A friend of mine used to always say to me, “dogs are people too.” It took me finally getting my own pup to understand exactly what that meant. When it comes to humans and our pets, there are some ways in which we’re a lot more similar than it appears. Sure, there are significant physical differences, but mentally, we could probably all relate when it comes to one major side effect of life: stress.

Anxiety isn’t solely a human experience. Animals feel it all the time and some of the behavior they display reflects that feeling. In dogs, these symptoms can be particularly noticeable. Barking, whining, shivering, and whimpering, to name a few, could all be actions your dog is taking to tell you she’s anxious, she’s stressed, and she needs a little support. And just like with people, there are a few ways to help ease your pet’s anxiety, whether it be establishing a routine, partaking in a little TLC (tender love and care), or trying out a supplement like dog cbd. Here are a few practices that might help you ease the nerves of a stressed-out pet.

Note the Behavior, Find the Stressor

One of the first actions you should take to help your stressed pet is to figure out what’s causing the stress. Does your dog have separation anxiety? Is she afraid of thunder? It’s important to notice the normal qualities of your pet, like her typical activity level, noise level, and posture so when those things change (as they commonly do when your pet is stressed), you’re aware. Is your dog whining or barking more than usual? Is she pacing or more active, or has she tucked her tail between her legs? Sometimes, some of the more frustrating behaviors (like barking or going to the bathroom where it shouldn’t) are actually a reaction to stress.

Once you’ve noticed different behavior from your pet, try to pinpoint where the difference came from. New people, noises, and environments are a common cause. You should, if possible, remove her from the stressor. If you can take her into a quiet place and give her some one-on-one time, this may serve as a distraction and allow your pet some time to calm down and find comfort once again. For dogs, small commands and activities will serve as the perfect distraction.

Exercise Your Pup

One of the most common ways to not only help a stressed pet but also prevent some of that anxiety ahead of time is to exercise your pet. With dogs, this looks like taking her on a walk or out to play. A few things happen with this kind of activity: you’ll get quality time together, the exercise will release endorphins (just like in humans) that will give your pup a better outlook overall, and your dog will exert some energy and may be too tired out later to feel or act on anxiety. Studies have also found that dogs that exercise more display less fear and anxiety in general, so consistent exercise will not only help you out before guests come over (or any other trigger), but also in regular, day-to-day life.

Use Dog CBD

If you haven’t noticed, CBD is everywhere as the new health and wellness product of choice, so naturally, there’s CBD for dogs, too. If you’re looking to calm your dog, this supplement might be your savior. Dog CBD comes in numerous forms, from oils to chews to soft gels, and can help your pup both physically and mentally. Though it’s fairly new to the market, dog CBD has been heavily studied by experts and is a veterinary-backed supplement to treat a wide range of mental and physical issues. One study found that over three quarters of dogs tested displayed less stress or anxiety-related behaviors in the face of a stress-triggering event when given dog CBD ahead of time.

Without diving too deep into the science, CBD can help combat discomfort (which may trigger stress in your dog) by re-balancing the release of neurotransmitters that tell your dog it’s uncomfortable or stressed. With the help of CBD, more balanced neurotransmitter release can have an effect on your dog’s response to a trigger, whether it be pain, discomfort, or anxiety. You can adjust doses per your dog’s needs, and in less than a week, you’ll likely see a noticeable improvement in your dog’s behaviors.

Try a Calming Vest

When you see a dog with a vest on, it’s not necessarily just because it’s super cute. Rather, the pressure of the vest or coat on the pup may make a difference in its anxiety and overall behavior. The concept was inspired by the use of similar pressure therapies for people with anxiety; it’s not all that different from the way some people use a weighted blanket. In dogs, the concept of deep pressure therapy has seen fewer scientific studies than dog CBD, but most of those studies have yielded positive results and there are few (if any) reports of negative side effects. So what’s the harm in trying one out?

Preventing Anxiety

Another way to help your stressed pet is to prevent her from becoming so stressed to begin with. With dogs, proper socialization is important if your pup is going to be around other dogs, even just in passing. Training is also extremely important, and not just because it’ll help your dog’s behavior and be more convenient for you; rather, on the dog’s side, that training helps develop your relationship and establish trust, which will afford you some more power when it comes to calming her down when she needs it. Finally, as we mentioned above, getting your dog regular exercise will have a positive effect on her overall health, including anxiety and stress, and knowing her typical behaviors will help you better understand what’s triggering her anxiety so you can avoid it, if possible, to begin with.