Tips to Help Ease Your Rescue's Anxiety

Rescuing a dog comes with many challenges for both of you. Since you can’t possibly know what happened to your new best friend before you provided them with a safe space, they might come with various anxieties, fears, and insecurities that can keep you both on edge. If you notice that your dog is experiencing anxiety, there are many things that you can do to help ease them into their new world. These are the best and easiest tips for helping your new pet feel more comfortable with you and in their new home. 

When your dog begins to feel anxious, it can trigger their fight or flight response in the same way it does for humans. Exercise will raise their heart rate and help them breathe deeper. When you get their blood pumping, it will help to reduce hormones like cortisol, which will help to calm them and make them feel less anxious.

Massage is a great way to help reduce your dog's anxiety. Whether that comes in the form of a pat on the head or deep strokes down their mane, the simple act of touch can help ease their nerves and calm their fears. Just as humans get a chemical jolt by simply smiling, science tells us that when you smoothe the wrinkles above your dog’s eyes and in between their ears, it can make your dog feel less anxious. 

Calming music can help your dog relax and distract them from the anxiety they feel. If you know that your dog is going to be in a stressful situation, play some soothing tunes to help them cope with their fears.

Toys are a great way to engage with your dog. Find a chew toy that they like or let them work out some of their anxiety by chasing a ball. The more distracted and active you can have them, the less anxiety they will feel. Also, handing them a treat will stimulate good feelings to squash the negative ones associated with anxiety. 

Show your dog affection and reassurance when you see signs of stress and anxiety. Just showing them some love and attention can often make them feel loved and cared for. When they feel safe, they experience less anxiety. Just like us, being close, cuddling or even just making direct eye contact with your dog can ease their fears and anxieties. 

The best way to ease your dog's anxiety is by providing them with predictability, routine and a safe environment. Dogs like to have some sense of control, and giving them a schedule and repetition is a great way for them to gain confidence and reduce fears.

Rescuing is one of the best gifts that you can give to a dog. Every dog you rescue, however, will come with a certain amount of anxiety and fear. By giving them a safe and predictable home, you will see their anxiety begin to disappear, and when they are happy, you will be happier too.