There are many things that can cause a dog to feel stress. In fact, many of the same situations that can cause a human to feel stressed will also afflict a dog. Things such as moving to a new home, discord in a household, going to the vet, feeling pain, lack of food and water, and a variety of unfamiliar situations can be just a few of these things.

So how do we help a stressed dog to get back to being a happy dog once more?

The first thing is to learn your dog's particular ways of expressing that he or she is stressed. Each dog can have its individual ways of dealing with a stressful situation, some of which can include:

Excessive sleep

Hiding

Becoming "clingy"

Lack of appetite

Nervous habits, such as "clacking" of teeth or excessive whining

Destructive and out-of-the-ordinary behavior such as chewing on furniture (this is to say, something that your dog wouldn't do under normal circumstances)

Once the signs of stress have been recognized, the next step is to help your dog to relax. Here are a few suggestions to help...

Grooming

Simply brushing your dog can be a relaxing time for both of you. Not only does it give your pet some needed love and attention during stressful times, it also stimulates blood flow, which increases energy, and helps to relax tense muscles.

Massage

Some dogs will get stress knots in various muscles when they are feeling nervous. Massaging your dogs back, shoulders, and hip areas will help relieve these knots. Once you've started, you might even find him lie him right down on the floor with groans of relief, even begging for more once you've stopped a massage.

Talk to your dog

Recent studies have shown that an average dog understands about two hundred and fifty words. It may sound silly, however, the more you talk to your dog, the more she will understand it. Talking in soothing tones to your dog about what is happening in her life will help her to feel more relaxed about it. Be sure to be clear and to follow through with anything you might tell her you will do for her (such as going for a walk), as she will remember what you've said. Not following through can also cause more stress.

Play

A stress-buster for both dog and master, any type of play your dog enjoys will quickly reduce the stress he feels, and take his mind off of whatever it is he has been stressing over.

In the end, a little love, time, and attention (in whatever way you give it) is still the best way to help your dog to get back to feeling happy and stress-free.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer L. Thompson.
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