Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
The post Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The Boston Terrier Pekingese mix is a mixed breed dog that combines the pampered Pekingese and the distinguished Boston Terrier to create a loyal and smart small canine companion breed.
Although the cross can lean towards one parent breed or the other, you are most likely to find that your Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix falls somewhere between these two popular pups, ideally taking the best of both breeds and combining them in one compact package. The mix is sometimes referred to as a Bostinese or Boston Peke, or simply called a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix.
Breed Overview
Height:
10–15 inches
Weight:
12–25 pounds
Lifespan:
11–14 years
Colors:
Black, white, brown, tan, gray
Suitable for:
Novice owners looking for a smart, loyal companion canine
Temperament:
Loyal, loving, smart, responsive, resilient, adaptable
Although the Boston Terrier Pekingese mix is a relatively new combination, you can expect a pup that is loyal and loving, smart, and generally happy to be trained, as long as it gets love and some treats out of the arrangement.
The Bostonese will enjoy spending time with its humans, will generally get along with other dogs, and is considered easy to care for—this combination of traits makes it a good choice for first-time and novice dog owners. Its size and adaptability mean that it can live in most accommodations, too, so it is a good choice for owners who live in apartments as well as those who live in houses with more land.
Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix Puppies
The Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix is a small dog, which means that puppies are especially small. Although the breed itself is not overly delicate, the tiny size of the puppies means that extra care does need to be taken when they are very young.
The mixed breed is not that well-known or popular, yet, which means it can prove very difficult to find breeders that are intentionally breeding the cross. However, it is worth investigating. Check breeder registries, look on social media, and ask any owners of the mixed breed where they got their puppies from.
When choosing a breeder, ensure you don’t use a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass breed dogs and not only do the parents and puppies live in inhumane conditions, but the puppies can grow up to develop physical and emotional problems that they will have all of their lives. Studies suggest that puppy mill dogs are more likely to develop certain health conditions and are more likely to have fleas and other problems as soon as you receive the puppy.
When choosing a breeder, visit their site. Ask to meet the mother and ensure that she and her puppies look healthy and alert. Ask any questions you have about the breed. Not only does this help ensure your suitability as an owner but it can also give a good indication of how caring a breeder is.
Although the mixed breed is rare, you might find them in rescue centers, and it is always worth checking shelters to see if there is a dog you can adopt. Ask the adopter for as much history as they have on the dog, whether it gets on with other animals in the shelter, and how it acts when meeting visitors. Dogs do act differently when they are in shelters, but this can give a good idea of how well-socialized the dog is, at least.
Whenever you get a new dog, you should start socializing and training it as soon as you get it home. This will help ensure it grows up to be a well-adjusted dog that can cope with new situations, and that it will get along with other animals as well as new people.
Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix Breed Origin & History
Due to the similar size of the two parent breeds, the Boston Terrier Pekingese mix may have occurred naturally in the past, but intentional breeding of this pairing is a relatively new phenomenon.
Intentional breeding likely started at the beginning of the 21st Century to add some of the robust, playful tendencies of the Boston Terrier to the doting lapdog qualities of the Pekingese. The breed remains fairly uncommon, for now, at least.
Image Credit: Left- Christine Bird, Shutterstock | Right – Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock
Temperament & Intelligence of the Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
The Boston Terrier is known for being a playful, even hyperactive, little dog. It loves to play, enjoys walking and running, and is also at its happiest and most content when spending time with its human owners.
The Boston can be protective of its owners, making early socialization especially important for the breed, but it isn’t known for being overly vocal and, when combined with its diminutive stature, this makes the Boston Terrier a good choice for living in an apartment. It is a smart dog, but its playful nature means it can be difficult to keep the Boston Terrier’s attention for a long-winded training session. Training is certainly possible, but it means that the owner must keep training sessions short and ensure they’re fun.
The Pekingese breed was bred as lapdogs and they were valued so highly by Chinese royalty that owned them, that they had their own servants. Modern Pekingese owners will tell you that they haven’t forgotten this, and they expect their humans to still act as their servants.
The breed is fearless, in keeping with its “lion dog” moniker, and this means that it will attempt to fearlessly tackle much larger dogs. Again, this makes early socialization key to successful ownership. The breed likes children, but its tiny size means that it can be fearful of very young children who are prone to grabbing their ear fluff.
