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The Best Comfy Pet Beds For Calming Dog Anxiety
An anxiety dog bed may help to soothe your pup and give them a calm place to rest and recover. Anxiety is a health issue that affects many dogs. My Australian Shepherd suffers from severe anxiety; she vomits and whimpers when anxious. Plus, she will chew on shoes, baseboards, toys, and anything she can access. She especially gets nervous when it is bath time. We have to coax her to get her to play along, but it works.
This brings me to my next point: some breeds are prone to nervousness, and some individual dogs may have had a difficult puppyhood that results in anxiety as an adult. The idea is to provide a comfy, calming dog bed or a spot for your pet where they feel secure. When you consider getting your next furry pet, a new dog, consider adopting from your local shelter or dog rescue. Many dogs and cats need homes, so PetsMart and other animal product stores host adoption days.
In contrast, other dogs may have joint pain that requires extra comfort and a cozy corner. As my rat terriers got older, they became more anxious and would take shelter on their bed away from the noise, kids, and people. This guide to anxiety dog beds might help you decide whether your dog will benefit from one and the best choice for your dog to slumber.
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Symptoms Of Anxiety In Dogs
Before spending money on a dog bed to help ease anxiety, you may need to determine if your pet suffers from anxiety. Understanding your dog's body language will help you identify a problem.
The classic symptoms in a dog or puppy with anxiety may include the following:
- Hiding
- ‘Burrowing' under blankets, cushions, or on a dog or owner's bed!
- ‘Cringing' – with their tail between the legs
While other dogs will express anxiety through the following:
- Whining and whimpering
- Panting when there has been any activity
- Shivering
- Jumping
Sometimes, anxious dogs may even show it through nipping, peeing, and snapping. Some pets get so upset they have issues peeing on beds or couches; use a waterproof dog blanket. While a comfy dog bed may provide some comfort and help ease symptoms, if your dog shows any of these signs, you may wish to have them checked by a vet. Addie, my Australian Shepherd, takes daily anxiety medication, and I also give her pet-friendly CBD oil and treats. Unlike her other four-legged sisters, she doesn't care for beds much except for mine in small doses. She prefers a cold floor on her belly.
What can calm an anxious dog?
As an anxiety sufferer, I know treating dog anxiety is not straightforward in humans or dogs. While humans can talk to somebody about the issue and receive helpful advice, options for a dog are limited. However, positive training can go a long way toward lowering dog anxiety and boosting their confidence. At the same time, giving your dog, or dogs in my case, a calm environment can also positively impact. A soft, soothing dog bed can make a big difference here, providing your pet with a safe place to unwind and relieve anxieties.
Why Is Your Dog Nervous?
The most common reasons for anxiety in a dog are abandonment, fear of being left home alone, loud noises, traveling, and being exposed to people, children, or even other pets. We have also seen anxiety in dogs exposed to abuse or neglect. The best way to help treat your pet companion is to try to figure out the cause and then treat it accordingly.
Dog anxiety often originates from puppyhood stress, like in Belle My Catahoula. Belle was abandoned as a puppy, starving, flea-infested, and very anxious when found and rescued. As an adult, she still has anxiety; she doesn't like the dark, rain, or cold, is overprotective of food, and hates loud noises and thunder. While with most rescue dogs, the events in the early months of your pet's life are usually unknown. Dog anxiety is generally linked to separation, though. Abuse manifests as fear and lack of confidence in dogs, but anxiety is slightly different. She also gets anxious around kids.
How To Calm An Anxious Dog?
A high-quality quality, comfy, calming anxiety dog bed may help pets with mild separation anxiety. That is if your dog frets when you leave it alone or is particularly ‘clingy' with one family member. Dog anxiety can also be caused by discomfort. Many dogs suffer from joint pains and hip dysplasia, more notable in the hips as they age.
Therefore, lying on a blanket or a thin dog bed that is too small will not provide these dogs the comfort and relaxation they need for a good night's snooze, which leads to a vicious cycle of anxiety-inducing poor sleep and added stress. The design of an anxiety dog bed is to give your pet the support needed for joints and peaceful rest, which could, in turn, help to lower their anxiety levels.
Choosing the proper dog bed for your pet involves several factors, including comfort, from size and how easy the dog bed is to wash to material and color.
How An Anxiety Dog Bed Can Help
A comfort anxiety dog bed gives your worried pup that all-important sense of needed security. These dog beds may boast orthopedic padding, dog blankets or quilts for snuggling down, extra-soft cushions, and comfy raised sides for resting a lazy head.
Even the best anxiety dog beds alone will not ‘cure' a pup's anxiety; therefore, they benefit from a general dog-friendly environment. Plus, combined with a consistent behavioral dog training program, a healthy diet, pet-friendly CBD products, exercise, soft music, supplements, and – when necessary – medication. One of the first places an owner of a dog with anxiety should start when addressing anxiety issues is with anxiety dog beds. Still, an anxiety bed is only part of a broader solution.
4 Characteristics Of An Calming Dog Bed
For those looking to buy a soft and soothing dog bed to help ease their pet's anxiety, these are a few key features you should look out for in a comfy, calming dog bed:
- Raised outermost border – the encircled shape will help your pup feel safer and more secure.
