How To Calm an Overstimulated Dog [Top Calming Suggestions]

If you're wondering how to calm an overstimulated dog, there are simple and effective steps you can take. Overstimulation in dogs occurs when their senses get overloaded by various stimuli. This sensory overload can lead to behaviors like excessive barking or hyperactivity.

 

The good news is you can help your furry friend relax by understanding their needs. You can try reducing sensory input and providing calming activities to avoid overstimulation. Techniques such as regular exercise, scent games, interactive toys, and calming aids can help your hyper dog feel more relaxed.

 

In this article, we'll guide you through all these methods and tools. Keep reading for the best strategies to encourage calm behavior in your overly excited pup. Remember, a relaxed dog is a happy dog!

 

 

Recognizing the Signs of an Overstimulated Dog

When a dog experiences too much sensory input, they may feel overwhelmed. They can show both physical and behavioral changes. Spotting these signs early can help your pet remain calm and prevent negative behaviors. To know if your dog is overstimulated, watch for these specific signals:

 

• Excessive Barking. Dogs often bark uncontrollably when overstimulated.
• Dilated Pupils. Enlarged pupils can point to sensory overload.
• Restlessness. An overstimulated dog may pace or move around a lot.
• Hyperactivity. Jumping or being overly excited may mean overstimulation.
• Difficulty Calming Down. If your pet can't settle, it could be a sign they're overstimulated.

 

What Causes Dogs To Become Overstimulated?

Overstimulation can happen whether you have a puppy or an adult dog. When your dog's nervous system gets bombarded with too much sensory information, their stress hormones like cortisol can increase. This increase can then trigger excitement, hyperactivity, or anxious behaviors. 

 

During overstimulation, a dog's nerve endings become highly reactive to touch, sound, and smell. Heightened electrical signals travel through their nervous system, causing them to become overly excited. Understanding these processes can help you better manage your dog's environment and activities.

 

Common Triggers for Overstimulation in Dogs

Lots of everyday situations can trigger overstimulation in dogs. To prevent overwhelming your pup's senses, watch for these factors:

 

• Loud Noises. Fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction can overwhelm your dog's senses.
• Too Much Contact. Excessive petting or handling can overstimulate your pet, especially in social settings.
• Chaotic Environments. Crowded spaces with lots of movement and noise can make it hard for your dog to remain calm.
• Strong Smells. Powerful scents from cleaning products or unfamiliar animals can overwhelm dogs' sense of smell.
• Other Animals. The presence of other dogs or wildlife can trigger overstimulation in dogs.

 

 

Immediate Techniques To Calm Your Dog

It's important to act quickly and soothe overstimulated dogs to prevent further issues. The first immediate action you should take to keep your dog calm is to address any environmental factors triggering them. Next, try calming commands and gentle touches to help soothe your furry friend. Let's look at these techniques more closely in the following sections.

 

The Importance of Removing Stress Triggers

One of the quickest ways to relax an overstimulated dog is to remove triggers. Identify and remove the source of overstimulation to help reduce agitation immediately.

 

By eliminating these triggers, you can help your pup return to a calm behavior. This approach can also teach them to relate calmness with a quieter environment, promoting long-term relaxation habits.

 

Using Calming Commands and Signals

Teaching your pet calming commands and signals can be effective, too. Simple commands like "sit" or "stay" can help redirect their focus and encourage calmness. Use a consistent, soothing tone to tell your dog it's time to relax.

 

Hand signals paired with verbal cues can also reinforce these calming behaviors. Over time, your dog will relate these commands with settling down.

 

 

Long-Term Solutions for Calming Dogs

Now that you know some quick solutions to your dog's overstimulation, it's time to discuss long-term strategies. This is where developing a consistent routine can make a huge difference in your furry buddy's everyday life. In the following sections, we'll cover specific long-term methods to keep your dog relaxed and well-adjusted over time.

 

Building a Calming Routine for Your Dog

A consistent daily routine can help keep your dog zen. Dogs love predictability. Regular activities like walks, feeding, and playtime can help them feel secure. A well-structured routine can help prevent overstimulation by providing your pup with a sense of familiarity.

 

Add calming activities like scent games and cuddle times to further promote relaxation. Over time, your pet will associate these routines with feeling relaxed and comfortable.

 

How Exercise and Mental Stimulation Help

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for preventing overstimulation in dogs. Daily walks or play sessions can help burn off excess energy, preventing hyperactivity. Physical stimulation can also promote relaxation by helping lower stress hormones.

 

Mental stimulation—through activities like puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or training exercises— can help keep your dog's mind engaged. This preoccupation can help prevent boredom, which can lead to overstimulation.

 

 

Can CBD Help Calm an Overstimulated Dog?

Yes, CBD (cannabidiol) may help calm an overstimulated dog. By interacting with dogs' endocannabinoid systems (ECS), which plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, stress, and well-being, CBD can promote calmness.

 

Over the years, CBD has become a popular option for dogs with issues like separation anxiety, overstimulation, and discomfort. By supporting internal balance, CBD can help reduce agitation and encourage relaxation in your pup.

 

How CBD Interacts With a Dog's Endocannabinoid System

CBD works by interacting with a dog's ECS. This system consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the brain and body. When CBD binds to these receptors, it may help balance electrical signals in the brain. This support may help ease feelings of nervousness and promote calm behavior.

 

Pro tip: HolistaPet has a range of calming CBD products designed specifically for pets. We offer oils, chews, treats, and capsules, which we'll share more about.

