Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Calm a Dog Down: 10 Proven Tips

dog hugging owner

Anxiety isn’t reserved just for humans. Unfortunately, dogs can experience this unpleasant feeling, too. Dogs can become anxious for several reasons, which may involve thunderstorms, fireworks, or simply having a ton of energy. Whatever the reason, knowing specific techniques can come in handy to calm a dog down in certain situations.

In this article, we’ll list 10 tips you can try in hopes of calming your dog and reducing anxiety in your anxious pup.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The 10 Tips for Calming Down a Dog

1. Designate a Quiet Place

Many dogs get anxious when it storms or when loud, booming fireworks light up the sky. These types of sounds are louder to your pooch due to their strong sense of hearing, and designating a quiet place in your home can work wonders during these events.

Try shutting the door and playing soft, soothing music. You can also try playing white noise through a sound machine, as this helps drown out the stressful sounds and reduce stimuli. Ensure you leave water in the room for your pup and monitor often to ensure your canine pal is okay.


2. Try a Calming Vest

a black pug dog wearing a calming vest
Image Credit: LD Media UK, Shutterstock

A calming vest is an option worth trying during storms or fireworks. The idea is to apply enough pressure to your doggie’s torso to help make him feel more secure and safe. These vests work much in the same way as hugging a distressed person or cuddling a crying baby.

The gentle pressure releases endorphins that help create a sense of safety and well-being. Only use these vests for stressful situations to reduce the possibility of the vest becoming less effective.


3. Try Anxiety Medication

You can obtain anxiety medication from your veterinarian. Explain the issue, and your vet will prescribe medication with instructions for when and how to give it to your dog. These types of medications work well when you know a storm is approaching or some other event you know will cause stress and anxiety, such as fireworks.

If your dog suffers from anxiety, we suggest speaking with one of our vets to learn more ways you can support them.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1



4. Give your Dog Proper Exercise

border collie dog playing with frisbee
Image Credit: txus71, Pixabay

Exercising your dog is important on many levels, and for hyper dogs, it helps calm them down. Some dogs may act out due to insufficient exercise, which can lead to destructive behavior. A tale-tell sign that your dog needs more exercise is if your dog starts showing signs of destructive behavior or hyperactivity.

Taking your dog on a walk is an excellent form of exercise. If that’s not possible, you can always ensure you have plenty of interactive toys for your pooch to play with. Throwing Frisbee in the backyard is another fun activity for both of you to enjoy, and it gets rid of all the energy causing hyperactivity.


5. Show Physical Affection

Some dogs respond well to their owner’s physical touch. If you have a small dog, try holding your pup, especially during stressful events. For large dogs, get as close as you can and pet them until their anxiety level decreases. This technique may not work for all dogs, but it’s worth a shot.


6. Learn Your Dog’s Body Language

excessive drooling of irish setter dog
Image Credit: Reddogs, Shutterstock

Your dog may be stressed without you realizing it, making learning your dog’s body language an important ability to help calm him down. Signs to look for are drooling, panting, a tucked tail, tucked ears, yawning, lip-licking, and raised hackles.

You can help calm your dog down if you notice these signs in the body language. If you’re unaware of your dog’s body language, you won’t know if your dog is stressed.


7. Avoid Eye Contact

When a dog is showing hyperactivity, avoid making eye contact. Making eye contact with a hyperactive dog may invoke more of the same behavior because they feel they are receiving the attention they are seeking. It’s best to ignore this behavior until your dog calms down.

After your dog is calm, reward them with a treat. Eventually, your dog will learn that this behavior is unacceptable and may cease doing it altogether.


8. Try CBD Oil

dog taking CBD oil
Image Credit: Vane Nunes, Shutterstock

CBD oil is a compound found in cannabis and hemp, but it is not the same compound that causes the “high” from THC in marijuana, which can be toxic to dogs. While no scientific data supports CBD oil’s effectiveness, there’s no harm in giving it a try as long as you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian.

It’s imperative to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD oil for dogs, and no dosing chart is available. Given this fact, you must use it with caution and start out with a minimal amount.

However, it could help alleviate anxiety and stress and may even relieve symptoms for dogs with certain medical conditions, such as cancer and seizures.


9. Turn On Some Classical Music

Music therapy has been proven to alleviate stress and anxiety in humans, and it may also work for your canine pal. While there is little evidence to support this theory in dogs, there is certainly no harm in trying.

