We all love our pets and want them to be as happy as possible. Unfortunately, some pets will suffer from anxiety, especially if they are rescue pets. In fact, most pets will have some kind of anxiety at some point in their lives. For some pets, this will show up in certain situations, such as car rides or trips to the vet. Other pets, however, may experience constant anxiety. It can be very hard for us humans to see our pets suffer and yet do nothing to help them, and of course, it’s even harder for the pet. Luckily, we’re here to share some tips on how you can help your pet cope with their anxiety.
Natural methods
Most people want to avoid putting their pets on medication unless it’s absolutely necessary. If that’s how you feel, you can try some natural methods of helping your pet cope with anxiety. If touch helps calm your pet, you can gently stroke or massage them. You can also exercise them a lot before an anxiety-inducing event such as a car ride so that they sleep right through it. Of course, you can also try to avoid situations that make your pets anxious, but this is not always possible. Another option is getting CBD pet treats. Cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Many studies have shown that CBD treats for dogs reduce anxiety by altering the brain’s response to serotonin
Medication
As mentioned, medication shouldn’t be your first option, but if nothing else is making a difference, it can be a good idea. Your vet may prescribe medication to give to your dog before situations that generally cause them anxiety, or they may prescribe ongoing anxiety medication. Either way, if you’ll regularly be taking your pet to the vet or buying medication, it can be a good idea to look into pet insurance, to make it more affordable.
Comfort
When pets are anxious, all they want is comfort. We often try to give this to them by holding them or giving them hugs. This may work for some pets, but for others, it may actually make their anxiety worse. It’s a good idea to create a safe space for your pet; one that is isolated from anything noisy and filled with their favorite treats and bedding. Whenever they get anxious, simply place them in this safe space, and over time they will start going there by themselves. If you have to go somewhere, take their favorite dog blanket along with you to keep them comfortable.
Keep them distracted
Sometimes, all your pet needs is a distraction. This may not always work, especially if your pet has really severe anxiety, but it’s worth a shot. Take a toy or a treat and try to get them to focus on that. You can also take your dog for a walk if that’s something they enjoy. Whatever you do, you need to keep your pet safe. So, even if you’re trying to distract them during a car ride, it’s also important that you keep them safe in these ways.
