Ways to help a stressed dog

[chickenmama109]

Hi! I have a chi that has been a little stress out! He lives with two bigger dogs and my house can get a little crazy with the kids! I bought him a thunder vest but he didn’t like that too much! I have some drops that he takes to calm him down and that helps a little but I was wondering if there was anything else I can do to help him with some of the stressful days!? What do y’all do?

 

[chickens really]

What actually are you dealing with? Aggressive behaviour?

 

[aart]

New dog to the household?
Give him a safe place to retreat to?
Tell everyone to calm the heck down?

 

[chickenmama109]

New dog to the household?
Give him a safe place to retreat to?
Tell everyone to calm the heck down?

Haha that’s what I do! I try and keep him in a calm room but he always wants to be in the main one! He is not Nee I have had him his whole life, and he is almost 6 years now! I was just wanting to find some ways to keep him none stressed out sometimes especially during thunderstorms!

 

[chickenmama109]

What actually are you dealing with? Aggressive behaviour?

Oh no! Just a little scared here and there!

 

[chickens really]

Oh no! Just a little scared here and there!

Then don't hold him and have him act like a dog on his own.

 

[Folly's place]

If he has a sound phobia (as fear of thunder and firecrackers) having him in a quiet indoor room, with 'elevator music' playing, and maybe anti-anxiety meds from your veterinarian will help a lot.
A safe hiding place is a good idea too, away from the windows.
Mary

 

[David61]

Marijuana cookies for dogs. They sell them made just for dogs that need to chill. My Daughter got some for her dog for car trips. He be trippin all the way to Grandpa house.

 

[rosemarythyme]

For fireworks and stuff I've been using CBD oil or hemp treats. He'll still be nervous but it can help take the edge off, downside is you need to have a heads up on when you'll need it (so if there's thunderstorms in the forecast, for example, you want to dose 30-60 min in advance).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My Sheltie used to have anxiety attacks with thunderstorms. I'd give her a Benadryl and put a tight Tshirt on her, one my Kid had outgrown. Figured it would work like a Thundershirt. After about a year of this, just the shirt was enough. Now she doesn't need that either. You might also try a drop of essential lavender oil just under each ear, it's very soothing, and put him in a crate with a towel over it in a quiet room. I second the idea of soothing music also. Dens feel very safe and comforting in times of stress. Maybe include a towel or a favorite stuffed animal and a chew toy for distraction.