If your dog is anxious and can use a little extra help, there are many different remedies and treatments.
“Dogs who are easily upset or anxious can benefit from some herbs and supplements,” says Dr. Nancy Scanlan, student services manager at the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapiess in Sydney, Australia.
“The best time to use them is before they are agitated, especially if there is something that regularly happens to upset them. Once they are already upset, it is difficult to reverse that feeling.”
Dr. Scanlan also advises owners to be careful with aromatherapy. “Dog noses are very sensitive, and the amount of a product that is pleasant for us can have the opposite effect on a dog when it is too strong for them. Dilute all aromatherapy oils in a carrier oil before applying, and use less than you would on a person.”
Supplements aren’t the solution for every dog. “It helps to first try to identify the cause of the anxiety,” says L. Leigh Love, an animal intuitive and certified intuitive counselor and life coach, based in Asheville, North Carolina. “For some dogs, they just need more physical activity. Other dogs could be bored and need more interaction. Sometimes dogs are not calm because the environment is not calm. If there is a lot of yelling, noise or calamity, this may need to be addressed. Sometimes the dog is mirroring or reacting to our own anxiety and stress. Us being calm really helps them.”
You may want to start with one of the three Cs: common supplements for dogs include:
- CBD oil
Calming herbs (including passion flower, lavender, valerian, lemon balm and chamomile) - Chinese herbal therapy
Related: Are CBD Oils Worth It?
“As far as therapies, I have seen great success with hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments for my dogs,” says Angela Ardolino, who holds a degree in the therapeutic uses of cannabis from the University of Vermont School of Medicine and is the founder of CBD Dog Health. “These natural therapies can bring a dog back from being in pain and can really make such a huge difference for even healthy pets.”
As always, discuss what supplements or treatments would be the best for your dog with your veterinarian.
Top photograph: RossHelen | Getty Images
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