Key Points

• The best calming dog bed for large dogs is one big enough to keep them comfortable when curled up or spread out.

• Large dogs that struggle with anxiety, fear, or stress need a safe space with a comfy bed to help them relax.

• The best calming dog bed for large dogs is one designed to help reduce stress.

Finding the best calming dog bed for large dogs is easy when you know what you want. No matter their size, dogs need love, attention, and care to be at their best. Anxious behaviors may arise when your pup feels overwhelmed, under the weather, or sad. 

The common belief is that smaller breed pups are easily excitable and prone to worry. Large dogs are not immune from suffering a canine anxiety attack. A calming dog bed for large dogs helps them feel safe. Understanding the definition of canine anxiety makes finding the best treatment plan easier.

What Is Canine Anxiety?

Anxiety is normal but can lead to more severe issues if left unchecked. It’s also not such a cut-and-dry case for vets. The nervousness, fearfulness, or unwanted behavioral issues could have a root cause no one expects.

The first step is learning how to help your furry friend reduce stress by understanding their family history, personality, and medical background. The more insight you gain about your four-legged family member will help.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the causes of canine anxiety can vary. Did you adopt your doggo from a shelter? Have you recently moved? Is there a new family member? Is your pup sound sensitive? Even changing their diet impacts their attitude.

There are different types of anxiety to consider when assessing your dog’s behavior. Asking yourself these questions helps track which type of anxiety your barking pal is experiencing.

Types of Canine Anxiety

The three common causes of anxiety in dogs are age, fear, and separation. It’s important to note which particular anxiety your pup might be suffering. If you aren’t quite sure which category their behavior falls under, seek guidance from a veterinarian. They can help with a diagnosis and find the best route for treatment.

Age-Related Anxiety

An older dog won’t understand natural body changes as they age. Medical ailments may develop once they get old. Arthritis, hip and joint issues, or gut health can cause your pup anxiety as they age.

Suppose they struggle with cognitive dysfunction, like CDS or brain trauma. In that case, their memory and awareness may be impacted. Senior dogs suffering from CDS, like Alzheimer’s disease, will experience confusion. That uncertainty and disorientation can escalate to anxiety.

Unwanted behaviors emerge because older pups don’t understand what their body is going through. Physical issues and mental deterioration are typical for aging canines. Still, seek vet care if your large dog’s health takes a sudden turn. Any rapid change to their health is a concern. Age-related health issues arise with time and are gradual, not sudden.

Fear-Related Anxiety

People who adopt a pup from a shelter must pay special attention to where they came from. Do they have a traumatic background? Were they abused or neglected? If so, working with them and earning their trust takes much patience. In the meantime, you may be dealing with some fear-related anxiety.

When dogs aren’t taught socialization skills early in life, it impacts their later behavior. Fear can lead to certain unwanted behaviors, including aggression or chronic depression. Adopting a rescue or shelter dog who has suffered from abandonment issues or emotional trauma takes commitment. They’re more prone to experience anxiety, including acting skittish or hysterical. 

Separation Anxiety

When your little one can't find comfort while you’re away, that’s a typical sign of canine separation anxiety. This happens especially when pet parents establish a strong connection with their furry family members. That connection and the time together is something they cherish. Leaving them at any time will make them worry and feel anxious.

It’s common for rescue pups or shelter dogs to go through separation anxiety. When considering their history, finding a forever home that offers nurturing and love is overwhelming. That’s why it’s no surprise when the love a doggo feels toward their pet parent manifests in just as many negative behaviors as positive ones.

What Triggers Anxiety?

Stress triggers depend on the type of anxiety your dog has. Signs of age-related anxiety include disorientation, sleep or wake cycle changes, or altered behaviors.

Strangers, including people or animals, factor in age-related and fear-related anxiety. The triggers for fear-related anxiety also vary. Loud noises, for instance, might make them jump due to sound sensitivity. Sudden movements could also trigger a frightened response.

Visual stimuli like glasses, masks, hats, umbrellas, canes, grass, wood floors, or tile can also play a role in sudden behavioral changes. Triggers for fear-based anxiety include unfamiliar spaces, new environments, vet offices, and vehicles.

