Many older dogs suffer from anxiety, and it can be dangerous for them to take the medication we use to treat this condition in humans. The best way to deal with your dog’s anxiety is through natural remedies and coping strategies. Not only are they safe and easy to do, but they also give you a better understanding of why your pet acts the way it does.
These five natural ways to treat anxiety in older dogs can be used by any pet owner. Using them is a much kinder way to care for your pet than drugging him without having a clue about how or why he does what he does.
1. Exercise and Interaction Ease Anxiety in Older Dogs
Older dogs who have anxiety disorders benefit from a daily exercise routine, even if they are only able to take short walks. Taking your dog on walks twice a day will help him to expend some of his excess energy and calm him in the process.
Regular daily interaction with your pet is also important in reducing anxiety, whether you are playing catch together or just sitting down next to him while he eats. Many people think that their older dog can’t play anymore, but that simply isn’t true. Your dog will still love to play with you, even if the only toy he can play with is a stick or ball of paper!
2. Groom Your Dog Regularly
One of the least known natural ways to treat anxiety in older dogs is by grooming them regularly. Grooming your pet is not just about keeping his hair clean, it also helps you to bond with your dog.
You can try brushing down your pet’s coat or giving him a massage every day. If he is relaxed and calm during grooming time, he will look forward to the routine and receive comfort from it.
3. Provide Comfort During Storms
Storms are one of the most feared events for older dogs, so they have a real reason to feel anxiety. Instead of trying to calm your pet with medication during storms, it is important to provide comfort when he needs it most.
Go outside with him and walk around slowly, allowing him to calm down in his own time. If you try to hug him or comfort him with medication, he may become even more upset and you will lose the trust you have built up with him.
4. Ensure Your Pet is Included in Your Daily Routine
Many older dogs suffer from anxiety because they feel left out of what’s happening around them. This means that you need to include your pet every day to help reduce the stress he feels, no matter how difficult it may be for him at first.
You can keep your dog in the same room as you while you read or watch television, allowing him to be a part of what you are doing without making demands on his time and energy. Older dogs benefit from feeling that they belong and that they have a reason for being; if he knows that he is not forgotten even when he is not active, he will start to feel a lot better about themselves.
5. Try to Give Your Dog CBD Oil
CBD oil has been known to have a calming effect on some pets, particularly those who suffer from anxiety disorders. CBD oil isn’t the same as THC, which is what makes marijuana high, so you don’t need to worry about your pet becoming addicted or sick from its use.
There is a lot of research being done on CBD oil and its benefits for humans, so it shouldn’t be difficult to locate some for your pet. You should consult with the vet before giving your dog affordable CBD oil as a natural treatment for anxiety in older dogs – just as you would if you were using any other medication or supplement.
Conclusion
There are many ways to reduce anxiety in older dogs. Try them all, see what works for your pet, and make sure that he never feels alone or left out of things happening around him.