askHELTIE HELTIEdog® Dog Under Stress: Six Tips for Acute Anxiety

Dog Under Stress: Six Tips for Acute Anxiety

Sometimes a dog suddenly becomes stressed, for example due to fireworks, an unexpected event, or a visit to the vet. Here are six tips for dog owners who want to help their dog during acute stress. An anxious dog can be challenging for both the animal and the owner.

Stress

25 December '25 • 1 min reading time

Tip 1: Create a safe space

Provide a calm, familiar place where your dog can retreat. This could be a crate with a blanket, an open cupboard, or a corner with their favorite bed. Add something that smells like you, such as a worn shirt or their favorite toy, for extra reassurance.

Tip 2: Stay calm and confident yourself

Dogs sense your emotions. If you are tense, it can increase their anxiety. Speak calmly, move slowly, and avoid excessive comforting, as this may reinforce fear. Act as normally as possible, as if nothing unusual is happening.

Tip 3: Use distraction and positive association

Give your dog something to chew on, like a chew bone. Chewing releases endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones. You can also play calming music or white noise to mask loud sounds. Gentle brain games may also help distract and calm your dog.

Tip 4: Avoid punishment or force

Do not force your dog to be “brave” or punish them for being afraid. This increases stress and can damage trust. Allow your dog to express fear, but reward calm behavior.

Tip 5: Maintain your routine

Try to stick to your usual daily routine as much as possible. Physical exercise is important, so continue regular walks if you can.

Tip 6: Calming supplements

If you know a stressful period is coming up, such as New Year’s Eve or a scheduled vet visit, herbal supplements may help. These should be given a few days before the expected stressful event. Magnesium can also help reduce tension.

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