The combination of these two breeds typically results in a fearless small dog that loves to play, adores spending time with its humans, and can be a little difficult to train. Despite the training challenge, the breed is considered a good choice for first-time owners, but if you do take on a Boston Terrier Pekingese mix you will need to start training and socializing them as soon as possible to ensure a stress-free time.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Both parent breeds make good companion dogs that will get along with children and, as such, the mix will get along with kids, too. The addition of the rugged Boston Terrier breed means that the mix will usually even get along with very young children, whereas the Pekingese can be wary around tiny grabbing hands. With that said, the crossbreed will do better with older children, especially those who are willing to grab a ball or other toy and spend some time playing.
The Boston Terrier Pekingese mix dotes on its owners and can struggle if left alone too long, so if your family is out of the house all day, this might not be the best choice of breed for you. However, despite being quite energetic, those little legs don’t need too much vigorous exercise, so the breed is also ideal for senior owners. Its size, and the fact that it isn’t usually prone to being excessively vocal, means that the mix is a good choice for owners who live in apartments or close to their neighbors.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Generally, the breed gets along very well with other dogs, and it can also get along well with cats. If you do have other animals at home, you should ensure they are introduced gradually, though, so they have the greatest chance of getting along.
Ensure all pets have their own spaces they can retreat to. In the case of cats, it is a good idea to let them have the high ground, so make sure they have a perch on which they can jump. The small size of the Boston Terrier Pekingese mix means that the perch doesn’t have to be very high, and the cat shouldn’t have an issue getting away.
If you’re introducing the dog to an existing dog or pack of dogs, start by putting them on opposite sides of a stairgate so they can see and smell one another without physically interacting. Once they get used to the smell, use leashes and introduce them gradually. It can take time for existing animals to accept new members of the pack, but with gradual and careful introductions, it should be possible.
Although the breed is small, you should still never leave it alone with small animals like mice, rats, Guinea Pigs, or other caged animals. If the small animal runs, the dog will likely give chase and can seriously injure or even kill the pet.
Things to Know When Owning a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix:
The Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix combines two very popular small companion dog breeds. It gets along well with people of all ages, although care needs to be taken around very young children, and it can usually be integrated into a house with existing pets. It is considered a good first dog breed, but no breed is perfect for all owners.
Below, we look at some of the features and requirements of the breed to help you determine whether it is the right dog for you.
Food & Diet Requirements
Diet is very important to dogs. A poor diet can cause physical and health problems, and it can also lead to poor coat condition and skin problems. Feeding too much food can lead to your dog putting on extra weight, so you do need to follow feeding guidelines. If your vet has recommended a specific food, a particular diet, or some kind of supplement, follow these guidelines above all others. Otherwise, you can choose between wet food, dry food, or a combination of the two.
On average, a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix will consume around one cup a day of dry kibble. You can choose a small breed dog food. Not only does small-breed food meet the nutritional requirements of small breeds, but it typically has smaller kibble pieces that are easier for small mouths to manage. Alternatively, wet food can also help hydrate your dog while also meeting daily nutritional requirements.
Weigh your dog, choose an appropriate food, and then feed according to the guidelines on the packaging to make sure you’re meeting the necessary calorie, protein, and nutritional needs.
Exercise
The Boston Terrier Pekingese mix is a lively, active breed that enjoys walking, hiking, running, and playing, and it does require daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. However, it is a small breed and only has small legs. As such, it doesn’t require an excessive amount of walking and can struggle with strenuous forms of exercise.
A couple of walks a day, totaling 45 minutes or more, should prove ample, and you can supplement this with some time playing outside. The breed’s playful nature means that the Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix can do well at certain canine sports. With consistent and positive training, you might be able to take part in agility classes, and there are flyball and other sports events that are tailored to smaller dogs.
Training
Training not only teaches basic commands like sit, stay, and leave, but it also teaches dogs what is considered good behavior and what isn’t. The Boston Terrier Pekingese mix is an intelligent breed but it can be a little stubborn, and the playful nature of the Boston Terrier means you will have to make training sessions fun and exciting if you want to keep the dog’s attention throughout the session.
