For pet owners, seeing their beloved pet showing signs of anxiety and distress can often lead to a frantic Google search of how to calm an anxious pet. Whatever type of pet you may have, recognising and addressing the root causes of anxiety is key to ensuring a happy, healthy life.
In this guide, we explore practical, effective strategies for calming anxious pets, including dogs, cats, and small animals, focusing on their specific needs and behaviours.
Let’s dive into how to soothe the worries of your pet and create a more peaceful environment for them.
Recognising anxiety in pets
Before diving into how to calm an anxious pet, it’s essential to recognise the signs of stress and anxiety. After all, as intelligent as your pet may be, they simply can’t just tell you what they’re worried about in the same way that your family or friends would.
However, they can still communicate their emotions through their behaviour and body language. While dogs, cats, and small animals all exhibit anxiety in unique ways, there are a few common behaviours to look out for:
- Restlessness: Pacing or inability to settle.
- Destructive behaviour: Chewing, scratching, or digging.
- Vocalisation: Excessive barking, meowing, or squealing.
- Hiding: Seeking out dark, quiet spots to avoid interaction.
- Changes in appetite: Refusing food or overeating.
Recognising these behaviours early allows you to implement calming strategies before anxiety escalates.
How to calm an anxious dog
Dogs, known for their loyalty and close bond with their owners, often develop anxiety from separation, loud noises, or changes in their environment. Thankfully, several practical steps can help soothe your anxious dog.
1. Establish a routine
We all love a good routine, and dogs are no different. Our canine buddies thrive on consistency in their day-to-day lives. Feeding, walking, and playing at the same time each day can help create a sense of security. Routines make them feel more in control and reduce the stress caused by unpredictable events.
2. Create a safe space
Giving your dog a comfortable, quiet place to retreat when feeling overwhelmed can make all the difference. This could be a cosy corner with their favourite bed and toys. Even calming music has been known to help dogs feel secure and comforted in their safe zone. Some recent research by Queens University found that classical music helps to settle dogs when they are home alone.
3. Exercise and mental stimulation
The mental health benefits of exercise have been proven time and time again in humans, and the same benefits apply to dogs. Physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential in reducing anxiety and stress. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can tire your dog and provide an outlet for nervous energy.
4. Consider calming products
Natural remedies like VETIQ’s Serene Calming Treats, Calming Tablets, or fast-acting Serene Calming Ointment, which releases a calming pheromone when applied to the nose, can help alleviate anxiety in dogs. These products are formulated with ingredients like chamomile and L-tryptophan to promote relaxation without sedation.
How to calm an anxious cat
Cats are naturally independent creatures but are not immune to anxiety. Changes in their environment, such as moving house or loud noises, can lead to heightened stress. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to calm a stressed-out feline.
1. Offer elevated spaces
Cats often find comfort in high places where they can observe their surroundings. Providing vertical space like cat trees or shelves can help your cat feel secure.
2. Create a calm environment
Creating a quiet, peaceful space for your cat, complete with cosy bedding and scratching posts, can work wonders. Many cats respond positively to calming pheromone diffusers like VETIQ Serene Calming Diffuser to soothe their nerves, and for additional support, VETIQ Serene Calming Drops provide a natural way to combat tension and stress, helping to keep your pet relaxed without feeling drowsy.
3. Interactive playtime
While cats are generally perceived to be more independent and aloof, furry felines still love connecting with their owners. Interactive play helps release pent-up energy and distracts from stressors. Use wand toys, laser pointers, or even a crinkle ball to engage your cat. Playtime also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, providing additional comfort, particularly at times of stress.
4. Routine and familiarity
Just like dogs, cats appreciate consistency in their routine. Ensure feeding and litter box maintenance follow a regular schedule, and try to minimise sudden changes in their environment.
How to calm an anxious pet: small animals
Small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, can also experience anxiety. As an example, did you know that rabbits are categorised as prey animals? Therefore, it should come as no surprise that little bunnies are prone to making fearful associations, leading to increased anxiety levels. These creatures are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment and can become easily stressed by noise, new smells, or handling.
1. Provide a quiet environment
Small animals need a quiet, peaceful space away from loud sounds or sudden movements. Place their enclosure in a low-traffic area of your home to avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Handling with care
Gentle, consistent handling can help reduce anxiety in small pets, but it’s important not to overdo it. Allow them to approach you on their terms and avoid handling when they seem frightened.
3. Safe hiding places
Ensure your small pet’s enclosure has plenty of places to hide. Many small animals feel secure when they can retreat into a small, enclosed space, such as a tunnel or hut when they feel threatened.
4. Balanced diet and enrichment
Keeping small animals occupied with chew toys, tunnels, and a balanced diet helps prevent boredom and stress. Chewing is a natural calming activity for rabbits and guinea pigs, so provide them with plenty of safe chew options. Another option is to give your small animal a healthy treat that will also double up as a way to calm their nervous system. VETIQ Healthy Bites Serene Calming for Small Animals does exactly that, containing chamomile and lemon balm to help ease stress and anxiety.
When to seek professional help
While many pets respond well to home remedies and calming products, some cases of anxiety may require some veterinarian intervention. If your pet’s anxiety persists despite your best efforts or is accompanied by severe behavioural changes, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying health issues and may recommend behavioural therapy or medication.
How to calm an anxious pet the natural way with VETIQ’s Serene Calming Range
While anxiety in pets can be distressing for the pets themselves, it can equally be upsetting for their owners. However, with the right strategies and products, it’s possible to create a more peaceful and relaxing environment for your furry friends.
So if you’re looking for safe and effective ways to reduce anxiety in your pet, VETIQ’s Serene Calming Range offers a variety of solutions for dogs, cats and small animals. From calming treats and bites to diffusers and ointments, these products are designed to soothe anxious pets naturally – whether it’s easing separation anxiety in dogs, helping a cat adjust to a new home, or providing comfort to small animals at times of stress.
Give your pet the calm they deserve with VETIQ’s Serene Calming Range – a natural, effective solution for pet anxiety. Remember, a relaxed pet is a happy pet!
