🐾 Gentle, Supportive Options for Pet Parents
Introduction
If your pet struggles with anxiety, fear, or overstimulation, you’re not alone, and there are gentle ways to help them feel safer.
Many pets experience nervous system stress. Loud noises, unfamiliar environments, separation, routine changes, or past experiences can overwhelm their sense of safety.
An anxious pet isn’t being difficult.
They’re communicating that they don’t feel safe.
This post shares gentle, supportive ways to help your pet feel calmer and more secure. It blends lived experience, compassionate care, and supportive practices that honor each animal’s individuality.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Pets
Your pet may:
- Shake or tremble
- Hide or cling to you
- Pace or pant
- Vocalize excessively
- Startle easily
- Seek constant reassurance
- Withdraw
Each pet expresses stress differently.
Gentle Ways to Support an Anxious Pet
Choose what feels appropriate for your pet, their personality, and their needs.
1. Create a Sense of Safety
Consistency matters. Predictable routines, calm voices, and familiar spaces help your pet feel grounded and secure.
2. Snug Clothing or Pressure Wraps
Snug-fitting garments such as ThunderShirts or fleece sweaters can provide comforting pressure, similar to a gentle hug.
3. Reiki or Calm Presence
Gentle energy work or simply sitting quietly with your pet can help their nervous system settle. Many animals respond naturally to calm, steady presence.
4. Calming Music
Soft music, Reiki music, or pet-specific calming playlists can help soften startling noises and create a more peaceful environment.
5. Warmth and Comfort
A gently warmed, unscented aromatherapy pack (never hot), cozy bed, or soft blanket can offer reassurance during stressful moments. (Choose pet friendly packs)
6. Diet and Nutrition
Fresh, whole foods and a balanced diet may help support overall nervous system health. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes.
7. Gentle Touch
Slow, intentional touch can help calm your pet’s body and emotions. Let your pet guide the interaction.
8. Movement and Play
Exercise helps release built-up nervous energy. Even light play or a calm walk can make a difference.
9. Flower Essences or Calming Supports
Some pet parents find gentle remedies helpful. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements or remedies.
✨ Reiki for Pets
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy practice that supports relaxation, balance, and emotional comfort.
Why Pets May Benefit from Reiki
Pet parents often notice that Reiki may help:
- Ease anxiety and nervousness
- Support relaxation
- Promote emotional balance
- Encourage rest and comfort
- Strengthen the bond between pet and caregiver
Each pet responds in their own way.
How Pets Respond to Reiki
Pets may show comfort by:
- Moving closer
- Lying down
- Relaxing their breathing
- Falling asleep
- Leaving the space if they’ve had enough
🐶 Helping an Anxious Pup Feel Safe
To bring this together, below I will share what supporting an anxious pet looked like in our own home.
What We’ve Learned from Our Olivia💜
Our Olivia had been anxious from day one.
I still remember her very first car ride home as a puppy. It was a short trip, but she protested the entire way, singing at the top of her lungs. While she was timid with many things, she was not afraid to let her big “brother” know who was in charge. Luckily, he was a pretty relaxed guy and didn’t seem to mind at all. You would often find him upside down, completely unfazed, being his sweet, goofy self.🩵
As Olivia grew, we began to notice her stress patterns. Every Tuesday morning, she would crawl on top of us in bed and start shaking. Eventually we realized -- Tuesday was garbage day. She would hear the trucks long before they arrived. As time moved on, we also began to notice her getting stressed on recycling day, during thunderstorms, and many other days with unexpected noises. Our sweet Olivia would notice every sound.
Along with lots of love, hugs, and reassurance, below are the supports that helped Olivia most in settling her anxiousness.
Gentle Supports That Helped Olivia
1. ThunderShirt or Snug Clothing
Olivia had several snug-fitting pieces, including ThunderShirts and fleece sweaters. The gentle pressure seemed to comfort her, almost like a constant hug.
2. Reiki for Comfort and Calm
I used to offer Olivia Reiki, and she loved it. When she was anxious, I would sit with her and allow the Reiki to flow gently. She always chose to stay close, often relaxing or falling asleep.
3. CBD Treats (Used Occasionally)
We generally avoided packaged treats and preferred fresh foods like bananas or blueberries. That said, we did keep CBD treats on hand for particularly stressful situations. Explore reputable brands and consult your veterinarian to see if this might be an appropriate option for your pet.
4. Calming Music
When we left the house, we played Reiki music or calming puppy music to help muffle sudden noises.
5. Lavender Essential Oil (With Caution)
Occasionally I used to diffuse calming lavender essential oil or I would use a very diluted lavender spritz on my hands and then I would gently pat Olivia’s bandana. I never applied oils directly to her fur.
Not all essential oils are safe around pets. Consult your veterinarian to see if this would be a safe option for your pet.
6. Warm Aromatherapy Pack
A gently warmed, unscented aromatherapy pack under a blanket can be very comforting during stressful moments.
7. A Cozy Blanket
Olivia loved to burrow under a soft blanket. Having a familiar place to hide gave her a sense of security.
8. Supportive Diet
We offered foods that supported calm, including ground turkey, sweet potatoes, blueberries, bananas, oats, eggs, and small amounts of plain yogurt or cottage cheese. Olivia was the banana queen.
Consult your veterinarian regarding the best food plan for your pet.
9. Gentle Light Touch
Gently light touch can be calming for dogs too. Gentle touch may help soothe the nervous system.
10. Exercise
Movement helps release pent-up nervous energy. Even gentle play or a walk can help.
11. Rescue Remedy for Pets
Rescue Remedy for Pets is another option some people may find helpful for their pet during stressful situations. Our vet suggested that we add a few drops to Olivia’s drinking water. It did seem to help some.
A Loving Reminder
Every pet is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Pet anxiousness can have many causes, and support should be individualized. But, with lots of love, patience, and understanding they learn to feel safer over time.
For some animals, additional support may feel helpful -- especially when stress is ongoing. For these times, remote Reiki may be a gentle complement.
Remote Reiki is a non-invasive energy practice that supports relaxation and emotional settling without physical contact. Sessions are offered at a distance, allowing your pet to remain in their familiar environment, where they often feel safest.
Some pet parents seek remote Reiki to support:
- Anxious or sensitive animals
- Pets during periods of stress, transition, or environmental change
- Emotional settling and nervous system regulation
- Overall calm and comfort alongside regular veterinary care
Remote Reiki is intended as a complementary support and is not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If this feels like something you’d like to explore for your pet, you’re welcome to schedule a session, here. Always free to contact me with any additional questions. Sending your precious pets so much love ❤️
Teaching Children Gentle Pet Care
Supporting an anxious pet can also be a meaningful opportunity to teach children compassion and gentleness.
If you’re looking for a gentle, age-appropriate way to help children learn how to support their beloved pets, I’ve created a coloring book designed to teach kindness, emotional awareness, and respectful pet care in a calm, approachable way.
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Disclaimer
This post is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects lived experience and supportive practices. It is not a substitute for veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment.
Reiki and other supportive practices are complementary and should be used alongside appropriate professional care. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods, supplements, remedies, or practices for your pet.
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A Note of Gratitude:
While Shopify doesn’t currently have a way for me to reply directly to blog comments, I want you to know that I read every single one. I’m deeply grateful to those who take the time to share thoughtful reflections here. Thank you for your interest in my work, your kindness, and your presence. I truly hope what I share supports you in meaningful ways.
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