Keep sessions short, use training treats to encourage good behavior, and consider signing up for puppy classes. Puppy classes let your dog mix with other dogs, and meet new people, and they teach you the basics of dog training.
Puppy classes are also a great way to start your dog’s socialization. Socialization means introducing your dog to new situations. They will meet new people as well as other animals. They will become desensitized to the whole experience and good socialization will set you and your dog up for an easier life.
Socialization and training should continue outside puppy classes. Set aside some time every day to train basic commands and positive behavior and take your dog on different walks at different times, to different places, to offer further socialization.
Grooming
Whereas Pekingese have long coats, Boston Terriers have short coats, and your mix’s coat is likely to be a little on the longer side. You can expect some shedding, potentially quite a lot, as both parent breeds are prone to moderate shedding.
Brush daily during shedding season to help prevent knots and to ensure your little dog is comfortable. During the rest of the year, you can reduce grooming sessions to three or four times a week, but you must keep on top of this.
Nails need trimming, typically once every 2 or 3 months, or they can start to cause pain when your dog walks, and trimming nails also helps prevent scratching when your dog jumps up.
Teeth need cleaning at least three times a week but ideally every day. The breed doesn’t do well in extreme weather. You may need to provide a jacket in winter and sunscreen in summer.
Health and Conditions
The Boston Terrier Pekingese mix can struggle in cold and hot conditions, which means you need to offer protection from extreme weather. They also have brachycephalic facial features, which can lead to respiratory and eye problems.
The mix is more prone to the following conditions than most other breeds.
Eye Conditions
Cataracts
Allergies
Brachycephalic Upper Airway Syndrome
Corneal Ulceration
Patellar Luxation
Male vs Female
The male Boston Terrier Pekingese mix will be a little heavier and taller than the female, as is typical with most dog breeds. When it comes to character and temperament, there is some anecdotal evidence that males can be more playful and difficult to manage, whereas females are more prone to mood swings but are usually more level-headed and less likely to wander.
The breed is not known for being aggressive, but males are more likely to be aggressive than females, especially unaltered males.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
1. The Boston Terrier Is Known as “The American Gentleman”
The Boston Terrier hails, unsurprisingly, from Boston, U.S.A. Thanks to its tuxedo markings, the breed has become known as the American Gentleman, although some owners may insist they are more thuglike than gentlemanlike.
2. Pekingese Used to Have Their Own Servants
The Pekingese hails from China, where it was bred as a lapdog to Royalty. They were treated so well and revered so highly that they had their own servants. Owners will tell you that they still have their own human servants, to this day.
3. The Boston Terrier Pekingese Can Suffer Separation Anxiety
The Boston Terrier and the Pekingese are both known for being companion dogs that are very close to their human owners. This makes them great companion pets, but it also means they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If you go to work, you may need a walker or pet sitter to come in and help.
Final Thoughts
The Boston Terrier Pekingese mix is a mixed breed that combines two popular small companion breeds. The resulting mix is a small breed that enjoys spending time with its human family.
Although energetic, the small size of the breed means it doesn’t require too much exercise, and although its playful nature means it might find it difficult to concentrate, the breed is smart and intelligent enough that it can be well-trained. It will get along with other dogs, generally gets on with strangers, and is considered a good breed for novice owners.
However, you will have to take some care of that coat and the breed can suffer separation anxiety so it might not be the best choice for owners that work all day.
The post Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Dogs Climb Trees? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
The post Can Dogs Climb Trees? Vet-Verified Facts & Info by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Everyone knows that cats can climb trees like nobody’s business (it’s the getting-down thing they sometimes need the fire department’s help with). But can their canine counterparts scale a mighty oak, too?
While you’re unlikely to catch a St. Bernard in a tree, some particularly athletic breeds can climb trees if motivated enough. Read on to learn more.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Climb Trees?
Climbing trees isn’t a typical activity for dogs, but that doesn’t mean they won’t if they have the physical ability and are afforded the opportunity and incentive.
Dogs generally don’t climb trees because they’re just not built for doing so. Their strong legs are designed for endurance, not for scaling timber. They needed to evolve to run more than they needed to climb, so their legs weren’t designed to bend around things the way a cat or bear can. Additionally, their nails are not up to the task. Canine nails are thick and strong, but they’re not able to penetrate wood as easily as cats can with their sharp claws.
