As a responsible dog owner, you likely do everything you can to try to prevent your canine companion from being exposed to stressful events. However, even with the best intentions in the world, some degree of stress is part and parcel of every day life.
While nibbling on one of the best long lasting dog chews can have a soothing effect on your pup's nervous system, expert trainer Piper Novick shared a few other ideas in a recent Instagram post.
"We can’t always prevent stress, but we can provide our dogs with the time and space needed to recover and bring their nervous system back to a baseline," she says.
Read on as Novick explains how you can help your dog to recover from a fur-raising event...
1. Decompression walk: Novick says the best way to help your dog decompress after a stressful event is to offer them some off-leash time in nature that's free from triggers. "Find a low-traffic trail or park to walk your dog loose, or on a harness and long-line," she recommends.
2. Sniff adventure: "If off-leash time in nature isn't an option for you, visit a non-pet related store like Lowes or Home Depot to let your dog sniff freely," Novick advises. For more on the powerful benefits of sniffing, this article is well worth a read: I tried a 45-minute 'sniffari', and it tired out my border collie more than a two-hour hike!
3. Yard snuffle: "If option one or two isn't accessible for you, make sniffing and foraging happen at home," Novick says. "Scatter a cup of medium-value treats in your yard for your dog to forage for and eat." You can also use one of the best snuffle mats for dogs and use it inside if you live in an apartment or home where you don't have access to a garden.
It's important to note that every dog is different and what your dog needs to decompress may differ from what another dog needs. Don't be afraid to play around with the strategies above to see what works for your pup.
You'll also want to give your dog plenty of time to recover — which turns out to be a lot longer than you might expect!
"When your dog experiences a stressful event, cortisol (the stress hormone) floods their body," Novick explains. Cortisol prepares their body for the fight or flight response, and activates the sympathetic nervous system.
Even after the stressful event concludes and your dog is safe, cortisol is still racing through their body and will take a few days to completely leave their system. Your dog will need a few days (at least) to recover."
For more helpful tips for pups that are prone to experiencing stress and anxiety around every day stimuli, check out our guide to how to calm a reactive dog.
