Dogs can be one of the best natural remedies for anxiety in humans. But experienced pup parents know that anxiety can also be just as big of a problem for our four-legged friends, too.
Lots of products — from supplements to calming beds — sell themselves on helping to manage dog anxiety. But there’s also a lot of misinformation and pseudo-science being sold, which is why we asked three veterinary and dog behavioral experts for their advice on which aids and products might actually help tackle the beast of anxiety.
Is anxiety common for dogs?
“Anxiety is common, and often dogs with it exhibit a wide range of symptoms and severity,” said Dr. Travis Arndt, medical director at the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America in Missouri. The current moment is a particularly hairy time for anxious pups, too, as the pandemic’s disruptions to our schedules and lifestyles (including our pets’) now once again threatens to drastically change. “Dogs, being creatures of habit, don’t usually like changes to their routines.” Read more…
More about Dogs, Reviews, Pets, Anxiety, and Pet Tech
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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care
While other products on this list will be more beneficial for dogs with specific types of anxiety and phobias, behavioral supplements are best for generalized anxiety, according to Dr. Sung.
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ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Jacket
It could either have zero effect (other than, as with my pup, making your dog look cute) or it could make a world of difference — particularly for anxiety caused by specific triggers like fireworks and thunderstorms.
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DogTV
The desensitizing sounds really did seem to help even my six-year-old ball of anxiety become less reactive to sounds like knocking and city bustle.
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Hyper Pet Licking Mat for Cats & Dogs
To my surprise, after some initial trepidation, his love for peanut butter did overtake his suspicion.
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Spotify’s My Dog’s Favorite Podcast
I can’t say it made him stop barking or guarding altogether. But for a free service, it was effective enough to recommend.
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Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Dog Bed
I bought it for my dedicated donut sleeper, and only regret not trusting my gut and going with the smaller size, since a contained and secure space is the whole point.
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Snuggle Puppy
While it probably won’t do much to help an adult dog, this adorable little imitator will probably be a godsend to pup parents dealing with separation anxiety.
Source : Dog anxiety is real. These products can help calm your anxious pet
