DOG HEALTH 101: A GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DOG ANXIETY

April 07, 2022

Dog health 101: A guide to identifying and dealing with dog anxiety. The image shows a black and white spotted Australian Shepherd puppy (medium-sized dog breed) wearing a turquoise blue and rose gold Valgray collar.

As pet parents, we know that dealing with dog anxiety is heartbreaking. For some, their precious pooch is too anxious to be themselves when visitors come over, whereas for others, it means a huge performance whenever you want to leave the house. And don’t get us started on fireworks. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for helping dogs with anxiety, but we do have tips that will help most pups get over their stress and enjoy life more. 

7 WAYS OF DEALING WITH DOG ANXIETY
Valgray blog post image for Dog health 101: A guide to identifying and dealing with dog anxiety. Image shows a black pug (small-sized dog breed) wearing a Pistachio green and silver Valgray for Dogs collar and receiving a kiss on the head.

1. Go for a check up

If your dog is demonstrating signs of anxiety, your first call should always be to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems that may be behind their behaviour. 

2. Learn to speak dog

Learning to read your dog's body language is the key to unlocking what your loveable pooch thinks and feels. Once you understand your dog, it's easier to prevent and avoid situations or stimuli that make your pup feel anxious. Learn more about dog body language here.

3. Exercise and mental stimulation

Regular mental stimulation and exercise is essential to keeping your pooch healthy and happy. Without an outlet like chasing a ball or going for walkies, a dog's pent up nervous energy and boredom generally result in them chewing your favourite shoes or shredding their bed.

4. Obedience training

One of the best tools for managing dog anxiety is obedience training. This type of dog training lays the foundations for a trusting and healthy relationship between you and your fur kid and makes it easier for them to socialise.

5. Counterconditioning

Counterconditioning is a dog training strategy used to treat dog anxiety. The purpose of counterconditioning is to change your pooch's response to anxiety-inducing stimuli. Usually, professional dog trainers teach anxious dogs to sit or focus on their owners instead of displaying anxious or aggressive behaviour.

6. Doggy socialisation

Proper dog socialisation helps prevent fur kids from developing anxiety, becoming overly protective and lashing out.  By teaching your dogs to meet new people, other dogs, animals or enjoy new places and experiences, you’ll help them decrease and even avoid the exaggerated fight or flight responses driven by anxiety.

Sometimes no amount of attention, exercise and training is enough to help a dog get over their anxiety. If this is your pup, it is time to return to your veterinarian for a personalised treatment plan. Be sure to discuss whether your fur baby will need continued medication or if there are options that can be kept for particularly stressful occasions, like fireworks and storms. 

THINKING OF CBD OIL AND OTHER REMEDIES?

It is always best to discuss over-the-counter remedies with your doggy doctor before testing it out on your best friend. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you whether these products are safe, will help your pooch’s symptoms and the best dosage for their particular weight. 

Please note this blog is for information purposes only. Valgray for Dogs encourages dog owners to consult a veterinarian before making decisions about dog feeding, medical care, oral health care or behavioural conditions.

Click here to learn more about Valgray and our story.

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Valgray for Dogs

When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around. 

We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!

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MORE TO EXPLORE

THE VALGRAY DESIGNER DOG COLLAR SIZING GUIDE
Valgray luxury dog accessory product sizing guide & sizing chart for all size dog collar blog banner. Image from The Valgray Collar Sizing Guide page.

 

THE VALGRAY DESIGNER DOG COLLAR SIZING GUIDE

Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward. 

It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar. 

Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.

DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?

No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here. 

Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.

Valgray luxury dog accessory product sizing guide & sizing chart for extra large, large, medium, small and extra small dog collars. Image from The Valgray Collar Sizing Guide page.

PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION

We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.

Interested in learning about the paws and humans behind Valgray? Learn about our journey and how we give back on Valgray, This Is How Our Story Started!