Society has come a long way when it comes to understanding the importance of mental health. However, it can be hard to identify the symptoms of common problems such as anxiety in our pets – let alone understand how exactly we should treat them.
From annual anxiety over fireworks in November, to more serious issues which tend to affect rescue pups and adopted dogs when meeting new people – anxiety is a very real thing amongst our canine friends. Our pups experience love and comfort, as well as stress and fear, in the very same way that we do.
Yet our inability to verbally communicate with our beloved pets is often a source of frustration when it comes to treating them. After all, the most common source of relief for humans suffering from anxiety and depression is talking therapy.
Nevertheless, there are a variety of ways in which we can help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety in our beloved pups. However, it’s important to note that if you think your dog might be suffering from anxiety or depression, you should always seek a vet’s advice before embarking on your own treatment plans.
What are the symptoms of anxiety in dogs?
According to UK charity Dogs Trust, paying attention to your pup’s body language can help you to identify whether they might be suffering from stress or anxiety. Some of the most common body language behaviours identified in anxious pups include:
- Tension in the body and tight facial muscles
- Furrowed brow and wrinkling of the skin between the ears
- Lowered ears and tail
- Leaning away and lip-licking
- Crouched body
- Shaking
- Panting and pacing
- Hiding
For more information on symptoms of anxiety in dogs, as well as some detailed illustrations of the aforementioned body language – Dogs Trust has an incredibly handy guide.
How do anti-anxiety dog beds help?
Though not a cure, anti-anxiety dog beds can help your pup by providing a sense of comfort and safety – especially when you’re not around. For younger pups, they can help to stimulate the feeling of being close to their mother, thereby aiding with issues regarding separation anxiety. Some anti-anxiety dog beds even have devices which mimic heartbeats for further puppy comfort.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best anti-anxiety dog beds to purchase in the UK.
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Calming Anti-Anxiety Bed in Reindeer Faux Fur
Size: One Size - External Diameter 33", Internal Diameter 22"
Donut dog beds are the perfect solution for your anxiour pup. The deep and high-sided shape promotes and supports a deeper sleep for your pup while helping them to feel more secure while in an otherwise vulnerable state. Perfect for a dog that loves to curl up, this plump and ultra-cosy handmade bed features incredibly soft faux fur for extra comfort.
Buy now £199.99, Lords & Labradors
Danish Design My First Bed
Size: 50x56x30cm
Combining the anxiety-quashing donut-shape with high-sides for extra security and safety, this dog bed by Danish Design is a fantastic choice for new puppies or highly anxious dogs. The Sherpa fleece cover is fully removable and machine washable, and the inner cushion base features a waterproof liner with a hidden pouch for a heat pad or hot water bottle. They’ll still be squeezing into this bed when they’re full grown, we guarantee it.
Buy now £45.02, Amazon
Labrador Dog Bed By The Labrador Company
Size: Small, Medium, or Large
Whether you’re a Labrador parent or not, you wont be able to resist the adorable lab-adorned dog bed by The Labrador Company. The luxuriously padded bed and cushion covers are totally machine washable, while the raised, soft sides are perfect for dogs who love to rest their head. It’s made in England from 100 per cent cotton drill fabric and is a sure-fire winner for any precious pooch.
Buy now £128.99, NOTHS
K&H Pet Products Mother's Heartbeat Heated Dog Bed with Bone Pillow
Size: Small, Medium
Designed to suit the smallest of puppies, this innovative comfort dog bed is equipped with both a heating pad and a device which mimics a heartbeat. This bed is also machine washable once the electronic inserts have been taken out. A brilliant option for new pups or those who suffer from separation anxiety.
Buy now £56.80, Amazon
Luxury Snuggle Sack Dog Bed
Size: XS-XXL
Providing a cosy and comforting means for your pup to hide themselves away if needs be, the Snuggle Sack Dog Bed has been crafted with dogs who love to burrow and nest in mind. Available in a whopping six sizes ranging from XS to XXL as well as in a range of attractive contemporary colours, the Snuggle Sack is sure to make both owner and pup very happy.
Buy now, Etsy
Hooded Pet Bed - Large
Size: 35x75x75cm
In a similar manner to the Snuggle Sack, this cave-like dog bed provides a sense of comfort by appealing to your pup’s instinct to nest. Suitable for dogs both large and small, this bed is equipped with a removable, machine-washable polyester cover and non-slip backing.
Buy now £35.00, Argos
Luxury Orthopedic Dog and Cat Bed with Hooded Blanket
Size: 23x23”
This innovative anti-anxiety design combines the appeal of the donut bed and the snuggle cave design for the utmost warmth and security. Crafted from ultra-soft, pet-safe faux fur and polyester, this bed also has 7” high walls for premium comfort and neck support – no matter the size of your pup.
Buy now £42.88, Amazon
Blue Skies Snuggle Wrap Dog Beds
Size: S-XL
Extra-large and oh-so snuggly, this pouch bed is wonderfully versatile. Due the amount of padding and super soft sherpa fleece material, your dog can choose to sit atop this bed when their anxiety levels are low, or burrow inside the pouch when they’re feeling stressed. We also love the adorable star and moon design which adorns this pretty option.
Buy now £37.00, Etsy
