Dog anxiety is not only stressful on your pet but also on you. A stressed-out dog often expresses unhealthy and undesirable behaviors.
As a worried pet parent, you want relief for your dog, but finding a healthy remedy to ease the symptoms can be daunting. Yet, it does not have to be as there are several safe and natural solutions available.
Dog anxiety is quite common and can be triggered by several stimuli. Thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud noises easily scare a pet. Fear of being home alone or even past trauma and abuse can lead to stress and anxiety.
Symptoms of dog anxiety include barking, crying, loss of appetite, and shaking. In addition, some dogs will act out with aggressive and destructive behaviors.
Attempting to help and desperate for a solution, pet parents will typically schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of options a vet can choose.
Generally, to alleviate the symptoms, some sort of medication is prescribed. Human drugs like Valium, Xanax, and ProZac top the list of treatments for dog anxiety.
While prescription drugs will work, they come with a host of negative side effects. Changes in appetite, lethargy, and vomiting can occur soon after treatment begins. Long-term use can lead to liver damage and insomnia. Some pet owners have even reported increased anxiety and aggression when their dog is on them.
With the problems associated with traditional medication, many pet parents have looked for alternative treatments. Luckily, nature has provided some safe and effective solutions.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their aromatic healing properties. When disbursed in the air using a diffuser, breathing in essential oils can have a powerful effect on mood.
For a dog’s separation anxiety, violet leaf and lavender oils can provide some relief. Fear of loud noises, such as fireworks, can be soothed with frankincense and rose otto. Linden blossom and roman chamomile are also good choices for their calming abilities.
When using a diffuser, leave an exit for your pet to leave the room in case the oils become too overwhelming. In addition, do not use essential oils at full strength directly on pet’s skin or allow them to be ingested.
Herbs
Some herbs have the power to relax and calm a dog. There are a variety of herbs to choose from depending on the situation.
One potent herbal sedative is valerian. This plant is especially powerful if a dog gets anxious before and during a car ride. It can be used to encourage relaxation and gently calm a pet’s nerves.
St. John’s Wort can be used to treat separation anxiety or fear of loud noises. This herbal supplement is often used by humans as a safe alternative for prescription medications and is well- tolerated by dogs.
Another common herb used for anxiety treatment is chamomile. When a dog has an upset stomach due to excess stress, chamomile acts quickly to soothe and relieve symptoms.
CBD Oil
CBD oil comes from the hemp plant. Recent research suggests CBD works to relieve symptoms related to a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety.
Just like humans, a dog’s endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors that enable the central nervous system to communicate with the brain. One of their jobs is to tell the brain when it is time to release serotonin, a chemical made within the body known to regulate mood and emotion.
When a dog encounters something that triggers stress, the endocannabinoid receptors send a message to the brain that more serotonin is needed. This dose of serotonin attempts to counteract the symptoms that accompany anxiety.
CBD oil has been shown to improve the communication between the endocannabinoid system and the brain. The increased efficiency helps the brain react faster and more effectively before anxiety symptoms have a chance to surface.
Anxiety can wreak havoc on the health and well-being of a dog. The symptoms can express themselves in disheartening and destructive ways. While prescription medications can work to eliminate the condition, they can be costly and come with a variety of unwanted side effects. Fortunately, nature has provided some safe, alternative remedies to help your pet get past anxiety and live a happier, stress-free life.
