DOG HEALTH 101: A GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DOG ANXIETY
April 07, 2022
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
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.
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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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Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Teaching your dog to swim offers numerous benefits, enhancing their physical health, mental well-being, and strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Swimming provides a low-impact workout that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues. Additionally, it keeps dogs mentally stimulated and can be a life-saving skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to swim:
Preparation: Choose a safe and calm location like quiet lakes or designated dog pools. Gather essential equipment such as a well-fitting life jacket, floating toys, and treats. Make sure your dog is wearing a water-friendly collar like a Valgray splashproof designer collar in case they get lost.Conduct a health check with a vet to ensure your dog is fit for swimming and learn basic safety precautions.
Teaching Basic Commands: Ensure your dog knows basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Gradually get your dog comfortable with water through positive exposure and practice these commands in different environments.
Swimming Lessons:
Start with shallow water introduction and let your dog explore.
Gradually increase water depth and encourage swimming movements using toys.
Use a life jacket initially for safety and confidence.
Track progress and adjust the training pace as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Fear of Water: Provide gradual exposure and create positive experiences.
Distractions: Choose quiet locations and use high-value treats.
Anxiety: Use calming techniques and allow breaks.
Overexcitement: Set clear boundaries and use commands to manage excitement.
Consistency: Regular, short training sessions are more effective.
Advanced Techniques:
Teach diving and retrieving objects.
Practice in different water bodies to enhance adaptability.
Gradually introduce more challenging environments.
Enhance endurance and strength through extended sessions and vigorous activities.
Always prioritize safety during advanced training.
Remember, the journey of teaching your dog to swim is about building confidence and comfort at each stage while ensuring safety and making the experience enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Helping doggos in need is a cause that’s really close to our heart, which is why we have a Valgray charity drive every year. Over the years we have been proud to donate much needed blankets and dog food to the incredible animal rescues you recommended, as well as gifting designer dog collar and leash sets to newly adopted pooches so they can start their new lives in style.
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.
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.