Image Credit: Anna Averianova, Shutterstock
Which Dog Breeds Can Climb Trees?
As you can imagine, tree climbing isn’t a hobby that every dog can master. We are generally only talking about making it up to the first branches and not the lofty heights of the tree. Only a handful of breeds can take their adventures into arboreal pursuits.
1. Catahoula Leopard Dogs
Image Credit: B Young, Shutterstock
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are a medium-large breed originating in the United States. They were used as working dogs to track and drive cattle and hogs from swamplands. As renowned hunters, these agile pups can scale trees in pursuit of their prey.
2. Border Collies
Image Credit: Anna Aybetova, Shutterstock
Border Collies are not only the most intelligent dog breed (at least according to the leading expert in canine intelligence), but they’re also one of the most energetic. The Border Collie is a descendant of the traditional sheepdog that once roamed the British Isles. They are typically kept as working dogs and are happy to spend their days herding sheep. It is their seemingly inexhaustible thirst for physical activity that makes the Border Collie able to climb a tree.
3. Treeing Walker Coonhounds
Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
The Treeing Walker Coonhound earned their name honestly as they are one of the few breeds that can climb trees. Initially developed in the United States to hunt raccoons, these medium-sized dogs will also hunt other game, including bears, bobcats, and cougars. They aren’t afraid to chase their prey up a tree and follow them up there if they feel it is necessary.
4. Jack Russell Terriers
Image Credit: Anna Averianova, Shutterstock
Jack Russell Terriers are one of the smallest dog breeds capable of tree climbing. They typically weigh between 9 to 15 pounds on average, making their trek up the tree a little simpler than some of the other larger dogs on our list. The breed was initially developed in Britain to be used as fox hunters, and modern Jack Russells still maintain their dedicated working and hunting skills.
5. Belgian Malinois
Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
The Belgian Malinois is a Belgian breed of herding dog whose working skills don’t stop in the field. This intelligent breed often finds work as assistance dogs, detection dogs, guide dogs, and police dogs. They have a lot of energy to burn and require anywhere from one to two hours of exercise daily. Their favorite activities include walking, hiking, running, and, apparently, climbing trees.
6. New Guinea Singing Dog
Image Credit: Blanka Berankova, Shutterstock
Although you won’t find a New Guinea Singing Dog at your local rescue or any breeders specializing in this breed, these wild dogs, similar to the dingo, are one of the best at climbing trees. Native to the forests on the island of New Guinea, they were thought to be extinct for 50 years. However, trail cameras have recently caught proof of their existence. Experts surmise there are only around 200 to 300 individuals left in their native island habitat. These animals are fascinating as they have very flexible spines and the ability to rotate their front and hind paws more than their domesticated counterparts, which is why they are excellent tree climbers.
Why Do Dogs Climb Trees?
A dog may choose to climb a tree for several reasons. For example, they may be in hot pursuit of prey that has run to the tree to find a safe haven, or they might be in the middle of a quality zoomies session and not even realize they’ve scaled a tree in their attempt to burn off excess energy.
Final Thoughts
While tree climbing isn’t the norm for dogs, there are certainly some outlier breeds that will ascend one if given the opportunity and possess the physical skills. The only reason you don’t see dogs in trees as often as cats is that their bodies are just not designed to tackle such tasks.
Featured Image Credit: Kebal Oleksandra, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Climb Trees? Vet-Verified Facts & Info by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell Like Fish? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Solutions
The post Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell Like Fish? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Solutions by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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We’ve all encountered some bad dog breath. While it’s considered common for your dog’s mouth to smell a little, if you notice a change in the smell, it can be a sign of illness or a problem with bad dental hygiene. In particular, if their breath smells of fish, this is often associated with problems including dental disease, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or a poor diet.
Below, we look at some of the possible causes of fishy breath in dogs, along with other signs to look for and what actions you can take. We also look at some remedies and solutions that might help improve your dog’s breath.
The 5 Causes of Fishy Breath
Dogs and minty-fresh breath usually aren’t mentioned in the same sentence, but that doesn’t mean it should be considered normal for a dog’s breath to smell so foul that you can’t stand to approach them. A fishy odor is a strong smell, and it is one that you wouldn’t generally expect from a dog’s mouth. Therefore, it is worth investigating. Here are some of the possible causes of this smell.
