To be loving pet owners, we need our furry friends to be happy and stress-free. The bad news is that most dogs suffer from anxiety for various reasons, such as loud noises, separation from owners, and changes in the environment. Learning to manage dog anxiety using natural remedies would greatly enhance the quality of life for your dog. Here in this guide, we will discuss a variety of natural remedies for dog anxiety, their benefits, and how best to implement them.
Dog Anxiety
Dog anxiety is probably a common problem with which most owners encounter different manifestations, from over-barking and home-wrecking to panting and pacing, even to aggression, among others. Some of the common issues that can trigger them are:
– Separation Anxiety: When dogs get worried about being left alone.
– Noise Anxiety: Triggered by loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks.
– Fear of New Environments: A change of environment will cause stress in a dog.
Social Anxiety: Some dogs are fearful of others whether they are animals or even people.
Knowing the symptoms of your dog’s anxiety can lead you to a good cure.
Signs of Dog Anxiety
Here are some commonly reported signs that your dog suffers from anxiety:
– Excessive barking and whining
– Destructive activity such as chewing, digging, etc.
– Pacing or restless
– Appetite loss
– Over-grooming or excessive licking
– Hiding or cowering
– Raised heartbeat or panting
If you have noticed any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s high time you took care of his anxiety for his well-being.
Home Remedies For Dog Anxiety
Many home treatments help soothe dogs and free themselves from anxiety. Here is a detailed description of the best ones that will help you in the recovery of the health of your canine pet.
1. Herbal Supplements
Herbal drugs have been in use for many years to soothe the nerves of any anxious pet. Some of the popular herbal supplements are contained in:
– Chamomile: This herb calms the mind and can also suppress anxiety. Can you make your chamomile-infused dog treats? Alternatively, provide your dog with a warm cup of chamomile tea.
– Valerian Root: It is one of the most prescribed herbs for anxiety and restlessness. Valerian root can be taken in different forms: as capsules or tinctures.
– L-theanine: There is an amino acid within green tea that induces relaxation without sedation. Opt for supplements that are specifically L-theanine for dogs.
2. CBD Oil
CBD oil is just one of the more popular natural treatments for anxiety in dogs. Since CBD oil impacts the endocannabinoid system that supports regulatory control over mood and stress responses, select only the best CBD for your dog:
– Choose High-Quality Products: Top quality, vet-recommended CBD oil.
– Start Small: Take a low dose and increase based on how your dog responds to the supplement.
– Talk to Your Veterinarian: Always discuss with your vet when it comes to CBD usage, especially if your dog is on another medication regimen.
3. Essential Oils
Some essential oils can help calm a dog. Of course, use them with caution, and beforesoothe their usage always consult with your vet. Some of the best essential oils for a calming effect on a dog are as follows:
– Lavender Oil: Very famous for being a soothing fragrance, lavender oil can also assist dogs in releasing their anxiety and can easily put their dogs to sleep. The product is either added to a diffuser or applied by diluting to your dog’s bedding.
– Bergamot Oil: It’s one of those oils that soothes a dog, helping to relieve stress and anxiety of the dogs.
Note: Unless they are diluted, never directly apply essential oils to your dog’s skin. Never apply potentially toxic oils to your dog, such as tea tree or citrus oils.
4. Training and Behavioral Changes
An apprehensive dog can learn training techniques that help the anxiety signs lessen. The most popular ones include these:
They gradually introduce a dog to those anxiety-evoking stimuli that are controlled. This is a low intensity and increases gradually as the dogs become at ease.
– Counter Conditioning: Replaces their negative association towards that stimulus with its positive aspect. For instance, the onset of thunderstorms will be when the dog receives treats for being calm.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior. Treats, praise, and play are all good rewards for relaxed behavior.
5. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
In general, two of the most effective things you can do to reduce the level of anxiety your dog is experiencing is to exercise and give mental stimulation. These are what keep your dog active:
– Daily Walks: Regular walks help release pent-up energy and allow socializing.
Interactive Toys: Interactive problem-solving toys keep your dog mentally active, probably busy with what is going on and about concerning anxiety.
Agility Training: Agility course training involves enrolling your dog in agility classes, which exercise and mentally stimulate him to reduce the development of anxiety.
6. Calming Products
Many products help reduce canine anxiety, such as the following:
Calming Vests: Snug-fitting vests that are said to provide security to the anxious dog. It is like swaddling for the canine creature.
– Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP): These synthetic pheromones mimic the calming pheromones that a mother dog secretes to calm down agitated dogs.
– Calming Chews: Think of goodies for your dog or chews from natural ingredients that will help calm him down.
7. Secure Sanctuary
Designate a quiet, cozy area within your home where your dog can go and feel secure when anxiety attacks. The sanctuary can be one or more of the following:
Provide your dog with comfortable bedding to sleep on.
Use your dog’s favorite toys or items with your scent to give comfort to your dog.
Reduce the area from noises and distractions to make your dog comfortable and secure.
When to Seek Professional Help
While natural remedies can be very effective, some dogs do need further support. If your dog has severe anxiety or is prone to being chronically anxious, you should consult with an expert dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. They should be able to give you targeted advice and strategies to serve the specific needs of your dog.
Conclusion
Managing dog anxiety is no small feat. It is an arduous yet rewarding journey of discovery regarding natural remedies and productive strategies that will bring your furry buddy peace and security. Remember that every dog differs, so you’ll have to experiment a bit with combinations of these solutions to discover what works best for your pet.
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