Just like humans, pets can experience mental or emotional stress that leads to behavioral change or anxiety. There are so many things that can cause anxiety in dogs. One of the main causes of anxiety in dogs is a change in routine or exposure to loud or new noises. Underlying medical conditions can also cause anxiety in dogs.
Anxiety in dogs is very common and it can affect your dog’s normal activities. It is important for you to look for a reliable solution to anxiety in dogs. If the anxiety is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating the condition can help stop the anxiety. However; some form of anxiety can be resolved at home without any medication. Anxiety caused by the change in routine can easily use some home remedies.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the reliable ways to help ease anxiety in dogs. We will also provide you with reviews of some of the quality anxiety supplements for dogs available in the market that can help calm your dog down.
Types of Dog Anxiety
To be able to treat anxiety in dogs, it is important for you to determine which type of anxiety your pet is suffering from. There are two main types of dog anxiety, behavioral and situational.
Behavioral Anxiety
It is the anxiety that occurs when your dog has ongoing anxiety about something. If you have been spending so much time with your dog then all over sudden you leave your dog at home alone or your dog becomes separated from his owner, he can suffer from separation anxiety which can be manifested in form of behavioral anxiety. Past traumas or abuse can also attribute to behavioral anxiety in dogs.
Situational Anxiety
Situational anxiety is the anxiety that happens when your dog is afraid of something specific, like storms or other loud noises, car rides, or going to the vet or groomer. Dogs that suffer from chronic fear are more likely to suffer from situational anxiety when they encounter situations or things that make them afraid.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
It can be hard at times to tell when your dog is suffering from anxiety. You need to pay close attention to your dog to notice some signs and symptoms of anxiety. Here are some of the signs to look out for when your dog is suffering from anxiety.
- Destructive behavior such as chewing
- Excessive barking or crying
- Aggression
- Excessive licking
- Restlessness, pacing
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
- Trembling or shaking
- Panting excessively
The above are some of the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety in dogs. These are not the only symptoms of anxiety in dogs. Some dogs may experience any of the above signs together with others. If there is a change in behavior in your pet, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian to establish the sudden cause of change in behavior.
Natural Dog Anxiety Solutions
Anxiety in dogs can easily be treated at home using natural remedies. When you take your pet to the veterinary and he confirms that your dog does not have an underlying health condition, you can use natural anxiety remedies to help manage anxiety in dogs. Here are some of the natural anxiety remedies that can help your dog.
Exercise
Just like humans, dogs also need exercise to remain healthy and fit. Lack of exercise can cause anxiety in dogs. Some dog breeds require regular exercise while others may not need so much exercise. Taking your dog for walks regularly can help them enjoy the fresh air and also help them unwind thus combating anxiety.
If your dog feels lonely, going for a walk can be a great way to spend some time with your pet. Regular exercise can help your dog not only stay fit and active but it can also help with anxiety and let you spend time with your dog.
Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation through games and new toys is another great natural remedy for anxiety in dogs. Teaching your dog a new trick can help divert his attention away from whatever s causing him anxiety. Boredom can also contribute to your dog developing anxiety.
Toys that provide mental exertion can help your dog calm down. Look for toys or activities that will challenge your dog. You can feed your dog treats from a puzzle ball or toy to provide additional mental stimulation.
Massage and Acupuncture
When your dog’s body is working accordingly, their brain will also work better and they will be calmer and happier. Some parts in your dog’s body are natural pressure points that when massaged can help relieve stress and anxiety in your dog.
You can take your dog to a licensed veterinary acupuncturist that can treat pet stress. Massage and acupuncture help stimulates the release of the body’s pain-relieving substances without any potential adverse side effects, leaving your dog feeling calm and relaxed.
Grooming
Brushing your dog’s coat or cutting his coat and giving him a bath regularly can be a great way to spend time together with your dog and also help him feel relaxed and calm. A bath with products that have a calming effect on your dog can help relieve stress and anxiety in your dog.
Vet-Recommended Essential Oils (Used With Caution)
Essential oils are known to have a calming effect on humans. The same effect can be felt by your pets. However; this remedy should be used with caution since essential oils can be toxic if ingested. It is also not recommended to apply essential oils directly to your pet.
Lavender oil is one of the essential oils that has a calming effect on your dog. Aromatherapy can help your dog relax and calm down. The veterinarian can also recommend the type of oils to use and how to use the oils to calm your dog.
Medical Treatments for Anxiety in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from chronic anxiety, your veterinarian may give you anti-anxiety medication. Some of the medications for anxiety in dogs include; Valium, Xanax, Prozac, Paxil or Lorazepam. Your dog will be required to take the medication for several weeks before there’s a chance.
Depending on how your dog reacts to the medication, the treatment may not stop after that. Some dogs may stop taking the medication eventually but some dogs need the medication for a lifetime. These medications can help calm your dog down and get rid of anxiety but they can have some negative side effects on your dog. Here are some of the side effects of anti-anxiety medication.
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Drowsiness
- Increased urination
- Upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting
- Increased aggression and anxiety
- Damage to the liver
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Skin conditions
Best Anxiety Supplements for Dogs
Anxiety supplements is another effective way to treat anxiety in dogs without the negative side effects associated with anti-anxiety medication. L-theanine and L-tryptophan supplements are the most common supplements recommended by veterinarians to help with mild to moderate anxiety. Some supplements also contain Zylkene which is a milk protein that can aid in calming your pet naturally. It is commonly used in senior dogs with new, age-related anxiety.
