Anxiety can impact your dog’s quality of life and result in a variety of troublesome behaviors. Stress is one of the main factors that contribute to disease. The good news is that there are many ways to naturally ease your dog’s fears and help him feel calmer.
Anxiety is a common issue in dogs. It can surface in a number of ways-from cowering in a closet during a thunderstorms to shredding the carpets when left alone. A holistic approach including nutrition, supplements, homeopathy, behavior modification techniques and more, can do a lot to calm your dog’s anxiety.
Dogs experience much of the same feelings we do. They can feel happy, contented and calm or afraid, insecure and worried. The problem is, it’s often difficult to understand why a dog is anxious, because we can’t sit down and ask them. What we can do is take steps to ease the anxiety so that they feel calmer about whatever is bothering them.
Nutrition and Vitamins
The brain has very high energy and nutrient needs. B vitamins are collectively known as stress vitamins because they help in high stress situations. Vitamin D is also involved in healthy brain development and for combating anxiety.
Your dog’s brain has receptors for Vitamin D, recent research has discovered a link between Vitamin D3 and mood. Vitamin D activates receptors on neurons in regions of the brain implicated in behavior regulation. Importantly, vitamin D increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that effects the dog’s ability to handle stress and feel content. Serotonin is believed to play an important role in relieving anxiety.
Studies have shown that 75% of all dogs fed commercial, processed foods are vitamin D3 deficient. Feeding your dog a species appropriate diet will help solve the problem. You can have your dog’s vitamin D3 levels tested then supplement if needed until the levels are up to par for your particular dog. Be sure to work with a holistic or integrative vet for guidance.
Melatonin and Endorphins
Melatonin can be effective for calming dogs with anxiety. Melatonin actually works with endorphins, improving the dog’s ability to withstand stress, and promoting a greater sense of general well being.
You can give dogs weighing less than ten pounds 1mg of melatonin twice a day. Dogs weighing 35-to 100 pounds can receive 3 mg of melatonin twice per day, and dogs weighing over 100 pounds you can give up to 6 mg twice per day. Use plain melatonin tablets, not sublingual , time release or capsule forms. I always recommend you double check dosages with your vet.
Bach Flower Remedies & Spirit Essences
Edward Bach, an English medical doctor, noticed that specific personality types paired with specific patterns of ill health. In 1930, he gave up his successful medical practice to experiment with different plants and flowers and formulate essences from each. He created the Bach Flower Remedies which are used primarily to heal and harmonize emotional imbalances. For example:
- Red Chestnut is an appropriate remedy for a dog who is protective of his owner and waits by the door for him or her.
- Chicory is indicated for a dog who exhibits separation anxiety and destroys the house when left alone.
- Honeysuckle may be added when a dog is disturbed by being apart from his person.
I also use Spirit Essences by Jackson Galaxy. He carries several different essences for stressful issues. Storm Soother addresses the acute sensitivity animals feel to both electric and barometric changes. Stress Stopper helps ease short-duration stresses such as vet trips, fireworks, vacuum cleaners and visitors. Separation Anxiety helps pets who get upset or become destructive just before or after you leave the house.
These remedies can be combined in any manner you see fit and work best in conjunction with behavior modification. Contact a qualified trainer for help with behavior modification.
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Homeopathy and Herbs
The homeopathic remedy, Ignatia, is wonderful for relieving emotional stress and loneliness, and has proven very helpful with separation anxiety. You can purchase this remedy at many health food stores. Put a pellet or two in your dog’s lip pouch 3 times per day for a few weeks.
There is a Traditional Chinese Herbal Therapy called Shen Calmer which works very well, especially when used in conjunction with behavior modification.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are another effective way to soothe anxious dogs. Lavender, for instance, is well known for it’s calming properties. Dilute with a carrier oil and massage into your dogs coat or on the pads of his feet. Dilution ratios for dogs are as follows:
Before a storm or holiday fireworks I like to diffuse Roman Chamomile. It has a deeply relaxing effect and acts as a sedative. It’s usefulness in stress related conditions is remarkable.
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The Thundershirt
This product makes the dog feel as if he is being caressed or held. It’s used to help reduce separation anxiety, obsessive barking, fear of thunder and fireworks, destructive behavior, and social phobias that include fear of new people or pets. I find the thundershirt works well on some dogs but not others. It just depends on your particular dog.
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Quality Time and Attention
It’s important to understand that all dogs need to spend quality time with their families in order to stay emotionally balanced and confident. If you plan a daily routine that allows you to give your dog some undivided attention and love, you’ll probably find you enjoy it as much as they do. When it comes right down to it, no homeopathic remedy or herb can replace love and quality time!
References: Animal Wellness Magazine
Jackson Galaxy