Image Credit: Tatianasoba, Shutterstock
1. Poor Dental Hygiene
Your dog can’t brush their own teeth, so it’s very easy for accumulations of plaque and tartar to take over. Dental treats and other products can help, but they often work better when used in conjunction with a good tooth brushing schedule.
You should brush a dog’s teeth every day if possible, otherwise do the best you can but shoot for at least once a week. There are many different types of toothbrushes and doggy toothpaste available that are effective and safe. You will also need to take your dog to the vet to have their teeth and gums checked out every 6=12 months.
Signs of poor dental hygiene include staining of the teeth, damaged or missing teeth, and redness of the gums. If poor dental hygiene has led to dental problems, your dog might exhibit signs of pain and distress while eating.
If you do see signs of dental disease, take your dog to the vet and have them checked over. You should also start brushing regularly, and you may need to change their diet if your dog is struggling to eat the food you’re providing.
2. Dietary Issues
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet, this could be the cause of the bad smell. Your dog might be eating poop, either out of a litter tray, from the yard, or even while out on walks, if you’re not paying full attention. It could also be eating from the trash which might be causing the smell.
Ensure you buy a good quality food that provides all of the nutrients your dog requires. Try to keep them from eating things that they shouldn’t, including human food.
Image Credit: kathrineva20, Shutterstock
3. Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when a dog’s body either doesn’t produce the insulin it needs or doesn’t respond properly to the insulin that is there. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and lack of available energy for the cells of the body.
Typical signs of diabetes include increased urination, increased thirst, and weight loss. The vet will take a blood test to check blood sugar levels, and if your dog is found to have diabetes it will likely need regular insulin injections.
As with diabetes in humans, lifestyle changes can help manage diabetes, and this may mean putting your dog on a diet, ensuring they get enough exercise, and avoiding the feeding of human food, even in small amounts. Your dog must be seen by a vet if you suspect diabetes is the cause of bad breath because left unmanaged, it can be fatal.
4. Kidney Problems
The kidneys remove toxins, regulate blood pressure, and help prevent water loss.
Signs of kidney problems include excessive drinking and larger volumes of urine, vomiting, not eating, and weight loss. There may be ulcers and sores in your dog’s mouth as well.
The vet will take blood tests and conduct a urinalysis to help determine whether a dog has kidney disease, and likely treatments include dietary management and medications.
Image Credit: Elena Loza, Shutterstock
5. Liver Disease
The liver is another essential organ. It deals with food digestion and the storage of vitamins and minerals. It also removes toxins. Liver disease can include a wide variety of signs from reduced energy to a loss of appetite. In extreme cases, your dog might have bloody diarrhea or vomit, a painful abdomen, and yellowing of the skin.
If you believe your dog is showing signs of liver disease, you should visit your vet where they will conduct blood and urine tests for diagnosis. Treatment of the condition with a specific diet or by incorporating supplements into your dog’s daily nutrition is often effective.
What to Do About It
Depending on the problem and its severity, there are some steps you might be able to take at home to help improve your dog’s breath and the underlying cause of the problem.
Consult a Vet
You should make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible. They will conduct tests to determine the cause, and they can advise if a different diet might be the best solution.
Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
Clean Teeth and Gums
If your dog is showing signs of dental disease, it isn’t too late to start brushing your pup’s teeth, but it’s best to start with a dental exam and professional cleaning first. This will help ensure that any severe problems are managed before you take over the maintenance of a healthy mouth.
Change Diet
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet, this might be the cause of bad breath. This is especially likely if the new food you are giving contains fish or fish-based ingredients. A lot of commercial dog food does contain fish because, as well as being a good source of protein, fish also provides omega fatty acids, and a host of other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
When changing a dog’s diet, you should do so gradually by introducing a small amount of the new food to their existing food and increasing the ratio of new food to old food over the course of a couple of weeks. This can help prevent diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Image Credit: dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock
Feed Supplements
If your dog is lacking in any essential vitamins and minerals, you don’t necessarily have to change their diet to hit all the necessary levels. Dogs can benefit from supplements like people can, just be sure to talk to your vet first to make sure supplements are necessary and that you’re giving the right amounts.
