How to Support Occasional Discomfort and Stress in Dogs

Your dog is usually a playful little love bug, but discomfort or stress can sometimes get in the way of all that fun. Watching your dog struggle with discomfort is tough, and reactions to stress can range from mild to more noticeable. It’s hard to see your pup feeling unsettled or uneasy. Thankfully, there are several ways to help ease your dog’s discomfort or stress. If you feel your dog might need professional care, it’s always a good idea to schedule a vet visit.

Common Types of Discomfort

Discomfort can be tricky to address, especially when the cause is not immediately clear. Sometimes, the discomfort has an obvious cause and solution, like a bruise or sprain, which are examples of short-term discomfort. Other times, the discomfort may be ongoing, such as the persistent soreness associated with conditions like arthritis. There are three different types of discomfort your dog could experience. Somatic discomfort refers to issues in the limbs or skin, visceral discomfort comes from internal organs, and neuropathic discomfort arises from the nerves and spinal cord. Each type of discomfort can be either short-term or long-lasting. Short-term discomfort occurs suddenly, like a broken limb, and typically resolves once the injury heals. Long-lasting discomfort persists for at least three months and doesn’t always go away with healing.

1. Somatic

Somatic discomfort originates from the limbs (legs) and skin. This type of discomfort is typically caused by an injury, such as a cut, broken bone, or sprained joint. When these tissues are damaged, they send signals to the brain and spinal cord (which is made up of nerves running along the spine) indicating damage. Somatic discomfort is generally localized to one area and often feels throbbing or aching.

To manage somatic discomfort, start by cleaning any wounds using a pet-safe disinfectant, such as a saline solution and warm water. Then, bandage the wound with a pet-safe bandage to keep it clean and prevent licking. For acute injuries, rest is essential for recovery. If your dog is crate-trained, this can be a great opportunity to let them rest in their crate. Otherwise, keep them as inactive as possible to help speed up the healing process.

2. Visceral

Visceral discomfort occurs when internal organs are affected or injured. Signals from the nerves in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are sent to the brain, indicating the issue. This type of discomfort is often widespread and doesn't feel confined to one specific area. It tends to be described as a dull or scattered sensation, often likened to pressure or a deep squeezing feeling.

Common health concerns like bladder infections or constipation can lead to visceral discomfort in dogs. More serious conditions, such as intestinal perforation (a hole), can arise if a dog has ingested something sharp. Since visceral discomfort is linked to internal organs, it's crucial to consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. Neuropathic

Neuropathic discomfort is caused by issues with the nerves themselves. This can result from a wound, such as a cut or surgical incision, or from nerve damage. Scar tissue or infections can also irritate the nerves, leading to persistent discomfort. Neuropathic discomfort is often described as burning, stabbing, or a sensation similar to pins and needles, and it may feel like an electric shock. A light touch might provoke a strong reaction, which is commonly observed with this type of discomfort.

This type of discomfort can last for months or even years, even after the original injury has healed. Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing discomfort in dogs with neurological issues, making it a potential option for managing neuropathic discomfort.

Common Causes of Stress in dogs

Stress is a common issue for dogs and can manifest in a variety of ways. Excessive barking is often a sign of stress, as are destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture and digging holes. Accidents inside the house, such as urinating or defecating, can also be an indication of stress, as it can upset the digestive system. Shivering, hiding, and seeking comfort can also be signs that your dog is stressed. Below are some common reasons your dog might be feeling stressed and tips on how to address it.

1. Abandonment

A lot of dogs suffer from fear of abandonment. Your poor pup might think you won’t come back. One way to relieve this type of stress is with exercise. Taking your dog for regular walks uses up energy that would have otherwise gone towards stress. Exercise for dogs relieves stress the same way it does for humans!

2. Fear of Being Home Alone

Is your dog stressed when left home alone? One way to help reduce this stress is through physical contact. Before you leave or whenever you notice signs of stress like whining or pacing, spend some time petting your dog. Alternatively, curl up on the couch together and enjoy some cuddle time while watching a favorite show or reading a book. This physical connection will help your pup feel more secure and at ease.

3. Loud Noises

Fireworks and thunderstorms are common occurrences that can cause stress for your dog. Dogs that are sensitive to loud noises like thunder or fireworks may exhibit signs such as panicking, hiding, barking, shivering, or shaking. One method to help ease your dog’s stress is by using pheromones. Just as a mother dog releases comforting pheromones to soothe her puppies, these pheromones can help your dog feel more secure. Simply plug the diffuser into an outlet in the room where your dog spends the most time to provide comfort.

4. Traveling

Traveling can be an exciting adventure for humans, but it can be stressful for your dog. The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and movements during travel can cause your dog to feel uneasy. A great way to help keep your dog calm while traveling is by using calming support like CBD, along with a  calming coat or pressure vest. These vests, which resemble a chest harness combined with a shirt, gently wrap around your dog’s chest and apply steady pressure, providing a comforting sensation that can help reduce stress.

5. Strange People

Your dog might feel uneasy around unfamiliar people. If this is the case, try giving your dog a supportive " time out”" either before or when someone new arrives at the house. Placing your dog in a quiet, enclosed space, like a crate, can help them feel safe and secure. It also allows your dog to relax and take a break, especially if they’ve been feeling responsible for guarding the family from the stranger. A time-out in their crate can relieve that stress and help them regain their calm.

6. Children

It's important to remember that dogs don’t have the same instincts as humans when it comes to children. Children can be unpredictable, behave differently than adults, and are often closer to eye level with your dog. This can make children seem intimidating to dogs. To ensure your dog feels safe, it’s important to protect them and set them up for positive interactions. Avoid allowing children to play too roughly with your dog, and if your dog begins to seem tense, remove them from the situation. If children are causing stress, going through a familiar training routine can help your dog focus and feel more relaxed.

6. Other Pets

In homes with multiple pets, the social dynamics can sometimes cause stress for your dog. If another pet is the source of stress, training and managing interactions can help improve the situation. In the meantime, playing soothing music, like classical tunes, may create a peaceful environment at home. A study conducted with shelter dogs found that listening to classical music for a week helped reduce stress. There are various options available, from calming music mixes to playlists you can stream on platforms like YouTube, designed to help keep your dog calm.

CBD for Pet Stress & Discomfort

CBD can be a helpful option when supporting your dog through moments of stress. CBD hemp oil is known to potentially assist in calming your dog's nerves, which may be especially beneficial for stressful situations such as traveling, moving, or other environmental changes. By helping your pet manage external stressors, CBD may encourage a sense of calm, supporting their overall emotional well-being during unsettling times.

When it comes to occasional discomfort, especially in the joints, CBD could be a helpful addition to your dog’s wellness routine. For dogs that experience discomfort related to daily activity or exercise, CBD may assist in promoting a healthy inflammatory response and providing support for normal physical movement.

Pet Releaf CBD for Pets

Pet Releaf offers some of the best Organic Full Spectrum hemp CBD for dogs on the market. We’re passionate about creating high-quality products that you can feel good about giving your pet. Our hemp is grown in the U.S. on farms that use sustainable and regenerative practices.

Our Edibites are flavored CBD and functional herb-infused chewable supplements. These are available in blends designed to support extra calming or hip and joint mobility. Edibites are a great choice for pups who need a little support or those who are picky about their supplements.

If your dog needs more support or doesn’t mind administration via dropper, CBD oils are an excellent option. These oils also come in specific formulations, with added ingredients tailored to support stress and discomfort.

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