How to Calm an Anxious Dog During the Holidays

The holiday season is often the happiest time of the year for many people. But for some dogs, it can be quite upsetting! Treats left out that they’re not allowed to have. Weird footsteps on the roof. Strangers traipsing through their home and stealing their spot on the couch. The horror!

So how do you keep your dog calm among the many stressful situations that the holidays often bring? From calming treats to prescription medications and more, discover some ways to reduce anxiety and keep your dog jolly and ho-ho-healthy this holiday season!

What Are Some Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs?

If you’re in the middle of a holiday party and your dog starts acting a little abnormal, it might be due to anxiety — stress and anxiety in dogs is often expressed through body language. In general, your dog’s behavior can vary depending on what kind of stressful event or situation is triggering their anxiety. For example, loud noises may cause them to run and hide, while strangers in the home may cause them to bark or act aggressively. There are a variety of behavioral signs to look out for, but some of the most common signs of anxiety in dogs include:

• Excessive barking or whining
• Destructive behaviors, such as chewing or digging
• Seeking constant attention or being clingy
• Ears pinned back, or their tail tucked between their legs
• Shaking or trembling
• Soiling in the house 
• Loss of appetite

While many of these behaviors can be a common indicator of stress, it’s important to be on the lookout for any behavior that seems out of the ordinary. From pups to senior dogs, a break from their normal routine may be a warning sign of distress or illness. If you notice changes in eating and drinking habits, sleep patterns or atypical social behavior, contact your veterinarian.

Do Calming Treats for Dogs Work?

Yes! Calming treats can be an effective way to reduce anxiety and help keep your pup calm when they’re feeling stressed. However, the effectiveness of calming bites and calming chews can vary depending on the active ingredients used in the product. The most common ingredients that have calming properties and may help soothe dogs include melatonin and the amino acids L-theanine and L-tryptophan. Treats and soft chews containing these ingredients can help with relaxation and reduce stress in situations that cause mild anxiety. However, always check with your veterinarian before giving any calming treats to your dog or adding supplements to your dog’s diet.

While we’re on the subject of treats, be sure to limit feeding your pup any snacks or treats while cooking holiday meals, and always make sure that any table scraps are safe for dogs to eat. Even if a holiday treat isn’t toxic, sugary sweets and other festive treats can lead to unexpected energy bursts and anxiety spikes, so try your best to say no to any begging attempts.

Do Calming Meds for Dogs Work?

Yes, calming medications for dogs have been shown to be quite effective when it comes to managing anxiety. However, it’s always important to first consult with your veterinarian before attempting to give your dog any kind of medication. A veterinarian can help prescribe the right medication and dosage for your pup to help reduce anxiety, fear and any destructive behaviors that holiday-related stressors can cause. 

The impact of prescribed medication and other pet supplements can vary, and oftentimes medication alone is not enough. Relaxation therapies, behavior modification techniques and physical exercise can all go a long way towards helping your dog manage everyday stress.

Other Common Calming Aids for Dogs

If some of the best calming treats or prescription medications aren’t having an impact, there are plenty of other common calming aids for you to explore that promote relaxation in dogs. First, provide your dog with a safe space away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays that provides a secure and comforting space for them to retreat to. Make sure they have access to food and water and give them puzzle toys as a distraction from the stressful experience. If you’re busy, have a friend check on your dog regularly to ensure they’re doing OK.

There are a variety of products that provide physical comfort — like anxiety vests and blankets — that can soothe your pup and help reassure them that they’re safe when feeling scared. You can also find anxiety collars that use calming pheromones and aromatherapy scents like lavender to help reduce stress levels. 

It’s also important to remember that, like humans, nervous dogs can often work out their anxiety through physical activity. Playtime activities like chewing on a favorite chew toy, playing fetch or going on a simple walk through the neighborhood can have a calming effect and help relieve stress. These remedies also come with the added benefit of expending excess energy, which may help your dog relax with the rest of the family after a big holiday meal. 

Remember, Stress Relief for Dogs Is Important All Year Long!

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that a dog’s life isn’t only stressful during the holiday season. Whether the cause is a stressful car ride to the vet, separation anxiety, Fourth of July fireworks or a storm in the middle of the night, your dog’s anxiety can be triggered by a variety of different events or changes to their environment at any time of the year. 

It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s body language and do your best to prioritize their physical and mental health during every season. Socializing with other dogs, a healthy diet and regular exercise can all help keep your dog’s anxiety at bay. Regular health exams with your vet can help ensure that you’re taking the right steps to address the specific triggers for your canine companion. 

Doing so will not only improve your dog’s quality of life, it can also help reduce your own stress levels as well!