Conclusion
Dogs aren’t known for having minty-fresh breath, but that doesn’t mean it should smell overly bad, either. Strong oral odors can be a sign of poor health, a bad diet, or dental disease.
Watch for other signs that your dog might be ill and consult a vet to help decide on the best course of action.
Featured Image Credit: UfaBizPhoto, Shutterstock
The post Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell Like Fish? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Solutions by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
How to Calm Dog Anxiety Naturally: 10 Vet-Approved Tips
The post How to Calm Dog Anxiety Naturally: 10 Vet-Approved Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Life throws stressors at us from so many angles that occasional anxiety is impossible for anyone to avoid entirely. Our dogs are no different. They often feel nervous from being in unknown situations, facing aversive stimuli, or when feeling their owner’s stress.
Most owners would jump through any hoops necessary to help their dogs feel better physically and mentally, but resorting to anxiety medications can make many of us feel uneasy. We recommend that if your dog is suffering with anxiety that they are seen by a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist for appropriate advice. Here we discuss managing your dog’s stress with these tips to naturally calm your dog’s anxiety.
Understanding Your Dog’s Anxiety
Before resorting to any specific stress reduction method, determine where your dog’s anxiety is coming from. When you know the cause, you can decide how to respond. In some instances, the cause reveals the solution, and all you have to do is remove the stressor. If your dog is always anxious about an animal they see out the window, the best way to calm them may be as easy as closing the blinds!
Anxiety can be straightforward to solve in cases like these, but many dogs feel more deeply embedded sources of stress that require more complex support. Past experiences may make some feel separation anxiety or fear of certain noises or other unavoidable stimuli.
Others might have suffered past abuse or a lack of socialization, creating a generalized anxiety that appears throughout the day. Even old age can come with cognitive decline that causes behavioral changes and new fears and anxiety.
Each of these issues demands unique considerations and this is why the help of a certified veterinary behaviorist can be invaluable. Understanding the cause allows you to have more productive conversations with your vet and anticipate and react to your dog’s anxiety efficiently.
Image Credit: Paul’s Lady, Shutterstock
The 10 Tips to Calm Your Dog’s Anxiety Naturally
1. Play Music for Your Dog
Though it may not resolve anxiety for every dog, playing certain types of music is a hassle-free and quick solution to test. One study revealed increased resting and less standing in dogs that listened to classical music. By contrast, heavy metal caused more signs of agitation.
Dogs may habituate to the same music over time, reducing their benefits. Alongside classical music, genres like soft rock, reggae, and Motown have also shown positive effects on a dog’s mood. If you rotate the types of music your dog hears, this form of auditory enrichment will remain effective in helping your dog relax.
Image Credit: Scorpp, Shutterstock
2. Use Safe Natural Scents
Essential oils can be as soothing for dogs as they are for humans if you use them safely and pick certain scents. Scents like lavender, vanilla, coconut, valerian, ginger and chamomile can inspire more relaxation in dogs. Others, like rosemary and peppermint, may be more stimulating, so you’ll want to carefully select the best aromas to deal with your dog’s stress. They must never have access to ingest the essential oils and do not apply them directly to their skin or fur.
When your dog feels anxious, a diffuser containing lavender or chamomile essential oil may help them calm down. Meanwhile, the oil imparts a pleasant scent anyone in the house can enjoy. Since essential oils can irritate dogs, you must minimize their exposure as much as possible and give them the option to leave the room and get away from the scent.
Dogs have an enhanced sense of smell, so they don’t need or want anything too overpowering. Lightly scented features are all you need to provide adequate olfactory stimulation.
Image Credit: Madeleine Steinbach, Shutterstock
3. Offer More Exercise
Giving your dog breed-appropriate daily exercise can help them manage anxiety and frustration. Exercise releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that can reduce stress and related behaviors. Dogs maintain a better body condition score to decrease the ill effects of obesity and stay more relaxed in the home. They’ll feel better physically and avoid boredom that leads to unwanted habits.
The effect is even more pronounced with sports, such as agility and man-trailing. Dogs enjoy more positive reinforcement and can enhance their bond with owners with goal-oriented activities. You can set up workouts like these at home or sign your dog up for competitions to let them socialize with other dogs.
Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
4. Provide More Enrichment Opportunities
Mental and physical stimulation during the day makes it easier for dogs to cope with separation anxiety and frustration from boredom. Aside from walks and exercise routines, you can exhaust your dog with indoor play, feeder puzzles, snuffle mats, and assorted chews. Make training sessions a consistent part of the day to further your bond and engage your dog’s problem-solving abilities.
When leaving for the day, you can keep a dog that suffers from separation anxiety content in their crate with special treats. Offer crate-only enrichment options like bully sticks or peanut butter-stuffed Kong toys.
Since you can’t supervise pets when they’re alone, test new chews while monitoring your dog’s behavior. As many toys and natural calming aids can become choking hazards, you must ensure any item will be safe when your dog is alone.
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5. Engage Your Dog Positively with Reading and Petting
Fostering a stronger bond with your dog is often instrumental in reducing their general anxiety. Find moments when you can engage your dog positively. As the night winds down, read to them in a soothing voice.
Show affection with cuddles and petting to reduce cortisol levels and subsequent feelings of anxiety. Generally, the more time you spend with your dog, the more their anxiety will subside.
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6. Use High-Value Treats to Counter-Condition Your Dog
Counter-conditioning works with desensitization to reframe a dog’s perception of and reaction to anxiety-causing stimuli. Maybe your dog fears thunderstorms or loud cars honking late at night. If you create positive experiences around these occurrences, your dog will learn they’re safe, and the stimulus isn’t inherently negative.
Identify the source of the stress, and reward your dog whenever they encounter it. When fireworks stress your dog, offer a high-value treat like cheese or chicken. Although many dogs will lose their appetite when overly anxious, there’s likely a treat your pet won’t turn down.
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7. Use Natural Calming Supplements
Dietary supplements are an excellent option to try alongside enrichment and environmental aids to soothe your dog’s anxiety. Natural options with proven positive calming effects abound, including:
Omega fatty acids
Tryptophan and hydroxytryptophan
Probiotics
Casein (a milk protein)
Theanine
Valerian root
Chamomile
Passionflower
Melatonin
You can give supplements to dogs as part of their routine for chronic anxiety or situationally to deal with stressful events. For example, you can give your dog a calming supplement about 30-60 minutes before an anxiety-inducing vet trip. Offering it in dog-friendly supplements is ideal, as some natural remedies may be toxic or aggravating in the improper formulations or amounts.
Many natural calming aids for dogs, such as valerian root and ginkgo biloba, can boost cognitive performance. By managing cognitive decline, they may help prevent many of the associated fears and anxiety that aging dogs often develop. Talk to your vet about natural relaxing supplements that are practical for your dog based on their body type, health status, and tolerances.
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8. Licking and Sniffing
The actions of licking and sniffing are inherently relaxing for dogs and finding ways to work these into the daily routine can be very beneficial. There are many types of lick mats available to give licking opportunities during the day.
As well as scent work for dogs you can teach them to take a deep breath to help them calm down. Sniffing and breath work will help calm the sympathetic nervous system.
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9. Touch Therapies
There are many massage techniques and therapies that use physical touch to bring about a sense of calm. Some can be safely learnt at home and others provided by trained professionals such as, T-Touch, canine massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncture specialists and more.
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10. Try CBD
CBD supplements have grown in popularity due to their natural pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing effects without the psychoactive effects of THC. Now, companion animals can get in on the trend with various liquid products and tasty calming treats incorporating CBD to manage stress.
Though research is limited, recent studies have indicated some potential for CBD to lessen anxiety in dogs. The results are mixed, however, so CBD should work alongside other calming aids to minimize your dog’s stress. Discuss incorporating CBD supplements into the routine with your vet to ensure they have no adverse health effects. CBD cannot be used with some medications and health problems so do check with your veterinarian first.
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Final Thoughts
Enrichment, training, and supplements are some of the best natural options to calm your dog’s anxiety. While you help your pet relax and feel better emotionally, you’ll also benefit them physically, improving their fitness, mental functioning, and overall quality of life. Before choosing medications to tamp out your dog’s stress, talk to your vet about how routine and diet changes can provide the relief you and your pet deserve
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