There is a very special bond between dogs and humans. If your dog is in pain, you are most likely suffering too. Whatever the cause of his discomfort, such as loud noises, a new environment or an illness, you can do something to calm him down and make him feel loved.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Calm Your Dog During Loud Noises
Step 1. Be casual and relaxed
While you may feel compelled to comfort your dog with cuddles, treats, or strokes, this behavior could reinforce his fears. Instead, do your best to maintain a normal attitude, treat him as usual, and pretend not to notice that he is scared.
It may be difficult and seem cruel, but petting and treating your dog when he is afraid is like rewarding behavior that you want to eliminate instead
Step 2. Close the windows or lower the blinds
If the animal cannot see (or hear) what is happening outside, it can become distracted more easily. Close any windows, curtains, or blinds to help calm down. Take him to an area of the house where he is less likely to be disturbed.
Step 3. Play relaxing music
The sound of music helps hide the noises that cause distress to your furry friend. Furthermore, some studies have shown that classical music, in situations where the dog is stressed, can have a calming effect.
- Start with something traditional, like Mozart.
- Experiment with different types of music to figure out which one your dog prefers.
Step 4. Provide your furry friend with a safe area to retreat to
If he has a kennel, i.e. a dog carrier, allow him to lie down there during the storm. If she doesn't, create a cozy shelter with blankets and her favorite items. To increase the calming effect, also place clothes that have your scent imprinted on them.
- If you are using a kennel, it can be helpful to cover it with a towel. Leave the door open so he doesn't feel trapped.
- Do not lock your dog in a room. Leave room for him not to feel imprisoned.
Step 5. Have him wear an "anti-anxiety harness"
It is a garment designed to adhere to the skin and exert pressure on certain points of the body that calm the animal. It has a similar effect to swaddling a baby and can be very calming when the dog is scared.
- Place the garment on the animal.
- Use the velcro straps to tighten it.
- It can also be used to calm the dog in the car.
Step 6. Distract your dog
Offer them fun activities. This will distract him from the storm and help him deal with it.
- Throw a ball.
- Play the fight with something that can bite.
- Try using toys that dispense food or treats.
Step 7. Use anxiolytics
If your pet is experiencing severe distress, make an appointment with your vet to discuss it. Ask about prescribing anxiolytic medications.
- You can try the dog variant of Xanax, Rivotril or Diazepam.
- They are most commonly used to treat separation anxiety, but they can also be used to treat severe anxiety caused by loud noises.
- Follow the instructions your vet gives you.
Method 2 of 3: Bringing a New Dog Home
Step 1. Give the dog room
When you bring him home for the first time, it's important to let him explore the new environment. Give him some time to wander around the rooms alone, or in the courtyard if it is fenced. If he has a crate or kennel, let him examine it for himself. This way you will help him feel comfortable.
Step 2. Plan the various activities
Dogs are social animals. When you bring one home, you are inviting it to join your pack. Allow him to understand this by establishing a specific program for each of his activities. This will help him adapt to change more easily.
- Feed him at the same times every day.
- Use the same times for walks too.
- Be consistent in his education.
Step 3. Give your dog items that are hers alone
They are an excellent source of comfort. The essentials are: food and water bowls, toys and places to rest.
- Bowls for water and food should not slide on the floor.
- Games must be safe.
- Any place where the dog can feel comfortable and alone, such as a kennel, a kennel or simply a quiet room with some of his toys, is a suitable place for him to rest.
Step 4. Introduce it to each family member
It is important for your furry friend to know everyone who will be living with him. To keep him from feeling overwhelmed, give introductions one at a time. Let them smell everyone and get used to them.
Try placing a dirty garment from each family member near their kennel or where they sleep
Step 5. Love your dog and give him lots of attention
He too likes to feel loved, just like a human being. Studies have shown that animals that receive affection every day have a longer life expectancy than those who do not have this luck. However, stroking and playing with him isn't the only way to show that you love him.
- Involve him in your daily activities.
- Allow him to help you with the housework by training him to bring you the things you need.
- Praise him when his behavior meets your expectations.
Method 3 of 3: Comforting a Sick Dog
Step 1. Find out if something is wrong
Take note of your dog's symptoms and the exact time they appeared. Try to be as specific as possible. Once you understand the problem, you can start reassuring him.
- Things to check for include: loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting.
- To help you find the possible causes, you can use websites similar to "symptom checker" which, however, are for dogs.
- Call the vet. Explain the symptoms over the phone and decide together what to do.
Step 2. Let him eat the grass
If he does, he probably has some gastrointestinal problems. Eating weed tickles the throat and stomach, inducing vomiting. It can be a relief if the dog has gas or stomach ache.
Step 3. Keep it hydrated
Especially if you have diarrhea, dehydration can become a serious problem. For his well-being, always leave water available to him.
- Try offering him water directly from the pump or tap, or through ice cubes to lick. It might stimulate him to drink more.
- You can purchase powdered electrolytes at any pet store. Mix them with water to further prevent, or treat, dehydration.
- Check if your dog is dehydrated by lifting his lip and examining his gums. They should normally be moist.
- If he is very dehydrated, take him to the vet right away. This condition can severely damage organs or even cause death.
Step 4. Make him some rice
If he has stomach problems, this food can give him relief.
- Boil a cup of white rice in a quart of water, until it becomes a pasty consistency.
- Drain some excess water and give the dog the rice. It is a remedy for dehydration and is a soothing for stomach pain.
- You can also mash it with a fork to get a softer texture. In addition, it is possible to mix it with other foods that the animal likes.
Step 5. Give him the lactic ferments
Just like in people, they can also be used in animals to relieve symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
- The dose depends on the probiotic you choose (Florentero, Normalia, Nucron, etc.) and is always shown on the package. Do not administer those for human use, as they are ineffective in dogs.
- Always ask your vet for advice first, especially if your dog is taking other medications.
- Use them with caution if your dog is immunosuppressed or has a disease that has compromised the intestinal walls.
- Lactic ferments can be safely administered to pregnant or lactating subjects.
- They can also be given to cats.
Step 6. Take him to the vet
It is normal for the dog to have some intestinal problems or other small ailments from time to time. However, if your pet is seriously ill, you need to take him to a professional. Contact your doctor if you have:
- Vomiting and dysentery that persist for over 24 hours.
- Convulsions.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Moans of pain.
- Problems urinating.
Warnings
- Don't let your dog nibble on your hand, it could encourage bad habits.
- Do not let the puppy approach other dogs until it has been vaccinated; you could contract very serious and costly diseases.
- Don't rush him. In the turmoil of the moment, a frightened dog can lash out at someone and attack him, even if it is his beloved owner. In order to preserve his happiness and safety, be patient and stay in control.
