Resources
How do I use this library?
This library is here to help you find simple, supportive guidance for calming, comfort, and everyday routines with your dog. You can read straight through or jump to the section that fits what you need most, whether those are vet visits, senior dog comfort, car rides, body language cues, or pressure point and massage basics. Start with the topic that best matches your dog and keep it simple.
Featured Tool: Bow Wow Bliss® Mutt Massager can be used alongside the calming, comfort, and massage guidance throughout this library.
Start here: The Calming Starter Guide
A simple printable guide with gentle pressure-point-inspired tips, a calming ritual, and an easy bedtime routine for dogs.
Before-the-Vet Prep Checklist
Before leaving the house, there are a few simple things you can do to help your dog arrive at the vet feeling calmer and more settled.
Before you leave:
• Take them for a short walk or bathroom break before you leave.
• Keep your own movements calm and predictable—dogs read our energy.
• Bring a familiar blanket or towel that smells like home.
• If bloodwork is planned, confirm whether your dog should be fasting. If so, an early morning appointment may be more comfortable.
• Write down your questions for the vet, including any lingering thoughts you’ve had. Having a list handy helps you make the most of your time and remember everything you want to cover.
• Take a few quiet minutes at home with gentle touch on calming areas like their forehead or chest.
• Allow plenty of time to arrive. Not rushing helps. Traffic, hurry, and worrying about being late can do the opposite of calming your dog.
Download the Before-the-Vet Prep Checklist to save or print.
→ For more see: How to Keep Your Dog Calm at the Vet
Senior Dog Comfort Guide
As dogs age, small daily habits can make a meaningful difference in comfort, mobility, and relaxation.
Simple comfort habits:
• Provide soft, supportive bedding in your dog’s favorite resting spots.
• Keep walks shorter and more frequent rather than long outings.
• Be mindful that both indoor and outdoor temperatures are comfortable so you don’t add stress to your dog’s system.
• Use slow, gentle touch to relax muscles around the shoulders, neck, back, and hips.
• Allow extra time for transitions such as standing up, using stairs, getting on and off furniture, or getting into the car.
• At mealtime, make sure the food and water bowls are raised to a comfortable level to avoid strain, and place an area rug underneath so your dog can stand without slipping.
• In the areas your dog uses most, add non-slip rugs or padding over hard surfaces like tile or hardwood to support stability and comfort.
• Maintain predictable routines so your dog feels secure and settled.
Gentle, consistent care often supports senior dogs better than big changes.
Download the Senior Dog Comfort Checklist to Save or Print.
→ For more see our blog article: Natural Ways to Support a Senior Dog’s Mobility and Comfort
Car Ride Comfort Tips for Dogs
Some dogs feel uneasy or nauseated during car rides. A few small adjustments can help make travel easier.
Before the trip:
• Allow a short walk so your dog is not starting the ride with excess energy.
• Avoid feeding a full meal immediately before travel.
• Leave plenty of time to get where you are going. Rushing is not your friend when you want to create calm.
• Let your dog enter the car calmly rather than being lifted or hurried.
• Take a few quiet minutes at home with gentle touch and calming.
• Consider whether your dog would be more comfortable left at home for this trip.
• If your dog has a history of car sickness or anxiety, start with small, short practice rides.
During the ride:
• Keep the car cool and well ventilated. Windows down, weather permitting, are a joy for many dogs.
• For many dogs, having cool fresh water available is helpful.
• Skip treats while en route.
• Secure your dog with a harness, seatbelt, or travel crate. If crated, make sure there is pure ventilation and no exposure to exhaust fumes.
• Provide bedding or a comforting towel or blanket that smells like home.
• Eliminate perfumes, scented lotions, car fresheners, and other strong scents.
• Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking when possible.
• Eliminate blaring music or loud conversation.
• Separate your dog from children who may poke at, try to play with, or overstimulate them during travel.
• Offer calm reassurance without excessive stimulation.
Many dogs improve with gradual, positive travel experiences.
Signs Your Dog Is Calming Down or Relaxing and When to Stop Massage or Pressure Points
Dogs communicate calming/relaxation and stress through subtle body language. Learning these signals helps you know when to continue, when to ease up, and when to stop.
Signs your dog is relaxing:
• Soft or half-closed eyes
• Leaning into touch
• Leaning on you, resting their head, or feeling heavy
• Slow blinking or sighing
• Relaxed ears and body posture
• Settling hips or lying down
Signals your dog may need a break:
• Repeated lip licking or yawning
• Turning the head away
• Sudden scratching
• Body stiffness
• Moving away from contact
General safety tips:
• Use light, steady pressure rather than force.
• Avoid sore, swollen, or injured areas.
• Stop immediately if they yelp, sound or appear upset.
• Keep sessions short and calm at first.
• If your dog resists or pulls away, stop and try again later.
• If you’re unsure, or your dog has pain or a medical issue, check with your veterinarian first.
Watching your dog’s cues helps calming routines stay gentle, supportive, and safe.
Calming Routine Before Bed
A simple bedtime calming checklist will live here to help make evenings feel more settled, predictable, and comforting. For now, please visit Calming + Comfort for Dogs for available calming and comfort guidance you can use at home.
Starter Chart | 3 Pressure Points for Calming (Directions below)
3 Starter Pressure Points for Calming
Using your thumb, keep your touch steady and gentle
—or if your nail pokes, you can try a knuckle.
• Face: Directly between and slightly above the eyes
• Forehead: From the “Face” point slide upward to the midline indent in front of their skull bone
• Outer Wrists: The indent and ridge right above the outer side of the wrist joints
How to Press:
Still contact with no movement.
Light to medium pressure.
20–30 seconds.
If your dog leans in, continue with movement.
20–30 seconds.
Release and repeat 2–3 times.
If your dog turns away, you’re done for now.
Stop early. Ending on “enough” builds trust.