A Safer Alternative to Anxiety Medication for Dogs (5 Proven Tips!)
As a dog owner, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of dealing with an anxious dog like my beloved Tula. From her fear of loud noises to her separation anxiety, it’s been a journey to find the right solutions. In my quest to help Tula and other dogs like her, I’ve delved into the world of natural remedies for dog anxiety. I want to share my insights and discoveries with fellow pet owners looking for safe and effective alternatives to conventional medications.
The Risks of Conventional Medications
I’ve come across medications like Clomicalm, which is commonly prescribed for separation anxiety. However, I’ve learned that these drugs can have serious side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even seizures in some cases. With up to 15% of dogs experiencing adverse reactions, it’s crucial to approach these medications with caution. This has led me to explore natural alternatives that can offer relief without the harsh side effects.
Exploring Natural Remedies for Dog Anxiety
In my journey, I’ve discovered several natural remedies that have shown promising results for Tula and other anxious dogs.
Here are my top five recommendations:
- L-Theanine: Found in green tea, this amino acid helps modulate brain activity and reduce anxiety levels. A typical dose is 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, once or twice daily.
- Melatonin: As a sleep hormone, melatonin can help calm dogs and prepare them for rest. The usual dosage is 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, with a maximum of 6 mg per dog.
- Valerian Root: Great for short-term sedation, valerian root can be given before stressful events like vet visits. The standard dose is half a milliliter of tincture per 20 pounds of body weight.
- Acupressure: The Ying Tang point, located between the eyes, is an effective acupressure spot for reducing anxiety. Applying gentle pressure for 30 to 60 seconds can have a calming effect.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD has been effective in managing pain and anxiety in dogs. A higher dose, typically three times the standard amount, is recommended for anxiety relief.
I’m inviting you to join our community where we explore natural remedies for dog anxiety and other pet health topics. It’s a place to share experiences, learn from each other, and discover safe and effective alternatives to conventional medications. Join us in our journey to provide our furry friends with the best care possible.
What can I give my dog for seizures
For your question about your dog with epilepsy / seizures, Dr. Jones’ advice for natural remedies are as follows. First, he advises switching to a Keto or ‘Atkins’ diet. Studies have shown a link between diet and seizures in dogs. One human study showed a marked reduction in seizure activity with patients on the Atkins diet, and prior to anti-seizure medication, the keto diet was a common treatment for epilepsy. You can find information on Keto diets for dogs here: https://www.ketopetsanctuary.com
As part of the diet, he also advises giving MCT OIL – a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can help to control seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. There is no standard MCT oil dose, but extrapolated from people it would be 1 teaspoon/10lbs twice daily. Start with 1/2 that amount as it can lead to diarrhea, and work your way up. Many adult (humans) are taking upwards of 4 tablespoons/twice per day.
Second, and this is perhaps the most important change, is to give Cannabidiol (CBD). Compelling research has shown that CBD may inhibit both seizure activity and the severity of such activity. Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance.
For dosing, start at standard dose of 3mg/10lbs daily. You can safely double this if your dog is not responding, and increase again if needed. At higher doses CBD has shown to be very safe, some find doses up to 10mg per 10lbs daily is what is needed to help their pet. Please see the link below for Dr. Jones’ CBD.
Third, Dr. Jones advises giving additional magnesium. It can have a laxative effect at higher doses, so start slowly. For dosing, work up to the following (this is for magnesium citrate):
Pets up to 10 kg: 200mg per day
From 10 to 20 kg: 400mg per day
Over 20 kg: up to 800 mg per day
As a final suggestion, Dr. Jones advises giving Essential Fatty Acids as this may potentially decrease brain inflammation. He advises high doses to achieve therapeutic levels of EFAs, to 1000mg per 10lbs of body weight daily. He suggests using Krill oil as it has a higher % of anti-inflammatory EFA’s, and may better cross the blood brain barrier.
For Dr. Jones’ CBD:
https://thecbdsupplement.com
For Dr. Jones’ Omega 3:
https://theomega3supplement.com
Can I give cbd,with the calming chews at once? My dog is 59lbs , Do I give 2 chews in the morning or one in morning ,and 1 at night?
Hi Manuel, yes, you can give both together. For dogs with some (not extreme) anxiety, you can give both at night with CBD. For dogs with anxiety disorders, Dr. Jones recommends giving 1 of the chews in the morning and 1 at night, same with CBD (with CBD it can also be given as-needed). For the chews it will take 4-6 weeks for it to really have an effect, so you do have to be consistent with them.