effective tips to calm a hyper dog down! 🐶

is it a dog? is it a furry tornado? who can tell… 

on the days that our pets have a little too much energy pent up inside them, you can expect to encounter one or all of these. 

a messy house that looks like it was hit by a storm. 🌪️

Unlimited zoomies that make you dizzy just watching. 😵‍

furry outbursts of love and high jumps. 💕   

while pet parents are more or less used to erratic doggie behavior, it can intimidate other people who visit your home only to be greeted by a dog that knocks them down. yikes! 

living with a hyper pet: Why it’s not (always) the best thing

everybody loves a dog who’s a little bit naughty. life’s just more fun that way, no? :) 

hyperactive dogs, on the other hand, are a whole other story. hyperactivity or excess activity in dogs is hardly ever a desirable trait. think: your furbaby zipping around your living room like a turbocharged toy on steroids. (and if you have a larger dog, our sympathies are with you.) 

from knocking over vases to even knocking over humans, an over-energetic dog’s antics could potentially lead to an unexpected game of household havoc. consider your personal energy levels too. while a hyper pet might inspire you to move more, there's a fine line between energizing and exhausting. after a long day at work, you might dream of curling up on the couch with a good book, but a hyper pet might have other plans… 

and here’s the worst part: hyperactivity could lead to health issues for your pet. 

constant physical hyperactivity can put undue stress on a pet's joints and muscles, leading to strains, sprains, and even more serious injuries. the risk of accidents, collisions, and falls increases when a pet is in a perpetually frenzied state. additionally, the constant activity can lead to dehydration and overheating, which can have severe consequences, especially in hot climates.

mental well-being is often at stake along with physical hyperactivity. pets that are consistently over-excited might struggle with dog anxiety, restlessness, and poor impulse control. this can lead to compulsive behaviors like excessive scratching, licking, or chewing, causing skin problems and irritations. hyperactive pets might also have difficulty sleeping and resting, which can compromise their immune system and overall health.

Reasons for hyperactivity in dogs 

hyperactive dogs aren’t just being the way they are because of naughtiness (although that is also often a reason for hyperactivity in dogs). a lot of factors influence the temperament of our canine friends, including age, breed, and lifestyle. 

for instance, the border collie breed seems to have batteries that never run out, while bulldogs are more on the leisurely side. puppies, meanwhile, are understandably more energetic than older dogs, who — with age and wisdom — can adapt themselves to situations with cooler heads. 

separation anxiety in dogs is also a big reason behind hyperactive or destructive behavior. they become anxious and distressed when left alone, leading to behaviors like excessive barking, whining, pacing, and destructive chewing. such actions don’t always indicate hyperactivity but is a dog’s way of coping with anxiety. addressing separation anxiety through training, desensitization, and sometimes with the help of a professional dog behaviorist can help calm these anxious behaviors and make your furry friend more relaxed when you're not around. (Here are some ways to keep your pet busy when they’re home alone, to try and combat separation anxiety in dogs.)   

here are some ways to calm a hyperactive dog down (for their own good): 

1. big brain energy. direct your pet’s physical energy toward mind games, interactive toys, and puzzles that help with mental stimulation.  

2. walk in step. during walks, don’t let your pet pull on the leash and lead. slow them down by having them walk beside you.

3. create peace. ensure there is a soothing environment at home, with a cozy personal space for your pet and minimal loud noises/triggers.

4. prevent overstimulation. confine your pet to temporary timeouts in situations that get your pet overexcited (eg: a guest at home). 

5. treats, treats, treats! distract your pet with their favorite treats when they get a little too hyper. remember: this is only a short-term solution. 

6. train well. good training that includes but goes beyond basic commands (“sit,” “stop,” etc.) can help manage behavioral issues. hire a trainer if you have to. 

7. everyone loves music! Calming music with a slow tempo and gentle melodies can help reduce a dog's anxiety and restlessness. research suggests that certain types of music, such as classical or reggae, can have a soothing effect on dogs by lowering their heart rate and stress levels.

8. a good diet helps! processed chemical-laden dog food can aggravate anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. 

experts have long promoted the all-around benefits a nutritious, balanced diet can have on canine behavior and health. pawfectly made believes that too! 

our recipes, developed under the guidance of vets, have an ideal balance of all necessary nutrients and food groups that pets need to live longer, healthier, happier lives! 

‘cos when we say we care, we really mean it. ❤️

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