Tips for dog anxiety (Awesome holistic remedies!)

Confession… .I have an anxious dog 🙁

When my dog Tula is panting excessively- such as being on the exam table for our Youtube videos, I am finding that calming ingredients such as L-theanine, Melatonin and Valerian really help.

We now have a a veryeffective dog calming supplement which now has studied ingredients shown to be helpful for anxiety, such as L-theanine, melatonin, and valerian.

It’s here:

Dr Jones’ COMPLETE Canine Calming Chews 

Increasing Number of Dogs with Anxiety

Veterinary hospitals have seen more dogs displaying generalized anxiety and fears over the last several months. This may be due to the lack of socialization they experienced during the pandemic

Dogs can have a genetic predisposition to anxiety or become anxious at a young age when socialization is critical. They can also become anxious as a result of experiences and interactions after the critical socialization period.

 

Signs of fear and anxiety in dogs

Signs of fear and anxiety in dogs may include:

• cowering
• hiding
• dilated pupils
• drooling
• withdrawal
• lip licking
• yawning
• trembling

 

Suggested behavioural tips

• Increase exercise.Research has shown that higher levels of exercise in dogs are associated with lower levels of aggression, fear, and anxiety.
• Use counter conditioning.When a dog is acting fearful, reduce the stimulus (move away from it) until the pet is relaxed, then give the “sit" command and praise or play a fun game. The goal is to link the formerly fearful stimulus with the positive counter experience.
• Use systematic desensitization.Provide a means of safely exposing the pet to the anxiety or fear producing stimulus at or below the level at which fear is likely to be exhibited, then implement counter-conditioning measures.

Natural Anti-Anxiety Relief- DRUG FREE Remedies

Acupressure

The hall of impression point (Ying Tang) lies between your eyebrows.

Applying pressure to this point is said to help with both anxiety and stress.

To use this point:

1.Sit comfortably. It can help to close your eyes.

2.Touch the spot between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb

3.Apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes.

I’ll be doing this, and I find it to be very helpful!

Valerian Root

Valerian root tincture has many documented benefits, including acting as a natural muscle relaxant, as well as being great to help with anxiety- and it works fairly fast. A standard dose of the tincture is 1/2ml/ 20 lbs of body weight 2-3 times/day.

Wrap up those thunderstruck pets

The ThunderShirt, a vest for calming anxiety related to noise aversion, applies gentle, constant pressure to help calm a pet owners petrified fur-baby. Think of it like a hug in a shirt. You can also make your own inexpensive thundershirt by swaddling your pet in a blanket. I have tried this with Tula to varying degrees of success 🙂

L-theanine

This is an amino acid isolated from green tea. It has a ‘calming’ effect on the brain. Very safe, no side effects, although it doesn’t work fast… .good to give before everyone is ‘revved’ up. Dose of 20mg/10lbs twice daily.

Zylkene

Zylkene() is a natural remedy which helps to create a feeling of calm and relaxation in dogs. It is useful for reducing the anxiety felt during stressful situations (e.g. thunderstorms or visits to the vet) and is preferred by many owners over synthetic medicines. Zylkene is derived from casein, a type of protein often found in the milk of mammals which has been proven to have anti-anxiety effects. Despite being derived from milk, it is lactose free, so lactose-intolerant pets can take it without any issue.

The capsules come in 75 mg, 225 mg and 450 mg strengths to treat different sized dogs.

Probiotics

Bacteria in the gut communicate with the brain

Gut bacteria make chemicals that communicate with the brain through the nerves and hormones — this connection is called the gut-brain axis. In fact, it is now known that many key chemicals and hormones used by the brain and nervous system, such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA, are produced in the gut.

• Serotonin impacts mood and anxiety, and has actually been termed the “happy chemical" because it contributes to emotional well-being, while low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. It is estimated that 70% of serotonin is made in the gut.
• Dopamine is involved in motor function, mood, decision-making, and the control of other hormones. Reports estimate that about 50% of dopamine is produced in the gastrointestinal tract by enteric neurons and intestinal cells.
• GABA regulates stress, anxiety and sleep patterns, and is known to be modulated by bacteria in the gut microbiome.

Ensure that your pet is on a good quality probiotic supplement if they have ongoing anxiety.

Cannabidiol

CBD has been documented to be very beneficial for anxiety in dogs, cats and yes…people. The doses vary, but a good starting dose is 3mg/10lbs and can be safely given every 12 hours. That equates to 1 drop of Dr Jones’ Ultimate CBD- It is safe to give 5 times this dose for the ‘very anxious’ pet (or person )

Melatonin

Melatonin can be an excellent supplement for your dog. The sedative qualities in melatonin make it effective in calming down and soothing anxious dogs. Melatonin helps improve your pet’s mood and relieve your pet’s anxiety issues, including hyperactivity, restlessness, separation anxiety, and any kind of phobias like loud noises. Doses of 1mg/10lbs once-twice daily, to a maximum of 6mg per dog.

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew

P.S. If you have an anxious dog, I encourage you to try our NEW Dog Calming supplement.

Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chewsare easy to give, tasty treats that canhelp reduce anxiety and stressin your pet when faced with situations like separation anxiety, thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides or vet visits.

It’s here:

Dr Jones’ COMPLETE Canine Calming Chews