If you’re like half of Americans, you have a pet in your home. Owning pets is not only a source of joy and comfort but also a massive responsibility. Living in Santa Monica, there are countless places where you can take your furry family member to enjoy all the beauty the city has to offer, as well as new sights and sounds and plenty of fantastic people watching.
However, some pets are prone to anxiety and nervousness, whether through a lack of socialization or even genetics. If you want to be able to take your pup to Third Street Promenade or pet-friendly restaurants in the community but need some help getting them over their anxiety, keep reading for easy ways to calm their nervous minds.
Plenty of Exercises
There are plenty of things to consider before adopting a pet. One of the biggest factors to consider is your lifestyle and the type of animal that will fit it. If you are indoors more, a cat or caged animal could be right up your alley. A medium to large dog breed will be perfect if you’re looking for a furry companion to enjoy the Santa Monica Mountains. If you own an animal and, more specifically, a breed requiring frequent exercise, ensure they’re getting it. If your pet isn’t getting the optimal amount of exercise for their breed, they’ll quickly become listless, anxious, and in worst-case scenarios, aggressive.
Music Therapy
Music is well known to be healing in humans, and when it comes to our four-legged counterparts, there are known benefits as well. If your dog is getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy diet, and playing but still suffers from anxiety symptoms, reach out to a holistic vet for tips on what tunes will soothe them. Research has shown that dogs enjoy classical music, and there are even albums dedicated to soothing sounds for dogs. Music can calm your dog at home while you’re out and in the car if they’re anxious in vehicles.
Natural Alternatives
There are many reasons why you should consider alternative therapies for your dog. While there are some homeopathic remedies and even melatonin is used to calm anxious pets, nothing stands out as far as success, like CBD for dogs. You may use CBD for yourself for relaxation and anxiety, and it’s no different for Fido. The great thing about CBD is that it’s easy to control dosing, fast acting, and safe. For some, CBD is touted as the only thing that helps get their pets through living on noisy streets, even letting them sleep through fireworks. It’s a must-have in the medicine cabinet for anyone with a nervous pet.
Calming Coats
If you’re a parent, you likely swaddle your newborn when they come home from the hospital and for several months afterward. Swaddling is famous for calming down babies and making them feel safe and secure, and it works with our pets the same way. If your dog or cat struggles with separation anxiety while you’re at work, they’re worth investing in. Calming coats and t-shirts by applying constant and gentle pressure to your nervous pet are a great addition to CBD and music therapy if your pet is particularly anxious.
Massage
When you’re feeling stressed out or anxious, you probably ask your partner to give you a quick massage, or maybe you book a luxurious massage at a local spa. Massage works to calm even the most anxious people and pets. You’ll want to start at their neck and work gently down their spine in long strokes when massaging dogs or cats. If you incorporate massage into their daily routine, you may even reach a point where you can feel where your pet holds the most tension and focus on those areas. Try giving your pet some of their CBD beforehand to help them relax even deeper.
Owning a pet means we are stewards of their overall health, and like human beings, this includes their mental and emotional health. Suppose your dog is visibly anxious start today with the above ways to calm them. Some pets’ anxiety goes unrecognized because they’re acting out in other ways, like accidents in the home or destroying their owner’s belongings. If your pet has behavioral issues, anxiety could be the reason, and using these tips can be a game-changer. Help your furry family member feel better today so you can enjoy this beautiful city together again.
