Is your dog suffering from anxiety or stress? You're not alone! Many dogs experience fear and nervousness in certain situations. Luckily, there are numerous products available that can help your pup feel more relaxed and comfortable during these stressful moments. In this article, we will take a look at the different types of calming products for dogs, and factors to consider when choosing the best option for your pet. 

Understanding the Cause of Anxiety in Dogs 

Anxiety is a common condition in dogs that can produce a host of negative effects on their health and behavior. It is essential to understand the cause of anxiety in dogs to treat the problem effectively and prevent it from worsening. 

The causes of anxiety in dogs can vary according to their breed, age, and previous experiences. Here are some common causes of anxiety in dogs: 

1. Fear: Fear is one of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs. They may be afraid of loud noises, like thunder and fireworks, or different situations that they find threatening, like trips to the vet or even meeting new pets. 

2. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid imbalances, can cause anxiety in dogs. If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, it is important to take them to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues. 

3. Genetics: Some dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Border Collie, are more susceptible to anxiety than others due to their genetics. 

Types of Calming Products for Dogs 

If you are a pet parent, you know that dogs can get anxious or stressed for a variety of reasons. Whether it is due to loud noises, anxiety, or fireworks, seeing your pet in distress is heartbreaking. Fortunately, there are many calming products available that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. From calming toys, to weighted blankets, and anxiety vests, there are several options to choose from. Let's discuss the different types of calming products available for dogs and how they work. 

Comforting toys and accessories 

Another way to help calm an anxious dog is through comforting toys. Our Weighted Calming Toy is designed to be a companion toy that offers a sensory distraction to help distract dogs from their feelings of anxiety, known as sensory stimulation toys. This can help ease your dog's stress when transitioning between home and travelling by providing a familiar and comfortable space. 

Calming Weighted Blankets 

Our Weighted Calming Blanket provides gentle pressure through an evenly distributed weight across the dog’s body to create a calmer emotional state using the WEIGHTED CALM™ insert. Inspired by human-weighted blankets, the gentle pressure resembles being hugged or pet, a stimulus to help dogs feel calm and at ease. This can help ease your dog’s stress when transitioning between home and travelling by providing a familiar and comfortable space.

Anti-anxiety vests  

Our Weighted Calming Vest provides gentle pressure and evenly distributes the weight on the dog’s shoulders to help create a calmer emotional state. Inspired by human-weighted blankets, the gentle pressure resembles being hugged or petted to help dogs feel calm and at ease. This can be particularly helpful in situations where loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings trigger anxiety in dogs. They are a great option for pet parents seeking a non-invasive way to help their dogs stay calm during stressful situations or travel. For further information on sizing, go to our size guide.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Calming Products for Your Dog 

As pet parents, we all love our pets and want them to be happy and healthy. However, sometimes our dogs can experience anxiety, stress, or even panic attacks in certain situations. This can be caused by various factors such as loud noises or fear of unfamiliar surroundings. To help our dogs cope with these situations, we may consider using calming products. However, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your dog. Let's discuss the important factors to consider when choosing the best calming products for your dog. 

Understanding your dog's triggers 

Identifying and understanding your dog's stress triggers will allow you to choose the most suitable calming products for their specific situation. For example, if your dog's travel anxiety involves car rides specifically, investing in a calming blanket may be more beneficial. Knowing your dog's triggers will help you target their anxiety or stress more effectively, resulting in a happier and calmer dog. 

Safety and effectiveness of the product 

It's crucial to prioritize the safety and effectiveness of the calming product you choose for your dog. Our calming vest is made of soft, breathable, material that can be worn any time of the year. The WEIGHTED CALM™ insert provides gentle pressure to create a calmer state. Be sure to consult your veterinarian, to ensure the product is safe and compatible with your dog's current health status.

When You Should Consider Buying Dog-Calming Products 

Pet parents want to ensure that their pets are living happily and healthily. Dog calming products are a solution to help ease your pet's anxiety. Here is when you should buy dog-calming products. 

Thunderstorms  

Some dogs are afraid of thunderstorms because of the loud noise and lighting that come with them. During these times, dogs may become anxious and stressed. They may exhibit fearful behaviour, such as hiding in a corner, barking excessively, or howling. In extreme cases, dogs may become destructive in an attempt to escape. If your dog has this particular fear, calming products such as the Weighted Calming Blanket at Canada Pooch can help soothe their nerves. 

Travel  

Some dogs do not enjoy travelling, even if it means heading to an exciting destination. They may feel apprehension about the unfamiliar environment. Severe anxiety can make it hard on both the dog and the owner. Car sickness and nervousness make the trip an unpleasant experience. If your dog falls into this category, buy calming products that can be used to soothe the dog's nerves during the journey. Calming vests can help make your dog feel relaxed during travel. 

New Environments  

When you are introducing a dog to a new environment, such as a house or yard, it may take some time for them to adjust. They can react with fear and anxiety if the new space seems unfamiliar to them. Dogs may become overly timid or attempt to escape. Calming products can help settle your dog down and help them adapt to the new surroundings.

Visits to the Vet  

Going to the vet is a necessary task for pet parents. Dogs, however, can become anxious during vet visits because of unfamiliar smells and sounds. This anxiety can make them anxious during the vet visit and make the experience uncomfortable for both the dog and the owner. Calming products can help alleviate the dog's anxiety, making it easier for the dog to receive any necessary treatment. Some calming products can be applied before the appointment and can have lasting effects throughout the procedure. 

It is essential to note that calming products are not a substitute for veterinary care or training. If your dog has severe anxiety or aggression toward people or other animals, seek veterinary care or professional dog training for behavioural modifications. 

Alternative Methods for Relieving Anxiety in Dogs 

If your dog displays signs of anxiety, you should take steps to relieve their stress and help them feel more relaxed. Here are some helpful tips: 

1. Create a calm environment: Make sure your home is a calming and relaxing environment for your dog. Provide a comfortable bed, soothing music, and toys to help them feel secure and calm. 

2. Use positive reinforcement techniques: Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour and reward your dog for calm and relaxed behaviour. Avoid punishing your dog for anxious behaviour as it can worsen their anxiety. 

3. Exercise and play: Exercise is a great way to relieve anxiety in dogs. Regularly take your dog for walks or play games that stimulate their mind and body to help them stay occupied and calm. 

4. Professional help: If your dog's anxiety is severe and you're not able to manage it on your own, consult with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist who can help assess your dog's behavior and provide targeted solutions. 

Conclusion 

Dog-calming products are best suited for certain situations. They can help your dog manage anxiety, fear, and stress. This can help to improve their quality of life and make it easier for pet parents to manage their dogs. When choosing calming products, it is important to consider the dog's age, size, and health status. Be sure to check out the Weighted Calm Collection at Canada Pooch to find the right product for your pup.