How to Create a Calming Environment for Your Dog

Sammi was the rescue dog terrified of everything. Especially thunderstorms. He’d pace, pant, and whimper throughout the thunderboomers. His body language was a mess. After much trial and error, I figured out a way that calmed both of us.

However, it started with creating a calming environment for your dog in the first place. Not just when the thunderstorms and other loud noises roll in. After all, when people (and pets!) feel nurtured, everyone has good mental health. Good mental health reduces anxiety and boosts immunity.   

Did you know that one way to create a nurturing environment for fearful dogs is to have a routine?

Routines set expectations and every new dog in a new home loves a routine. Take Sammi. He had his going out and eating routine. But the thunderstorms were different. They were loud and scary and unpredictable. Fortunately, I found some calming drops that I’d give him at the very first rumble. Then, I’d turn soothing music up loud.

While every dog is different, the basics below will help all but the most stressed pooches.

6 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Safe at Home

1. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY ROUTINE

Dogs are creatures of habit and love a routine. Daily routines give a sense of stability and set expectations. When you have a regular routine for food, play, and outside time, it helps your anxious dog feel safe.

2. PLENTY OF EXERCISE (MENTAL AND PHYSICAL!)

You’ve probably heard the saying, “a tired dog is a good dog?” It’s true. While every dog’s exercise needs vary by age, ability, and breed, what doesn’t vary is they all need daily exercise. This means both physical and mental exercise to improve your dog’s behavior and even distract them from your dog’s fear.

3. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN BED OR CRATE

Everyone likes having a safe space to call their own. Some dogs appreciate a bed in a corner (maybe even a closet) so they feel like they’re going into their den. A calming dog bed designed to lessen anxiety may help.

Some dogs like to seek refuge in a crate with a sheet or blanket draped over it. Watch your best friend to see where their favorite safe places are and see if you can add a bed or recreate the feeling in another part of the house.

4. PLAY SOFT MUSIC WHEN YOU’RE NOT HOME

If they have separation anxiety when home alone fora. period of time, turn some tunes on. From dog-centric YouTube channels to our own curated Spotify playlists for dogs, there are a ton of options. A 2017 study found that playing soft rock or reggae helped kenneled dogs reduce stress. Who knew pups were Bob Marley fans?

5. CALMING SUPPLEMENTS & AROMATHERAPY (IF YOUR VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDS THEM)

There are doggie chews with valerian and chamomile designed to reduce doggie stress. For more serious cases, there are pup-grade prescriptions your veterinarian may recommend.

Some dog owners opt for aromatherapy by using a pheromone DAP diffuser or diluting a drop of lavender in a spray diffuser to ease their dog’s anxiety.

6. GIVE THEM CALMING TOYS AND CHEWS

Having quality toys and chews can reduce boredom, aid teeth cleaning, and even soothe your dog. It’s all about the ingredients of the chew. The Petstages Calming Dogwood Chew is made with real hemp which has soothing properties for pups who may have occasional anxiety.

Alongside the calming chew is the Petstages Fresh Breath Dogwood Chew. This mint flavored chew freshens breath and improves dental health.

The Benefits of Hemp & Mint for Dogs

For centuries, hemp has been used to make quality clothes, paper, and recently, even biodegradable plastics! Hemp works with the dog’s natural biology to soothe the nervous system and even help with seizures and digestive problems.

Besides soothing your pup, hemp is also rich in omega 3 fatty acids which support your dog’s healthy coat, skin, eyesight, joint health, and many other benefits. In case you’re wondering, the hemp plant does not have THC so it won’t get your dog “high.” Calm dogs are happy dogs. Not only can you get a calming hemp chew for your dog, but you can also get dog treats, toys, and oil made from hemp.

Small quantities of mint can also benefit dogs. It has antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties to create minty fresh breath! Not only that, but mint can also reduce nausea.

How to Make Your Dog Feel Safe

Those are some little things you can do to make your nervous dog’s life more comfortable at home or around what scares them.

If you still struggle to help calm your dog, check out Patricia McConnell’s fear-free dog training website for desensitization/counter-conditioning techniques using positive reinforcement. You could also consult with a veterinary behaviorist or dog trainer.

Now that you know these calming tips, how will you create a calming environment for your pup?