Stress and overreactive dogs: How to help your four-legged friend in stressful situations

Dogs are not only our loyal companions, but also sensitive creatures who can react to various stressors. Situations like being alone, car rides, vet visits, or New Year's Eve can be extremely stressful for many dogs. In this article, you'll learn why certain situations trigger stress in dogs and how you can help your four-legged friend cope better with these situations – with a natural solution that can be easily integrated into everyday life.

Why do dogs overreact in certain situations?

Dogs can overreact in various situations, which can manifest itself in barking, trembling, panting, or even aggressive behavior. There are many reasons for this:

• Lack of socialization: Dogs that were not exposed to a sufficient number of different stimuli during their imprinting phase may later react anxiously or stressed to unfamiliar situations.
• Negative experiences: Traumatic experiences, such as a painful visit to the vet or a loud bang on New Year's Eve, can cause the dog to avoid similar situations in the future or react to them with stress.
• Genetic predisposition: Some dog breeds are more prone to anxious or nervous behavior due to their genetic disposition.
• Lack of routine: Dogs are creatures of habit. Changes in their daily routine or unforeseen events can cause stress.

Understanding the causes of stress is the first step to helping your dog in stressful situations.

How to help your dog in stressful situations:

There are several approaches to help your dog deal with stressful situations:

• Training and desensitization: Gradually and controlledly expose your dog to stress-inducing stimuli to get him used to them. Reward calm behavior and gradually increase the intensity.
• Create safe retreats: Offer your dog a permanent place where he feels safe, be it a cozy corner in the living room or a special dog crate.
• Introduce calming rituals: Fixed routines, such as a specific command or a calming stroke before being left alone, can give the dog a sense of security.
• Use of natural sedatives: This is where our Calm & Balance Drops come into play.

Conclusion

Stress in dogs is a serious issue that not only affects your four-legged friend's well-being, but also your quality of life together. Through targeted training, creating safe retreats, and the use of natural calming agents like our Calm & Balance Drops You can help your dog live life more relaxed and balanced. Remember: A relaxed dog also means a relaxed owner.