Exercise

Exercise is a great way for your dog to get some endorphins flowing through his body. During exercise your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones and helps decrease stress levels. Your dog could also be feeling edgy due to pent up energy he hasn’t been able to get rid of. Go for a walk, or even better, a jog to get in some much-needed cardio for your pawed pal. Exercise will also allow your dog to redirect his energy to a healthy alternative, rather than focusing on his feelings of stress and anxiety. Exercise also offers a change in scenery which could help destress your dog, and it’s a great way to bond and have some fun while you’re at it.

A variety of toys

Allow your dog to redirect his energy to other fun things around him. By giving your dog a variety of toys to play with, your dog will focus his energy on the toys rather than brew and overthink due to anxiety and stress. The key is also to keep your dog busy and entertained. If your dog has nothing to stimulate him mentally or physically, he might start becoming involved in destructive behaviour, or develop mood disorders such as stress, anxiety or depression

Gentle dog massage

Everyone can relate to a gentle massage. Nothing says relax and de-stress like a massage. Next time you cuddle your dog, gentle massage your dog’s paws, temples and ears. This can help release some tension and stress in your furry friend.

A steady routine

If your dog is prone to anxiety and overstressing, it’s important to keep a steady routine. Your dog’s blood pressure spikes fairly easily, adding an unpredictability to the rise of stress and high blood pressure. Try having consistent feeding, walking and activities. This way, your dog can get used to a routine that is reliable and that offers him everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. Being able to rely on something and someone also massively decreases stress.

Ignore him

This might seem a little drastic, yet there is a method to the madness. Sometimes when your pooch is stressed or anxious, their behaviour changes and sometimes even becomes destructive. When this happens, it’s important not to give your dog extra love or affection as this may be seen as praise. This then only perpetuates the behaviour as well as the stress because your dog gets confused as to what is expected from him. It is OK to comfort your nervous pooch but make sure you are calm too.

Ask your veterinarian

If it seems like your dog’s stress is affecting his daily activities and inhibiting him from enjoying a normal happy dog’s life, it’s important that you ask your vet to do a check up to see if there might not be an underlying cause or illness.