Dogs are active and intelligent animals. However, it is common for them to become overwhelmed. This happens most often in anxious dogs or dogs who are hyperactive. It can be difficult to calm a dog that is hyperactive or anxious. However, it is possible to prevent further stress from occurring. Today we will guide you How to Calm an Overstimulated Dog.
Understanding Overstimulation in Dogs
Dogs can become over-excited and overwhelmed, leading to anxiety, restlessness and hyperactivity. Loud noises, excessive attention and unfamiliar surroundings can cause overstimulation. It is important to remember that each dog has a different tolerance level. What may be too stimulating for one dog may not affect the other.
Signs that Your Dog Is Overstimulated or Excited
To quickly address the problem, it is vital to identify the signs and symptoms of an overstimulated pet. These are the most common signs.
- Drooling and panting
- Excessive whining or barking
- Uncontrollable jumping or running
- Furniture or other objects are rattled or chewed.
- Inability to settle and restlessness
- Increased heart rate and pupils with dilation
How to Calm an Overstimulated Dog?
There are many methods to calm an anxious dog. These are some tried and true methods:
Create a Calming Environment
You must ensure your dog can relax in a safe and comfortable environment. You can achieve this by creating a calm and peaceful environment in a separate space, away from distractions and loud noises.
Make soothing sounds
Dogs can be calmed by music. You can use soothing, soft music to distract or relax an anxious dog. Some dogs respond well to white noise, and nature sounds such as rain or bird songs.
Use Calming Scents
A powerful tool to calm a stressed dog is the scent. Dogs respond well to scents like vanilla, lavender, and chamomile. Essential oil diffusers, candles, and sprays can introduce these scents to the environment.
Offer Acupressure or Massage
It can help calm your dog down by massaging them. Massaging your dog can be a great way to relax and release tension. Acupressure, which involves gentle pressure on specific points of your dog’s body to relieve stress and anxiety, is another option.
Take Medications and Supplements
Medications or supplements are sometimes necessary to calm a hyperstimulated dog in severe cases. Your veterinarian might recommend CBD oil or chamomile as natural remedies for anxiety.
How to Manage Dog Aggression when Your Dog Is Hyperstimulated
Although managing aggression from overstimulated dogs can be brutal, it is possible with the proper techniques. These are some ways you can manage and prevent aggression from dogs.
Avoid Triggers
You can identify what triggers aggression in your dog and try to avoid it as much as possible. Avoid taking your dog to dog parks and other busy areas if they become aggressive towards other dogs.
Create a safe space.
It would help if you created a safe place for your dog where they can be relaxed and not overstimulated. You could use a separate space, a crate or a bed to make your dog feel safe.
Train and socialize your dog.
Overstimulated dog aggression can be prevented by training and socialization. Positive reinforcement training can teach your dog to react appropriately to different stimuli. Socialization can make it easier for them to feel at ease around other animals and people.
Use Calming Techniques
Calming techniques like massage, aromatherapy, and music can calm an anxious dog.
Conclusion
Dogs can become anxious and stressed if they are overstimulated. You must identify signs and take the appropriate steps to calm your dog. A calm environment, soothing sounds and smells, massage, acupressure, or medication or supplements can help calm an overstimulated pet. You can use these techniques to help your pet relax and prevent stress.
FAQs – How to Calm an Overstimulated Dog
Dogs can become overstimulated by various factors, including noises, unfamiliar environments, high energy levels and excitement.
Overstimulated dogs exhibit restlessness, aggression, panting, excessive barking, pacing, trembling, and a flurry of other behaviors.
A safe, calm space can be created for overstimulated dogs. You can use calming techniques like aromatherapy or massage to redirect their attention and train them to relax.
Overstimulated behavior is not a good idea. Your dog’s anxiety and fear may lead to aggressive behavior.