Separation anxiety is challenging to diagnose unless you know what behaviors your dog is exhibiting while you’re out. For example, they may relax on their dog blanket while you get ready and follow you to the door as you leave. There’s no fuss until that door shuts.

Recognize the Signs of Distress

Your vet can help answer the most commonly posed questions: Does my dog have anxiety? What are the symptoms of severe anxiety in dogs? What are the critical signs of stress in dogs? Is your little one just a furball of nerves? Understanding the differences between mild and severe symptoms of canine anxiety is crucial.

Mild symptoms include barking, whining, pacing, occasional melancholy, or general restlessness. Pay attention to any repetitive or compulsive behaviors too. Remember, no matter how mild it may seem, any cumulative stress does impact their health.

A dog's extreme distress symptoms include excessive drooling or worsening of milder symptoms. Consult a vet when you notice aggression, chronic depression, or destructive behavior.

Separation anxiety symptoms for dogs range from emotional auditory wailing to overly destructive behavior. Urinating or defecating in the house is indicative of anxiety. Missing you and not understanding how to express it can lead to various unwanted behaviors.

If you notice a change in their eating habits, note any patterns. Do they want to eat more food? Has their appetite decreased? Weight fluctuation is normal, but drastic weight gain or loss is unhealthy. It could be a critical sign of stress, depression, or anxiety in dogs.

What Dog Breeds Have the Most Anxiety?

There’s no definitive evidence that certain dogs are more inclined to have anxiety. Family history, medical history, a pup’s upbringing, and living environment contribute to breed-specific canine anxiety.

Veterinary researchers Tiira et al. found that the most anxious dog breeds range from small dogs like miniature Schnauzers to large breeds like Labrador retrievers.

The study further suggests that although certain breeds seem to have different anxiety levels, many dogs are prone to age, fear, or separation anxiety. They stated, “Behavior has a major genetic component [...] some genomic areas and loci are associated with problematic behavior, including compulsion, fear, and noise sensitivity.”

Exhaust every effort to decrease anxiety, including addressing the root problem. Learn what the triggers are.

How To Calm an Anxious Dog

Dog anxiety treatment plans include a holistic approach. Engaging them physically, mentally, and emotionally covers all your bases.

Making them feel safe and comfortable is the first step. Finding a safe space where they can have some peace is a start. A comfy calming bed, calming fountain, and favorite stuffy toy are the standard for this area.

Developing a routine is essential. Balance physical activities, mental stimulation, and quality time to manage their anxiety. It means increasing those daily walks or trying more dog exercises. Consider fun activities, mental games, and even dog sports. Speak kind words, play with them, and give them affection as part of that quality time.

When it comes to how to treat separation anxiety in dogs, it helps to record them while you’re gone. Knowing exactly what they’re doing or how they’re behaving will make it easier to find the best treatment path.

What Is the Best Calming Dog Bed for a Large Dog?

Calming dog beds for large dogs meet all the criteria on the checklist of cuddle beds. They’re large enough for a big dog to stretch out or curl up. Made from the finest materials, it's ultra-soft and keeps them warm.

The Calming Cuddle Bed Plus+ Memory Foam is designed with luxury in mind. This calming dog bed comes in three sizes to meet all the needs of a small, medium, or large breed pup. They come in fun colors and include a pocket for calming dog inserts. The premium materials are eco-friendly, containing no harmful chemicals.

The Calming Cuddle Bed is one of the most popular options and is well-known for spoiling them. It makes canines feel secure, centered, calm, and super comfortable. It’s machine washable and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It’s designed with circular ridges for burrowing and non-skid pads to keep it in place.

Large Dogs Need a Comfy Bed

If you notice your large doggo isn’t happy or displaying some troublesome behaviors, it may point to stress, depression, or anxiety. You may ask yourself, "How can I help my big dog's anxiety?"

Learning about the types of anxiety, stress triggers, anxiety symptoms, and how to calm your dog is all part of the pet parent journey. Making them feel safe is a priority; a large, calming dog bed will help.

Curious about other calming dog products? Be sure to subscribe to CalmingDog for all the canine relaxation options available.