CBD oil and chews for dogs can also be used to calm your dog down and get rid of anxiety. CBD does not contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana thus it does not get your pet “high.” When used properly, CBD may help calm your dog, reduce pain and inflammation. It is important for you to talk to your veterinarian about the proper dosing for your pet for each of the supplements. Here are reviews for some quality and reliable anxiety supplements for dogs.
#1) Pet Relief Anxiety Relief Essential Oils for Dogs
Pet Relief Anxiety Relief Essential Oils for Dogs is a drug-free anxiety and stress remedy for dogs. It is made in the USA with quality ingredients that are safe for your pet. The anxiety relief is made from a blend of therapeutic-grade essential oils such as coconut, honeysuckle, ho wood, benzoin, bergamot, and frankincense.
All the ingredients used to make the product are natural and are therefore safe if your dog licks. The essential oils used help to calm and relax your dog. The anxiety relief can be used of dogs of all breeds and ages. You can spray the anxiety relief on the dog’s coat and massage into his fur. It comes with a no-mess spray bottle for easy application.
Pros
- It does not contain any artificial ingredients and is therefore safe for pets.
- The product contains a blend of therapeutic-grade essential oils that help to calm and relax your dog.
- The pet anxiety relief can be used for dogs of all breeds and ages.
- It is safe for dogs to lick.
- The product is made in the USA.
- It comes with a no-mess spray bottle to make application easy.
#2) NuLife Natural Pet Health – Dog Anxiety Relief
The NuLife Natural Pet Health – Dog Anxiety Relief is a natural calming aid designed for dogs. It is designed to help your dog handle a variety of stressful situations. The product can be used for travel, changes in routine, vet visits, grooming and other cases of environmentally induced stress. Anxiety relief helps alleviate and prevent motion sickness.
It is a long-lasting formula that ensures your dog remains calm. The product is made with Chamomile Flower, Passion Flower, Ginger, Thiamine Mononitrate and L-Tryptophan which have been proven to relieve nervousness and reduce stress and anxiety. Chamomile Flower extract helps to reduce anxiety and alleviates nausea while passionflower helps to promotes calm feelings, mild sleepiness and reduce muscle spasms.
Ginger is known to reduce nausea, gas, diarrhea and other stomach-related issues that are common when stressed or anxious. Thiamine Mononitrate helps promote organ health during times of stress and L-Tryptophan helps your dog’s body naturally create more serotonin, a hormone that alters mood in a positive way.
Pros
- The product is made in the USA under the supervision of experts.
- It is ideal for travel, changes in routine, vet visits, grooming, and other stressful situations.
- The anxiety relief product can also help prevent motion sickness.
- NuLife Natural Pet Health – Dog Anxiety Relief contains passionflower which helps promotes calm feelings, mild sleepiness and reduces muscle spasms.
- It contains chamomile flower extract to help reduce anxiety and alleviates nausea.
- The time-release formula gets to work within the first hour of consumption and soothe your dog throughout the day or night within a 24-hour timeframe.
- It is ideal for all breeds and sizes that are 12 weeks or older.
#3) VetriScience Composure Canine Soft Chews
VetriScience Composure Canine Soft Chews is a natural anxiety relief formula designed for dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally-induced stress. The formula helps to calm your dog down and support balanced behavior. It is recommended for pets exposed to increased environmental stressors. The formula provides C3 calming complex, L-Theanine and thiamine to support balanced behavior.
Stressful environmental situations can cause incessant scratching, barking, urine marking or aggressive behavior in dogs. The soft chews are formulated to address these habits and the anxiety that cause the habits. It does not cause any addiction, drowsiness or impaired motor skills. The chews have chicken liver-flavor and can be used for either immediate support or for ongoing support.
Pros
- The formula helps to alienate stress and anxiety while supporting balanced behavior.
- It is suitable for pets exposed to increased environmental stressors.
- The formula has a pleasant chicken liver-flavor that most dogs love.
- It is ideal as immediate support or ongoing support.
- The soft chews are made from natural ingredients that are safe for your pet.
- It contains L-Theanine and thiamine to support the help of your dog and keep him calm and relaxed.
- The formula does not cause addiction or drowsiness.
#4) Micro Hemp Rx Premium All Natural Hemp Oil Pet Chews
The Micro Hemp Rx Premium All Natural Hemp Oil Pet Chews are veterinarian formulated chews that are made of quality ingredients that are safe for your dog. The Zero THC soft chews with beef flavoring help relieve anxiety and fear in pets by relaxing their minds. The formula can help calm behavior that includes hyperactivity. The pet chews are safe for dogs and do not contain CBD.
The pet chew promotes comfort and relaxation in dogs in higher stress level activities. It is made with organically grown hemp oil that is easy to digest. The chews contain many natural compounds with the Zero THC Broad Spectrum profile. All the ingredients used to make the chews are quality and safe for pets. It is made in the USA.
Pros
- The pet chews are veterinarian formulated.
- The chews are made in the USA using quality ingredients.
- They come with a beef flavor that most dogs love.
- Micro Hemp Rx Premium All Natural Hemp Oil Pet Chews do not contain CBD or other chemicals that can harm your pet.
- They have natural compounds with Zero THC Broad Spectrum profiles to help calm and relax your dog.
- The dog chews are made with organically grown hemp oil that is easy to digest.
Conclusion
Anxiety supplements for dogs can help alienate stress and anxiety thus ensuring that your pet is happy and healthy. Anxiety supplements are one of the most natural and effective ways to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. You can also opt for calming pheromone products that are in the form of plug-in diffusers, sprays, wipes, and collars to help relieve anxiety in dogs.
We have provided you with reviews for some of the effective anxiety supplements for dogs available in the market today. We hope that you will find a solution to your dog’s anxiety. The physical and mental wellbeing of your dog is very important.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
