dog to help them thrive.

Try Behavior Modification

Sometimes, additional modalities are needed to treat behavior problems in pets. Behavior modification can help you change the emotional response your dog has to offending situations or triggers.

Through this cognitive therapy, your dog can learn to become less afraid of stressors and more calm. In some cases, behavior modification can help a dog to the point where they will no longer need to be on medications.

This is something a veterinary behaviorist can help you with as well.

Be Supportive

Learning and avoiding what causes your dog stress, ruling out possible underlying illnesses, and seeking professional help will all improve the quality of life for your anxious dog.

Scientific evidence has shown that stress has negative effects on health in people, and this is true in dogs as well. A 2010 study of 721 dogs concluded that, “The stress of living with a fear or anxiety disorder can have negative effects on health and lifespan in the domestic dog.”2 For this reason it’s important to be proactive to help your dog with their anxieties.

Don’t give up. The solution may not be quick or easy, but with dedication and the right professional assistance, you can help your dog be happier and healthier.

See Also

Dog Relaxation-THE BEST Music Therapy for Dogs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJoWX722MnQ&t=3910s