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Caring For An Anxious Dog

March 15, 2022
Did you know that Dogs In Yellow Day is March 20th? You may not, and that wouldn’t be much of a surprise. Dogs in Yellow Day is fairly new: it’s only been around for about 10 years. This is a campaign to spread awareness of the fact that dogs with yellow ribbons or bandanas are anxious and/or reactive, and should not be approached. This is a great idea! Many of our canine companions suffer from anxiety. If you have an anxious pup, read on. A Tipp City, OH vet offers some tips on caring for your pet below.

Playtime And Exercise

One of the best things you can do for Fido is to make sure that he is getting enough playtime and exercise. You want your pooch to burn off those zoomies. Fido will be much calmer after a good workout. Toys can also help with this.

Training

Did you know that training can help a shy dog gain confidence? Learning a new trick can be a huge confidence booster for Man’s Best Friend! If your canine buddy doesn’t know basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come, start with those. Otherwise, you can show Fido some cute tricks.

Routine

Keeping Fido on a steady schedule may also help. Our furry companions tend to really thrive when they are kept to a set schedule for walks, meals, and playtime. Try to keep your pet’s doggy agenda pretty consistent.

Crate

Used properly, crates can be wonderful for nervous dogs. The main thing is that you want Fido to think of his crate as a cozy den, not a jail cell. Add comfy bedding and toys, and consider leaving it open, so he can come and go.

Calming Products

There are quite a few products made specifically for calming our canine pals down. These include things like treats, sprays, and collars, as well as weighted shirts and calming beds. Ask your vet for specific product recommendations.

Buddies

Sometimes spending time with friendly, well-behaved dogs can be very helpful to Fido. It may do your four-legged friend good to be around happy, relaxed dogs. Of course, this depends on whether or not your pet plays well with other dogs. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your Tipp City, OH pet hospital, we’re happy to help!