If you’ve ever had your favorite pair of shoes chewed up or the living room carpet ruined, you know that anxiety often leads to bad dog behavior. Just like their human owners, canines can feel nervous. According to akc.org, it is something that all dogs experience some of the time, but severe anxiety left unchecked can lead to problems.
7 Signs Your Dog Has Issues with Anxiety
- Panting. One of the first signs you may notice is labored or heavy breathing.
- Excessive barking or whining.
- Bodily functions. There’s no other way to say it. Anxious dogs might poop on the floor.
- Shedding, which is also sometimes called blowing their coat.
- Biting. Take action before you’re forced to call a lawyer for dog bites.
- Pacing (walking back and forth for no apparent reason).
- Excessive licking, sometimes licking fur until their skin bleeds.
Only you know if your beloved pooch is exhibiting symptoms of unusual stress. Petmd.com offers a list of prescription medications that can be used to calm anxiety, but many dog-lovers prefer to give pets something natural. Chemical-free, plant-based, non-GMO remedies are available over the counter.
Natural Treatment Options
Make no bones about it, when riled up, dogs can create problems for owners. Incessant barking, aggression, and destructive behavior can lead to real consequences. Even so, your dog doesn’t deserve to be punished if they are emotionally hurting, So let’s examine some gentle, all-natural solutions that you can feel good about giving them.
1. Flower Essences
Cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, Rock Rose, and Star-of-Bethlehem are all ingredients of rescue remedies that are sometimes used by veterinarians when they are rescuing animals from stressful situations. These can also be used for general anxiety.
2. Powder Supplements
There are several different supplements on the market that contain calming herbs, including valerian root, chamomile, St. John’s Wort, passion flower, or peppermint.
Peppermint will also help if your dog’s stomach is upset and they have been vomiting or going to the bathroom too often. St. John’s Wort is an antidepressant, and valerian root eases away tension.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy products usually come in spray form and can be put on bedding or any material where Mr. Barkly spends a lot of time. They come in various formulations and include herbs like chamomile, Egyptian geranium, and lavender.
4. CBD Oil
Some humans are fans of CBD and while dogs react differently, if your pup’s anxious behavior is impacting your life in a negative way, CBD might be worth a try. Just hide the value-size bag of treats in case your pup gets the munchies.
5. Puppy Treats
You can use treats not only to reward your dog for being a good boy, which will in itself make them feel better, but you can use a product that contains herbs that have a calming effect. Look for treats that contain hemp, L-theanine, or chamomile.
6. Canine Supplements
Supplements come in many forms, some with amino acids like L-tryptophan and L-theanine that reduce the response to stress.
7. Pheromones
DAP, or dog appeasing pheromones, are helpful in animals with separation anxiety. Just like human pheromones, dog pheromones are released by the body to invoke certain behavior or for stimulation. DAPs are secreted, for example, when a mother dog is feeding her pups.
Dog’s Best Friend
Properly trained, a man can be a dog’s best friend. Giving your dog pharmaceuticals to calm their behavior may not be necessary. There are plenty of natural remedies to try. With the right combination of herbs, flowers, pheromones, plus lots of love, your dog can be back to the happy pup they once were.
Article Submitted By Community Writer