Help for anxious pets
Up to 70 per cent of dogs and 85 per cent of cats get freaked out at the vet’s, and some cry each time you leave the house. Try these tricks to ease anxiety – instantly.
PLAY SOOTHING TUNES
Does your cat or dog have separation anxiety? “Pets like classical music, reggae and audiobooks,” vet Marty Becker says. And according to musicologist David Teie, dogs tend to dislike low-register music, such as heavy rock, which they find threatening. Spotify now offers
Pet Playlists featuring soothing music, while Audible offers talking books for your pet presented in a steady, peaceful voice. Reading an audiobook aloud has proven very effective in helping dogs relax. Check out Audible for Dogs
(go to audible.com.au/dogs for a free 30-day trial), where you can choose pooch-related titles, like A Dog’s Purpose, or from favourite human reads, such as Pride and Prejudice.
OCCUPY HER WITH TREATS
Eating is soothing, relaxing and just plain rewarding for animals, Dr Becker says. If a dog or cat is going somewhere scary, like the vet’s, let her go there hungry so she’ll respond to tasty, calming treats. Even better: Put the goodies in a puzzle toy, which will keep a dog’s brain occupied as she works to dig out the food – a double distraction from nerves.
KEEP THINGS QUIET
Before a bath, fill the tub while your pup is in another room, out of earshot, since the sound of running water can be frightening. Make sure the water is warm, and dilute shampoo in a separate container, Dr Becker suggests, so the sound of the bottle being squeezed won’t worry a nervous dog (this makes the suds rinse off faster, too). Lastly, spread peanut butter on the tub wall so he can lick it off while you lather him up. You can bet he’ll be psyched for his next bath.
GIVE HIM A WEARABLE HUG
Noise, whether from a thunderstorm, fireworks or a vacuum cleaner, can be a huge source of fear, and a gentle compression vest can help some cats and dogs stay chill. If you notice your pet reacting to loud noises, it’s important to address his fear as soon as possible, Dr Becker says, as these reactions tend to get worse over time and eventually your pet may even startle at smaller noises.
WHEN IN DOUBT, TIRE HER OUT
Many pets become uneasy when they’re bored, and physical activity can help reduce signs of anxiety. “A tired dog is a happy dog,” Dr Becker says.