06/10/2026
🐾💚 **3 Acupressure Points That Can Help Calm an Anxious Dog** 💚🐾
Does your dog get nervous during thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, vet visits, or when left alone? Acupressure is a gentle, non-invasive way to help promote relaxation and emotional balance.
Here are three of my favorite calming points to use:
✨ **1. Yin Tang (The Third Eye Point)**
📍 **Location:** Right between the eyes, slightly above the bridge of the nose.
💚 **Benefits:**
• Promotes relaxation
• Helps reduce anxiety and stress
• Encourages restful sleep
• Can help calm an overstimulated dog
🐾 **How to Use:**
Using one finger, apply very gentle pressure or make small circular motions for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Most dogs will soften their eyes, blink, or even drift off to sleep.
✨ **2. Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings Point)**
📍 **Location:** On the top midline of the back, in the dip just behind the last lumbar vertebra and in front of the pelvis (near the hips).
💚 **Benefits:**
• Calms the nervous system
• Supports emotional balance
• Helps relieve tension throughout the body
• Promotes overall well-being
🐾 **How to Use:**
Place your fingertips gently on the area and hold for 30-60 seconds while encouraging slow, calm breathing.
✨ **3. Heart 7 (Shen Men or "Spirit Gate")**
📍 **Location:** On the inside of the front leg, just above the wrist (carpus), along the back edge of the accessory pad area. (outer side)
💚 **Benefits:**
• Helps ease nervousness and fear
• Supports emotional stability
• Encourages relaxation
• Often used for anxiety-related behaviors
🐾 **How to Use:**
Apply light pressure with your thumb for 30 seconds on each front leg. Keep the touch gentle. Acupressure should never be painful.
🌿 **A Few Tips for Success:**
✔️ Choose a quiet environment.
✔️ Keep your touch light and calm.
✔️ Watch your dog's body language.
✔️ Stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.
✔️ Pair acupressure with slow petting and a calm voice.
Remember, acupressure isn't a substitute for veterinary care, but it can be a wonderful complementary tool to help your dog feel more relaxed and supported.
🐕 Have you ever tried acupressure with your dog? I'd love to hear about your experience!
💚 Lisa Marie Calestino, CVT, CCPMT
**All Well Beings Pet Massage and More**
*A Holistic Approach to Pet Wellness*