Dogs can be scared for so many reasons. Some of them are rational while some of them are not. Thunderstorms and fireworks are two main causes of fright among dogs. Others become frightened when meeting strangers, because of separation anxiety, and some when confronting unfamiliar animals and objects. What are the signs of a frightened dog? Signs that your dog may be frightened range from sudden flight to physical reactions like whimpering, urination, and shaking. But a sudden change in behavior may indicate a medical problem. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you notice him acting fearful for no reason.
To calm a frightened dog, consider these helpful tips.
Tip #1:
Identify what caused your dog to be frightened. Though dogs may have anxious personalities, your dog may not likely to be scared for no apparent reason. As much as possible, remove the cause of the fright or remove your dog from its location. When the source of the fear is gone, you can easily calm your dog.
Tip #2:
Dog can pick up any of our negative emotions. Many times, it could be frightening for dog owners if your dog suddenly becomes agitated. Stay calm because they are sensitive to your emotions. If you are angry, annoyed, aggravated, or upset with him, you won't be able to help him calm down. Fear is an involuntary reaction and your dog is not trying to get you mad. Take a deep breath and know that your dog's fright is making him vulnerable. He also needs you to be calm so he'll feel safe. Quietly speak to him and reassure him everything's going to be fine.
Tip #3:
Always create a safe environment for your pet. Fear can trigger a dog's fight or flight reflex and any dog will try to flee whenever he can especially if the fright level is high. Make sure that you give your pet a place where he feels safe and where he could calm himself whenever he feels anxious or frightened. You could use a large blanket to cover the dog crate and place soft blankets. Also place chew toys inside. You could also make comfortable bedding at the bottom of the closet or in the corner of a quiet room. Train your dog to retreat to these places when he is scared and he will learn to calm down on his own.
Tip #4:
Aromatherapy also helps calm frightened dogs. It uses natural mood-altering benefits of scents to produce a relaxed and calm feeling. You can use a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser. It will help your dog feel calm and more relaxed. You can also place a few drops using a cotton ball and place it out of his reach nearer his safe place.
Tip #5:
One way to calm your dog is to desensitize him over time to the object or thing he fears the most. Identify the objects or things first then you could move one when he no longer show signs of fear.
Rhonda Moore has raised five dogs. She loves to travel and write about pet including dog's natural remedies, common pet problems, traveling, and other topics at www.dogfond.com
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