Hey there, pet parents! As Men's Mental Health Awareness Day is coming up on June 13th, it's important to remember that considering our dog mental health is important, too! Just like us, our pets can be affected by stressors in their environment, which impact their overall health & well-being. The first step to supporting our dogs’ mental health is to recognize the factors that could cause them stress. In this guide, we’ll cover common stressors in dogs, and practical tips to alleviate canine anxiety.
Recognizing Common Stressors:
Dogs can experience stress and anxiety due to lots of factors, including:
Loud noises 📣
Noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, construction work, or even loud music can be frightening for pets.
💡Fun fact about Dog Mental Health! Dogs are sensitive to barometric pressure changes, which basically means that they can detect the air pressure changing with their sense of smell and joints.
Changes in routine 🐕🦺
Pets mentally thrive on a consistent schedule as it gives them a sense of security in knowing what to expect, so changes in their daily routine or environment can cause anxiety.
Separation anxiety ⏱️
Being left alone for extended periods can cause some dogs to experience separation anxiety. Separation anxiety usually happens with dogs who are overly dependent on their family members and so they exhibit distressed behaviour like house soiling, barking, or destruction when their owners leave the home.
New experiences 🆕
Exposure to situations with new places and people like going to a friend’s house party can be overwhelming for some dogs. Every dog is different so what causes anxiety in one might not even bother another, and it’s essential to observe our dogs’ body language and behaviour to understand their anxiety triggers so that we can help them feel more comfortable. visiting the vet for the first time
Health issues 🏥
Physical discomfort or underlying health conditions can contribute to long-term stress and anxiety in dogs.
Practical Tips to Alleviate Anxiety:
Now that we understand some common stressors for dogs, here are some practical tips to help alleviate anxiety and promote canine mental health:
Create a Safe Space 🛏️
Set up a comfy area in your home, like a quiet corner with a cosy bed or crate, where your dog can feel secure in times of stress.
Routine and Structure 🍽️
Just like humans, routines are great for our dogs’ well-being. A daily schedule helps dogs with their metabolism, healthy digestion, and potty training. Regular meal times, walks, and play sessions can help reduce anxiety.
Physical Exercise 🐕🦺
Engage your dog in regular exercise and playtime to help reduce stress levels. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, Lickimats, and outdoor activities are all awesome options.
Check out our Lickimat Recipe blog for some ideas!
Nutritional Support 🌿
Natural remedies like supplements or calming treats can offer support for dog relaxation. Look for natural ingredients such as chamomile or valerian root, which have calming properties.
Duck Calming Aid
$14.00 USD
Soft & chewy functional treats to help relieve your dog's anxiety naturally No CBD, artificial additives, fillers or animal by-products Make to help calm your dog & relieve anxiety naturally Natural calming superfoods like Reishi, Ashwagandha, Chamomile and more. For… read more
Veterinary Care 🩺
When it comes to signs of serious discomfort, behavioural changes, or chronic stress, we encourage pet parents to consult with their family veterinarian. Routine checkups also play a vital role in maintaining our dog’s overall health.
By understanding common stressors and implementing practical tips to support canine mental health, we can help our dogs lead happier and healthier lives. So, let's further celebrate Men's Mental Health Awareness Day by promoting canine mental health as well.
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