Travel, unfamiliar visitors, loud noises and separation anxiety can turn normally well-behaved pets into hyper and destructive animals. While this behavior is frustrating, it can often be remedied without resorting to desperate measures. Try these tricks to help calm anxiety and reduce unwanted behavior in pets.
1) Treats and Toys
Separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons that pets misbehave. To ease separation anxiety try filling your pet’s space with pleasing toys and treats when you are away. A toy that dispenses treats when played with will help keep him busy. If you only give him the toy when you leave, he may begin to associate being left alone with a positive experience.
2) Pressure Vests
Some experts believe that gentle body pressure has a calming effect on a pet’s nervous system. Pressure vests wrap around the animal’s torso and apply consistent gentle pressure. Pressure vests are made of light, breathable fabric and can usually be worn for extended periods of time. Thundershirts, a popular brand of pressure vest, report an 80% success rate at reducing anxious behavior in cats and dogs.
3) Holistic herbs and aromatherapy
Celebrity dog trainer Caesar Milan advocates the use of holistic methods like aromatherapy for calming dogs. Products like Canine Calm mist spray can be sprayed near an animal or massaged onto the animal’s body for a calming effect. There are many other herbal supplements on the market that claim to calm animals holistically. Always check with a veterinarian to get recommendations on which supplements and aromatherapy methods are safest for your pet.
It’s important to remember that each animal is different, with unique emotions and anxieties. Some methods may work on one animal and not on another. Don’t give up or become aggressive with your pet out of frustration with their behavior. If you are having trouble controlling your pet it is a good idea to contact a professional trainer or specialist to evaluate your particular pet and situation.
Keep in mind that bad behavior could be caused by an underlying medical condition. Rule out medical problems by taking your pet to the vet for regular check ups.