 

See all Holistapet Calming Options for Pets here. 

 

Can Melatonin Calm an Overstimulated Canine?

Yes, melatonin can also help calm overstimulated dogs. It helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes sleep, but it can also help dogs relax in stressful situations. It's especially effective for pets prone to sensory overload when there's too much noise or activity around.

 

Using melatonin may help manage overstimulation, especially when other methods aren't enough. It can be a natural, gentle way to help your pup stay at ease and balanced.

 

Related Post: Exploring Melatonin Dosage Levels for Dogs

 

The Effect of Melatonin on Dog Anxiety

Melatonin may help ease anxious behaviors in dogs by helping regulate sleep and promoting calm. It influences the production of serotonin, a hormone that affects mood and relaxation. When given, melatonin may help reduce agitation caused by overstimulation.

 

Fun fact: For overstimulated dogs, HolistaPet offers Melatonin Calming Soft Chews. These treats may provide soothing effects and help your furry buddy relax during stressful situations.

 

 

Potential Tools To Calm an Overstimulated Dog

Owners of overstimulated dogs need not worry because there are tools available that can help calm their pets. Combining these tools with proper training and a serene environment can help bring relief to overwhelmed pups. In the next sections, we'll discuss specific tools like calming collars, vests, and sound therapy.

 

The Role of Calming Collars and Vests

Calming collars and vests may help dogs manage sensory overload. These products apply gentle pressure or release soothing scents, promoting calmness. 

 

Calming vests, also called anxiety wraps, provide a snug fit that helps pets feel secure during stressful moments. Calming collars use pheromones or natural scents to help soothe the senses. Both are great tools for helping canines stay composed in challenging environments.

 

Sound Therapy: How Music Can Help

Like in humans, sound therapy can also bring tranquility to dogs. Slow music reportedly helps lower heart rates and ease nervous behaviors in our canine friends. Soothing music specifically made for dogs can help reduce agitation and create a more peaceful environment.

 

Using sound therapy during stressful situations may help drown out loud noises. Over time, this can become a useful method for managing your dog's overstimulation.

 

 

What Calming Dog Options Do We Offer?

HolistaPet offers a range of calming products to help dogs manage overstimulation. Whether you're looking for CBD, melatonin, or other calming aids, we have options. Let's go ahead and look into our different calming solutions and see how they can help your dog relax.

 

CBD Products for Dogs

Our CBD products for pets use premium, broad-spectrum CBD. This means there's no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the mind-altering compound in cannabis, in them. You can try our:

 

• CBD Oil for Dogs. This is in a convenient dropper bottle for easy and precise dosing. Give this directly to your pet or mix it in their water or food.
• CBD Calming Dog Treats. These contain other calming ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile. Each treat features an irresistible peanut butter flavor.
• CBD Calming Chews for Dogs. These are great for pups who prefer softer treats. These chews combine CBD with soothing ingredients like chamomile and tryptophan.
• CBD Capsules for Dogs. For a straightforward approach, give these directly to your pet. If they're picky, you can hide the capsules in their food of treats.

 

Dog Melatonin Soft Chews

Our Melatonin Calming Soft Chews are a gentle option for your overstimulated dog. These chews combine melatonin with other calming ingredients, such as L-theanine, chamomile, passion flower, ashwagandha, tryptophan, and valerian root.

 

These soft chews are easy to administer. Use them as treats while training your pup to enhance your bonding experience.

 

Other Calming Supplements and Treats

We also offer other calming options like our CBG Oil for Dogs. It's a powerful blend of broad-spectrum CBG and other cannabinoids to support your pet's health. Like CBD, this can help promote calmness in dogs.

 

We also offer bundles that combine our different calming aids. These bundles include oils, treats, and chews that work well to create a soothing routine for your pup. You can help your dog relax while getting some extra savings!

 

When To Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, calming an overstimulated dog needs more than at-home techniques. If your dog still experiences overstimulation despite your efforts, call an expert. A dog's inability to settle could point to an underlying cause that needs professional help.

 

Working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist would be your best bet. They can provide custom solutions to help address your pet's needs. Professionals can assess your dog's behavior and recommend the best ways to help them.

 

Working With a Dog Behaviorist

A dog behaviorist specializes in understanding and correcting dogs' behaviors. These professionals can study your dog's behavior and create a customized training plan. By focusing on the root cause of your pup's issue, a behaviorist can help you understand what triggers your dog and what you can do.

 

A behaviorist can help your pup develop healthier reactions to stimuli through proper training sessions and positive reinforcement. Their guidance can lead to long-term improvements in your pet's demeanor.

 

Considering Medication for Overstimulated Dogs

In some cases, overstimulated dogs may need medications. This is especially true when all other methods have failed.

 

Your vet might prescribe calming medications to help reduce excess energy and balance your dog's nervous system. These medications are normally used as a last resort when nothing else has worked.

 

Consult your vet if at-home solutions are not working for your dog. They can help ensure your dog receives safe and suitable medication for their needs. Don't forget to pair their meds with training and calming techniques for better results.

 

 

Final Thoughts on Calming an Overstimulated Dog

Calming an overstimulated dog requires patience, understanding, and the right tools. By spotting the signs and using the right approach, you can help your furry buddy feel more relaxed and balanced. 

 

Proper calming aids, training routines, and sensory-reducing techniques can make a huge difference in your pup's behavior and quality of life. Try our different calming offerings today and get your dog a step closer to calmness!