Alex Seilis
Dog anxiety is common ... and it can prevent your pet from enjoying everyday activities like walks around the neighborhood.
That's why finding natural ways to help your dog relax and have fun is essential.
While some vets may prescribe pharmaceutical medications, these can come with side effects.
Fortunately, there are many natural remedies available to calm your dog. Before we reveal these, let's find out what could be causing your dog's anxiety in the first place.
What Causes Dog Anxiety?
Dog anxiety can significantly impact your pet's life, manifesting in various forms and triggered by different factors.
Understanding the types of anxiety your dog may experience is the first step toward finding a solution. Recognizing these triggers and symptoms can help you address the issue early and effectively.
There are two main types or causes of dog anxiety: behavioral and situational.
Behavioral Anxiety
Behavioral anxiety is ongoing and can be caused by situations such as separation from the owner, past trauma, abuse, moving to a new home, or the loss of a loved one. Separation anxiety is the most common, affecting about 14% of dogs, who show signs of stress when you pick up your keys or leave the house.
Situational Anxiety
Situational anxiety is triggered by specific events like storms, fireworks, car rides, or visits to the vet or groomer. Chronic fear or anxiety can also result from over-vaccination. If this is the case, consulting a homeopathic vet is recommended.
Additionally, anxiety can increase as dogs age, often linked to cognitive dysfunction and other age-related changes.
Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety In Dogs
Now we know some common causes of dog anxiety. But how can you be sure if your pup is dealing with anxiety? There are a few specific symptoms.
Recognizing these signs of anxiety in your dog can help you address the issue early.
Common signs include:
- Chewing or Destructive Behavior: Your dog might chew on furniture, shoes, or other objects.
- Barking or Crying: Excessive vocalization is a common sign of stress.
- Restlessness and Pacing: An anxious dog may have difficulty settling down.
- Excessive Licking: Dogs might lick themselves excessively, sometimes to the point of creating sores.
- Aggression: Anxiety can manifest as aggressive behavior towards people or other animals.
- Loss of Appetite: An anxious dog might refuse to eat.
- Trembling or Shaking: Physical signs like trembling can indicate anxiety.
- Excessive Panting: Dogs might pant more than usual, even when not hot or tired.
By identifying these signs, you can take quick steps to calm your dog and reduce her anxiety using the training tips and remedies below.
Training Tips For Dog Anxiety
Short-term Solutions
In the moment, distracting your dog or removing her from the stressful situation can help. You can offer treats or toys, engage her in tricks, pet her, or move her to a safe space.
Calming music and weighted blankets are also effective tools to help soothe an anxious dog.
These immediate strategies can provide temporary relief and help your dog feel more secure.
Long-term Strategies
Desensitizing your dog to stressors and using counter-conditioning techniques can provide lasting relief from anxiety. For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, practice activities like picking up your keys without leaving the house.
Over time, your dog will learn that these actions don't always mean you are leaving. When you do leave, be matter-of-fact and avoid making a big fuss. Gradually increase the time you are away, helping your dog adjust to longer periods of separation.
Counter-conditioning involves pairing the anxiety trigger with something positive. If your dog is afraid of loud noises, reward her with treats and affection when they hear the noise. This helps her associate the trigger with positive experiences, reducing their fear over time. Combining desensitization and counter-conditioning can be particularly effective in managing your dog's anxiety.
By implementing these training tips, you can help your dog develop coping mechanisms and reduce her anxiety levels, leading to a happier and more relaxed pet.
6 Natural Remedies For Dog Anxiety
In addition to the training tips above, there are also several alternative remedies for dogs anxiety to help ease anxious or aggressive behavior.
Here are 6 of our favorite remedies for managing anxiety that dog owners need to know.
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender and violet leaf can calm anxiety. Blends of oils, such as those for separation anxiety or fear of thunder, can be applied to your dog’s bed or diffused in the air. A
lways dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like almond or apricot kernel oil and ensure your dog can leave the area if they find the scent overwhelming.
Never allow your dog to swallow essential oils or use them undiluted.
2. CBD Oil
CBD oil is gaining popularity for its numerous benefits, including its ability to calm anxious dogs. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which has receptors throughout the central nervous system, helping to enhance your dog's natural ability to produce serotonin, a mood stabilizer.
For situational anxiety, such as storms or car rides, administer CBD oil 30-60 minutes before the event. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle, and you can add it to your dog's food or give it directly.
3. Herbs
Several herbs can naturally soothe your dog’s anxiety:
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L): Known for its calming effects, chamomile can help relax your dog and soothe their stomach.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): A widely recognized herbal sedative, valerian is safe and effective for calming nerves and promoting relaxation.
- St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): An alternative to anti-depressant drugs, it is useful for dogs with fear-based or separation anxiety.
These herbs can be administered as tea, tincture, or in capsules.
4. Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are chosen to match specific symptoms and are very safe:
- Aconite 30C: Useful for general fear and can be given every 15 minutes during a storm until improvement is seen.
- Phosphorus 30C: Good for noise phobias, administered once or twice a day.
- Pulsatilla 6C or 30C: Helps with separation anxiety.
- Borax 6C: Specifically for fear of thunderstorms, given twice a day.
- Gelsemium 6C or 30C: Often used for separation anxiety, especially if accompanied by diarrhea or involuntary urination.
Mix the remedy pellets in water and administer the liquid on your dog’s gums using a dropper.
5. Bach Flower Essences
Discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, these flower essences help restore emotional balance and are excellent for relieving stress and calming anxious dogs.
Rescue Remedy, a pre-made blend of five Bach Flower Remedies, is widely available and can be used in various stressful situations, such as vet visits or separation anxiety.
Bach Flower Remedies are gentle, non-toxic, and cannot be overdosed.
6. Hydrosols
Hydrosols are a gentler alternative to essential oils. For example, a calming spray made from chamomile and lavender hydrosols can soothe your dog’s anxiety.
Mix ½ oz neroli hydrosol, ½ oz blue chamomile hydrosol, and 5 drops lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and mist your dog lightly. Store the spray in the refrigerator for up to six months.
FAQ
How do I help my anxious dog? To help your anxious dog, consider natural remedies like CBD oil, herbal supplements, and calming techniques such as providing a safe space and using calming music. It's important to treat anxiety holistically, including proper training and gradual desensitization to triggers.
How do you know if your dog has anxiety? Your dog may have anxiety if you notice signs such as repetitive or compulsive behaviors, excessive barking, restlessness, or trembling. Observing your dog's symptoms and behavior closely can help you identify anxiety disorders.
Why is my dog so anxious all of a sudden? Sudden anxiety in your dog can be due to changes in their environment, new stressors, or age-related anxiety such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome. It's important to monitor your dog's behavior and consult with a vet if the anxious behavior persists.
How to treat social anxiety in dogs? To treat social anxiety in dogs, gradually expose them to other dogs and social situations while providing positive reinforcement. Natural remedies and anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a vet can also help your dog cope with social interactions and relieve stress.
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