A nervous dog can be a common reason for a pet owner to visit their vet. Seeing your four-legged friend stressed and anxious can be a worry for any owner.
If your dog is nervous or stressed easily this can be because of a number reasons, which can make certain situations stressful for pet owners. For example changes in their normal environment or routine can be the reason for a dog or cat to become nervous or stressed.
Nervous dogs and cats can then develop other health problems such as poor urinary tract health in cats.
Nervous dogs
Signs of anxiety in dogs can include, trembling, whining, destruction of property and sometimes, even aggression. A stressed or nervous dog may choose to hide in enclosed safe places like under a bed/in a den. When left alone some dogs can also develop separation anxiety, which could lead to unwanted or unruly behaviour.
Common reasons for your dog to be nervous or scared could include, loud noises, kennel stays, separation anxiety, vet visits, travel or even the introduction of a new pet or new member of the family. Anything that is out of the ordinary to their routine or environment could lead to stress or anxiety for your pet.
Nervous cats
Depending on their environment cats can become stressed or nervous due to a number of reasons. Cats that live in multi-cat homes can be susceptible to stress due to sharing litter trays and food bowls etc. Other common reasons include, travel, stays in the cattery, changes to their routine or the introduction of new pets. Cats are also very territorial and could become stressed due to other cats in the neighbourhood.
Signs of a stressed cat can include, urinating in the house, scratching at walls or furniture, over grooming, increased vocalisation and in severe stressful situations reacting aggressively towards people or other household pets. As cats can be very independent, if your cat is stressed they may also hide in enclosed safe places, like under the bed.
How to calm a nervous dog or cat
If you have a nervous dog or cat, there are a number of positive things that you can do to help calm them. These include:
- Creating a den
- Maintaining a routine
- Burn off extra energy
- Stay calm yourself
- Distract your pet with treats or toys
- Comfort your pet during the stressful event
Never punish a nervous dog or cat as this can lead to further stress for your pet. If they do something due to stress, such as soil in the house or scratch furniture, don’t shout at them, remain calm yourself and only reward good behaviour.
Why Nutracalm is the best calming aid for nervous dogs
Nutracalm is specially formulated to naturally calm anxious and nervous dogs and help to reduce unwanted and unruly behaviour. Nutracalm is a fast acting natural calming supplement for dogs and has been designed to aid a quick natural response once taken.
If you are looking for calming tablets for nervous dogs then Nutracalm is highly recommended by vets throughout the UK as a fast acting natural supplement. If you are worried about your pet and their behaviour, you should consult your vet, who is best placed to offer advice with regards to your pet’s health.