Importance of Stress Management

Like humans, pets can get stressed out, and they need an outlet for this stress. Otherwise, they can start to exhibit some not so pleasant behaviors such as destructive chewing (like ripping through your newest pair of shoes) or excessive barking (usually at the poor mailman). Stress is also a major driver of disease and can interfere with the vital functions of our and our pet’s bodies. While we can’t take our best friend for a spa day with us, here are some tips to help lower and manage stress in your dog’s life to keep that tail waggin’:

Exercise: Like humans, regular exercise can help manage stress and anxiety for dogs. Get those feel-good endorphins pumping and improve your pet’s mood by playing fetch with SodaPup’s Natural Rubber Flying Disc.
Probiotics: Through the “gut-brain axis,” the gut influences the brain, shaping neural, development, brain chemistry, and behavior. By adding probiotics like Fera Pets’ Organic Probiotics with Probiotics or their Calming Supplement to your dog’s meals, you can help reduce your dog’s anxiety and stress levels.
Sleep: Sleep is vital for dogs as it is for humans, as it helps with memory and learning, the immune system, metabolism, healing, and mood. By creating an established bedtime routine and incorporating exercise into your dog’s day, you can help your dog sleep better.
Satisfying Natural Behaviors: Chewing and sniffing are two instinctual behaviors for dogs that promote calming and relaxation. Give your dog a toy like Ware of the Dog's Organic Cotton Monkey Toy or hide some treats in L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You’s Coral Cove Snuffle Mat to satisfy your dog’s instincts. Experts say that twenty minutes of sniffing is equivalent to an hour’s walk for a dog’s enrichment.
Playing Music: Studies suggest that music can help soothe pets in addition to masking fear-inducing sounds like fireworks. Classical music is particularly effective in calming, so get that Beethoven going!
Consistent Routine: Dogs are creatures of habit, so maintaining a consistent daily routine for meals, exercise, and bedtime can help reduce stress.

We hope you find these tips helpful!