Experts believe classical music is most effective in easing symptoms, so the next time your pooch is anxious or stressed, put on a little Beethoven, Bach, or Mozart. Classical music has more of a calming effect on dogs. However, further studies are needed, but experiments lean toward music therapy giving some relief in stressed or anxious dogs.


10. Aromatherapy

a dog lying near a plugged home diffuser
Image Credit: Chewy

Studies suggest that using aromatherapy could bring some relief to your stressed-out pooch. The best way to reap the benefits for your dog is by purchasing an Adaptil Diffuser. Adaptil is a natural, drug-free solution recommended by veterinarians that has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

The diffuser releases dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) that naturally occur in lactating, nursing mother doggies. These pheromones calm anxious puppies while the mother is nursing, and pheromones naturally have the ability to calm adult dogs when exposed.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

No one likes to see their beloved canine stressed and anxious, and by applying the techniques listed above, you can help eliminate stress for your doggie. You can always consult your veterinarian for advice just to be safe.

Not every method and technique works the same for every dog, and you may need to try a few before you find success.

See also: 


Featured Image Credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Tongue Out? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Our pups can do some pretty cute (and kind of weird) things when they’re asleep. Whether it’s twitching paws while they dream about...

How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Eat in a Day? Our Vet Explains

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog breed that’s among the most popular dog breeds kept as pets today. Ranking at...

15 Pet Food Delivery Service Trends & Statistics to Know in 2025

Pet food delivery is a vibrant and growing portion of the pet food market. More and more people are opting to buy their...

Yorkie Russell Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The name says it all: a Yorkie Russell is a mix of two beloved breeds of English Terriers, the Jack Russell Terrier and...

More related

13 Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & Origins

If you have any experience with owning livestock, you know there are predators out there who want your livestock for dinner. Depending on...

15 Dog Breeds With Docked Tails Naturally: Info, Pictures & History

When we talk about docked tails on dogs, we are usually referring to dogs that have had their tails amputated when they are...

6 Dog-Friendly Trails in Smoky Mountains in 2025 (With Pictures)

Every pet lover wants to take their pets with them on vacation, including the Smoky Mountains and the Smoky Mountains National Park. However,...

Why Do Dogs Growl? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons and What to Do About It

Being near a growling dog can be a tense situation, whether you are being growled at or you own the dog doing the...

Keep reading

How to Tell If Wet Dog Food Has Gone Bad? 7 Vet-Verified Signs & FAQ

Commercial dog food comes in many forms, including wet food. The phrase “wet food” refers to food that is usually in one of two forms: canned or fresh. They often have real pieces of meat in them and a strong...

shih tzu dog getting wet food from owner at kitchen

Can I Buy Dog Food Using Food Stamps (SNAP)? 2025 Guide

As the economy continues to struggle, many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet. One way that some people are able to save money is by shopping for groceries using food stamps. However, is it possible to buy...

woman buying dog food

Can Dogs Eat Pirate’s Booty? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts & Risk

Pirate’s Booty—it’s not just buried treasure! For over 30 years, fans have loved to snack on these delicious, golden cheese puffs. They bill themselves as a more natural (and tastier) option on the cheese puff market, without the artificial colors...

Can Dogs Eat_Pirates Booty

10 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes: Great Summer Options for Your Pup

Dogs love treats in all shapes and forms, and there are so many commercial options to choose from. But when it’s a hot summer day, a frozen treat tends to hit the spot much better than a commercial or homemade...

Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

9 Cranberry Dog Treats Recipes to Make for Your Pup

Check with a veterinarian before adding any new foods to your pet’s diet, particularly if your pet has any underlying health conditions or is on a special diet. If you love baked goods and making all sorts of yummy snacks...

cranberry dog cookie treats

10 Best Dog Foods for Skin and Coat in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

You might have noticed that your dog’s coat is changing for the worse, and you want to do something about it. Like human hair, a dog’s fur is a good indicator of their health. If your dog’s coat needs a...

cream dog eating from the bowl

6 Eating Problems That Can Affect Dogs: Signs & Treatment

You’re probably familiar with the most common eating disorders in humans, such as anorexia and bulimia. You might not know that dogs can also have eating disorders, but they do not have the same complex mental concerns that plague these...

dog not eating its food

10 Best Bowls for Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Puppies haven’t necessarily learned the same feeding etiquette as some adult dogs. They can be inclined to wolf their food down and spread debris all over the floor. They transfer food to the water bowl, and vice versa, and give...

Great Dane Puppy Eating