- Machine washable – Having an easily washable pet bed, your pet will continuously have a clean, comfy place to relax, and you will enjoy it, too.
- Super soft and comfy – like humans, dogs enjoy soft fabrics, which can help soothe them. You can always add a luxury sheepskin dog blanket to the dog bed for extra comfort and to allow your pet to snuggle.
- Memory foam – Having an ultra-comfortable mattress to sleep on their anxiety-easing bed can also help your pet feel more at ease.
Choosing The Right Anxiety Dog Bed
Since I currently have four dogs and have been a dog owner my whole life, I have learned every dog is different and requires a slightly different dog bed to help ease and soothe anxieties.
The top things to consider when picking a calming soothing bed for your dog:
- Size – Every dog breed is different in size, from very small dogs, such as chihuahuas, to very big dogs, like Bernese Mountain Dogs. Choosing a small, medium, or large dog bed that your dog comfortably fits in is essential for those pets with anxiety.
- Material – Make sure the bed has a soft fabric your pup will love lying down on and snoozing.
- Color – While the critical part of a dog bed for anxiety is that it fits your pet's needs, you may want it to blend in with your interior. The wide range of pet beds come in a wide range of colors, perfect for every home style.
Finding The Perfect Spot For Your Anxious Dog's Bed
An integral part of a calm environment for dogs is their bed. But the location of where you place your pet bed is also essential. It needs to be reasonably quiet, where your dog feels safe and in control. The bed design for dogs is equally crucial, and a comfortable dog mattress is just the beginning rather than the end, helping them with their issue.
So, what type of bed does a dog typically prefer? A bed is where most dogs lie down and sleep, and it doesn't even have to be in the same spot each night. If your dogs are like mine, sometimes my dogs like to spend one night on their bed and the next night in a cool place on the kitchen floor, and your pet may want to share a bed with you the next night. I have learned that consistency is essential when dealing with anxious dogs, and the right anxiety dog bed in the right place is vital.
An anti-anxiety dog bed can actively reduce stress and worry. When combining a calming dog bed with anti-stress training, the anxiety dog bed can go a long way towards helping eliminate the issue. Calming supplements also help; a vet recommends anti-stress medication in extreme cases. I tried everything possible before I finally put Addie on medication. She was suffering, and it broke my heart. I still incorporate natural ways of helping her with her anxiety, including keeping her and the other's dog beds beside mine. Although, they prefer my bed over their bed.
Do Calming Beds For Dogs Work?
An anti-anxiety dog bed gives your dogs or puppies a sense of safety reinforced by sheer comfort. Essentially, the key is in the design of the anxiety dog beds, and there are many models and shapes to choose from. The best options are dog beds that go the extra mile to improve your dog's comfort, including features like a removable cover, orthopedic foam, memory foam, and a washable cover – Machine washable, ideally. Dogs love their comfort, and a good night's sleep is one of the best ways to tackle and reduce anxiety.
The Best Friends by Sheri bed – is said to be the original dog calming bed—and we think it earns the title. Designers selected the donut style with high, plush sides to comfort snugglers and burrowers just the same, creating a fluffy, peaceful, quiet retreat for the ultimate snoozing experience.
We scoured reviews and found customers say it's as cozy as it looks. Dogs can use it for everything from a cave with luxury blankets to a pillow for cat naps, making it an excellent choice for loungers of all styles. We Primarily like it for pups that need a safe area but can't deal with traditional dog crates or enclosures. My Australian Sheppard's anxiety is so bad her vet advised me never to put her in a dog crate because she may injure herself.
This cute bed comes in various sizes and five colors—machine washable and dryer safe.
Comfy, Calming Dog Beds
Most dogs are constantly on the move, so they take time to settle down for sleep. The Joyelf Orthopedic dog bed with bolsters makes relaxing for dogs with anxiety and getting into bedtime much more enjoyable. It features memory foam that surrounds your pup’s body and maintains its shape over time; plus, it helps support their spine and muscles, so your dog won’t get new aches and pains from their sleeping surface. For those who have pets with leaky bladders, you’ll also appreciate the memory foam base’s waterproof internal liner. Choose from a broad range of sizes—from small to XXL. The best part though: Is that while dog beds can cost hundreds of dollars, this bed is less than $100, even its largest size.
Comfy, Calming Dog Beds
Two types of dog beds that can be used to calm anxious pups:
Topology Luxury Dog Beds – Designed to be easy to clean and super comfy with a memory foam mattress, this anxiety dog bed is a cozy place for your pup. Available in three different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for the dog breed you own.
Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed – The Bolster dog bed for anxiety is set apart by its high sides, which are the ideal place for your pup to snuggle or rest its head.
A top-class calming dog bed won't cure dog or pup anxiety on its own. But a good night's sleep is half the battle. Providing the dog with a comfortable start and end to each day makes the rest of the anti-anxiety routine easier.
Our Final Thoughts For Anti Anxiety Dog Beds
Make your dog as comfy and happy as possible with a range of dog products. You can use cozy dog blankets, fun dog toys, and yummy treats for pups; they'll be excited when their new anti anxiety beds get delivered. The ultimate goal is to help your doggies get past their stress, anxiety, and anxiousness however it manifests in them. Diffusing Lavender essential oils can also help calm your pets down. Keep in mind some essential oils are toxic to both cats and dogs.
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