Positive reinforcement, calming words, and even puppy vitamins and supplements can help soothe a nervous puppy, and stress may trigger poor pup behavior.

Playful puppies usually act like they don't have a care in the world. After all, dogs don't have to pay bills, stand in line to renew a driver's license, or deal with a cranky boss. Still, they may display subtle symptoms of stress. If unaddressed, these behaviors can get worse and harder to deal with as a dog ages.

Pup parents should try to understand the source of their pet's stressful behavior and take some positive steps to maintain a calm pup. As they say, it's often easier to teach a young dog new tricks or at least, better coping tactics. Special training, medications, and natural calming bites for dogs may help to decrease any nervous or stressful behavior in your pup.

Why are some puppies stressed?

Some breeds and even individual dogs appear born with high-strung temperaments. According to Medical News Today, 70 percent of dogs displayed at least some nervous behavior in one study of over 200 pets.

Also, pet parents might not realize it, but almost all puppies experience stressful events during their first year. Some of the most common examples include separation from mothers and early caregivers, weaning, rehoming, training, and housebreaking. It's not surprising that many dogs display at least some situational stress responses.

Which behaviors indicate puppy stress?

Your dog can't express stress in words. According to the American Kennel Club, these behaviors may give their stressful mental state away:

• Unusual aggression, hyperactivity, restlessness, or panting
• Unexpected toileting in the wrong place after housebreaking
• Listlessness, barking excessively, or destructive acts

How to promote tranquility in your pup

Rewarding positive behavior, never aggravating the situation with a harsh tone of voice, and offering plenty of petting and grooming sessions can help build trust and confidence to overcome even a naturally high-strung nature.

Some pet parents may need to speak with their veterinarian or a professional trainer to help identify stress triggers and develop calming tactics. Also, a trip to the vet can rule out any physical causes of emotional distress.

Can puppy vitamins and supplements help relieve stress in puppies?

As with people, diets can play a role in a puppy's emotional state. According to research from Purina's Vet Lab, omega-3 fatty acids might help alleviate nervousness and stress in dogs, just as they may in people. This research also looked at gut flora as a potential source of stress, and it suggested that probiotics could help. Other studies have suggested that B vitamins can play a role in both stress reduction and brain development.

Commercial dog food from name-brand manufacturers generally does a good job of meeting a puppy's basic nutritional needs. At the same time, some puppies may need extra support to ensure they're getting everything they need to support digestion, growth, and brain development. A good dog multivitamin and nutrient supplement may provide simple nutritional insurance.

Puppy vitamins and supplements from Moe's Healthy Pets make it easy to enjoy high-quality puppy chow with omega-3, vitamins, probiotics, and other nutrients from natural sources. These tasty multivitamins may help to support a healthy immune system in your dog! Plus, puppies think they taste great.

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/many-dogs-are-prone-to-anxiety-study-finds

https://vetcenter.purina.pl/sites/default/files/article-pdfs/Article%20558_%E2%80%98Oiling%20the%20Brain%E2%80%99%20or%20%E2%80%98Cultivating%20the%20Gut%E2%80%99-Impact%20of%20Diet%20on%20Anxious%20Behavior%20in%20Dogs.pdf

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/