Help Your Anxious Dog with These Proven Techniques!
Like all animals, our dogs are emotional and complicated beings, and when anxiety takes hold, it can leave them feeling lost, scared, and overwhelmed.
As pet owners, it's our responsibility to understand and nurture their emotional well-being with gentle, holistic approaches that target all specific areas of your dog- their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the emotional journey of anxious dogs, explore ways to care for their emotional health, and create a safe haven that soothes their soul.
Understanding the Emotional Journey of Anxious Dogs
Anxiety in dogs is more than just physical symptoms. It's an emotional turmoil that can affect their well-being deeply. By recognizing and empathizing with their emotions, we can provide the love and care that they truly need.
In this section, we'll explore the emotional landscape of anxious dogs and gain insights into their inner world.
Lost Trust & Fear
Maybe it's a dog who was abandoned at a shelter, waiting months on end for his owners to return only to realize that they never will. Can you imagine what must be going through his head?
"Why don't they love me?"
"What did I do wrong?"
When this dog is rescued by a wonderful new family he feels loved again and cared for. What about when his new family heads out for the day and he sees t
hem walking away?
This can be a major trauma response and bring those feelings of abandonment back again.
Of course that is not what is actually happening, his family will return, but to this boy who has trust issues and went through a traumatic experience, it's hard to explain that to him.
His family returns to a dog who has been barking anxiously for hours and has peed and pooped everywhere out of fear.
This dog can then be labeled as a "Behavioural dog with Separation Anxiety" but the main issue is he has Trauma from a past experience.
In my eBook "Conquer your Dogs Anxiety with these 4 Proven Steps" I provide many tips to overcome separation anxiety just like this one.
Gentle Ways to Nurture Your Dog's Emotional Health
Holistic healing approaches can offer a gentle and compassionate way to care for your anxious pup. From Aromatherapy to Animal Communication, we'll delve into holistic healing methods that can help calm your dog's anxious soul. A lot of the time many vets and specialists just target one area of a dog's anxiety, band-aiding the problem, this is why many dogs suffer unnecessarily for many years. By embracing these natural approaches and getting to the root of their problem, you can provide comfort and support to your dog from within.
Aromatherapy
As an Animal Aromatherapist, I've seen many dogs heal long-term issues with Essential Oils. Aromatherapy works on a cellular level and can provide endless benefits such as pain relief, calming the central nervous system, releasing trapped emotions, improving digestion, immunity and so much more.
Animal Communication
Over the years I have used Animal Communication to tune into my client's dogs and ask them directly what they are thinking or what they want their owner to know. The results have been amazing.
I've had dogs that were able to heal long-term digestive issues by telling me which foods made them feel sick, pinpoint exactly where their pain was stemming from and what flared it up, and why they are fearful of certain places and what we can do to help them.
Animal Communication is a powerful modality to learn and quite an underrated one. In just one session we can pinpoint exactly what someone's dog has been trying to tell them for years.
Reiki
Reiki is another powerful modality that is often overlooked. Reiki energy is channeled through the practitioner and into the dog either in person or from a distance. This energy can clear blockages, reset certain systems, calm the entire body, and promote an amazing feeling of peace and reassurance, that some dogs may not have experienced in quite a while.
Some other holistic modalities to consider- Herbal Remedies (these can be purchased from a Holistic Vet), Pet Nutritionist, Bowen therapy, Acupuncture, and Kinesiology to name a few.
Creating a Safe Haven for Your Anxious Pup
Creating a safe and nurturing environment is essential for your anxious dog's emotional well-being. This section will provide you with practical tips on how to build a sanctuary of love for your furry friend. From cozy spaces to comforting routines, we'll explore ways to create a calming atmosphere that promotes a sense of security for your anxious pup.
Create a cozy, den-like space for your dog
Choose a suitable location: Select a quiet & secure area in your home for your dog's cozy space. Avoid high-traffic areas or places with excessive noise or distractions. Ideally, it should be a spot where your dog feels safe and relaxed, near where you spend the most time is usually the best.
Provide a comfortable bed: Invest in a comfortable and supportive bed for your dog. Consider their size, age, and sleeping preferences when choosing a bed. Ensure it's made of durable and easy-to-clean materials. Adding a blanket or a familiar-smelling item, like a T-shirt with your scent, can provide additional comfort for your dog.
Control the temperature and lighting: Dogs are sensitive to temperature and lighting conditions. Ensure that the temperature in the cozy space is appropriate for your dog's comfort. You can use a fan or a space heater, depending on the weather, to maintain a comfortable temperature. Consider providing natural light or using soft, warm lighting to create a calming ambiance.
Include some familiar items: Place some familiar items in the cozy space, such as your dog's favorite toys, treats, or a water bowl. These familiar items will help your dog feel more at ease and secure in their space.
Provide for their basic needs: Make sure your dog's basic needs are met in their cozy space. This includes access to fresh water, food if necessary, and a designated area for potty breaks, such as puppy pads or a litter box for small dogs or cats.
Create a secure environment: Ensure that the cozy space is safe and secure for your dog. Remove any hazards or items that could pose a danger to your dog, such as electrical cords or toxic substances. Consider using a baby gate or a crate to create a safe boundary for your dog, especially if they're not fully house-trained or have separation anxiety.
Use calming aids: If your dog tends to get anxious when you're away, consider using calming aids, such as Essential Oil diffusers or calming music, to help create a relaxing environment for them.
Spend time helping your dog see this as the most amazing, positive space: Before leaving your dog alone in their cozy space, spend time acclimating them to the environment. Gradually increase the time your dog spends in their cozy space, starting with short periods and gradually extending the duration. Reward your dog with treats and praise for positive behaviour.
Bonding with Your Dog on an Emotional Level
Building a deep bond with your anxious dog goes beyond physical care. It requires an empathetic approach and an understanding of their emotional needs. In this section, we'll delve into ways to connect with your dog on an emotional level, build trust, and strengthen your bond. By nurturing this emotional connection, you can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance to your anxious pup.
Massages
This is an excellent way to bond with your dog, not only is touch extremely beneficial emotionally but it can help improve a dogs circulation, release stress and tension and creating the most loving, comforting environment for your dog.
Training & Playing games
Reward-based training and games such as hiding treats and helping your dog sniff them out is a fun and great ways to bond. Providing them un-interrupted attention like this helps build an unbreakable connection.
Including them in everyday activities
Out gardening, going for a drive to pick up something, visiting a friend? If it's safe and appropriate why don't you bring your dog with you? Your dog is apart of the family and loves being involved in all the activities you do too. This will also help desensitize them to particular places, smells, and sounds.
If only we could convince shopping centers & movie theatres to allow dogs too! ;)
Tuning into your Dog Telepathically
Learning to communicate with your Dog is so useful and beneficial and basic communication is not as difficult as people think.
Check out one of my Previous Blogs on "How to Communicate with your Dog Energetically" for a Step by Step Guide.
Embrace holistic healing from within and prioritize your anxious dog's emotional well-being.
Nurture their soul with love, empathy, and gentle care. Your dog deserves the best, and by providing holistic care that addresses their emotional needs, you can help them thrive.
You can start your journey toward healing your anxious dog today.
I provide Free 1:1 Personalised Strategy Sessions to help you and your dog find the root cause of their Anxious behaviours and provide practical solutions for you to begin helping your dog overcome them.
You can Book a Free 1:1 Session through the link below.
Ciara - The Holistic Dog Healer
Essence to Heal Pty Ltd