Stress-free living is an aspiration not just for humans, but for man's best friend as well. Studies have found that most dog owners are happy people. In short, having a dog can help support your own happiness.  But for this to work, your dog also needs to be happy and stress-free. After all, you can’t give what you don’t have, right?

If you’re a dog owner, it is important that you understand how to create a relaxing environment for your dog. This supports your dog’s well-being and enhances your own. Fortunately, with the right information it is possible to achieve this. This article shares insights on creating stress-free spaces for dogs and also discusses the best products for calming anxious dogs. 

Why Do Dogs Get Stressed?

Dogs get stressed for a variety of reasons.  Understanding what is stressing your dog will help you find ways to create a stress-free zone for them. Forbes Advisor surveyed 200 dog owners and asked them several questions, including the most common stressors for their dogs. Here is what they found: 

• Loud noises, including thunderstorms fireworks or construction
• Being around large bodies of water
• Being left in unfamiliar environments alone
• Vet visits
• Car rides
• Being around other dogs
• Walking or exercising
• Visitors
• Being in public

These are some of the most common anxiety triggers in dogs. With that in mind, let's look at some of the best ways to create a relaxing environment for them.

1. Offer a Comfortable and Safe Space

Create a cozy space that your dog can consider their “safe zone” when they’re feeling stressed. It does not need to be expensive or complicated. Consider using a crate that is lined with their favorite blankie and throw in a few toys that they love.

2. Avoid Leaving Them Unattended

Dogs love company and can get stressed out when left alone. To prevent this, always make dog-sitting arrangements for them whenever you have to be away. Ensure that whoever you delegate this responsibility to is already familiar with the dog.

3. Offer Soothing Treats

As a dog owner, it's helpful to know what foods soothe your dog’s anxiety. Always have a pack of their favorite treat in their “safe zone” to help them unwind and de-stress.

4. Create and Stick to a Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit and do well with routines. Unpredictable schedules are likely to disorient them and trigger anxiety. Therefore it is important to create a schedule that includes exercise and other stress relieving activities.

5. Use Calming Products

If your dog is very stressed out, it is okay to try out the best products for calming anxious dogs. Cannabidiol (CBD for dogs) is one of the most popular anxiety-relieving supplements that is both safe and effective. Other products to consider include: 

• Pheromone diffusers: there's nothing better than offering stressed pups the calming pheromones that mother dogs produce when nursing, only that this is a synthetic version. 
• Weighted blankets: Just as weighted blankets help people with anxiety, they can also comfort dogs. Just make sure the blanket is light enough for your dog to move freely. 
• Calming music or white noise: Soft background sounds can help drown out stress-inducing noises like thunderstorms or fireworks.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement to help your dog master their fear. You can do this by exposing your dog to imitations of sounds that they are afraid of. Do this gradually and offer a reward every time the dog remains calm in a stressful environment. Over time, they will learn that remaining calm brings positive outcomes.

7. Minimize Triggers

If you know what stresses your dog, try to minimize their exposure to those triggers. 

For example:

• If your dog gets anxious during thunderstorms, ensure that the dog is indoors and settled in their “safe zone” during heavy downpours.
• If your dog struggles with being alone, limit how often you leave them on their own for long stretches. Always have a familiar face around when you need to leave them.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dog’s anxiety may persist or worsen. Should this happen, it will be wise to seek professional help from a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist. They can offer medication or other targeted treatments to manage your dog's anxiety effectively.

Final Thoughts

Creating a calming environment for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by creating a safe space where they can retreat to whenever they feel stressed.  Try to minimize anxiety triggers such as loud noises or leaving them on their own for long periods of time. Keeping them on a predictable routine is also helpful. It is also okay to offer their favorite treats when they are stressed out. You could also go the extra mile to offer the best products for calming anxious dogs. If none of these helps, you should consult a professional.