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Dog Anxiety Natural Remedies

Dog anxiety can be effectively treated by natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, flower essences, and aromatherapy.

This page takes a look at some natural remedies that can be used to alleviate symptoms of dog anxiety.

Please also visit our pages on separation anxiety in dogs and social anxiety and noise anxiety in dogs.

Herbal Remedies for Dog Anxiety

Dog Anxiety

Herbs are excellent in calming nervous dogs suffering from anxiety. Herbs are mild and non-addictive, and they do not cause drowsiness after use! Even better, some nervous-calming herbs are nutritious tonics, providing additional support to our dogs' nervous system.

There are several nerve-calming herbs that can be used on dogs, but different dogs react differently to the herbs. Some herbs are more effective on some dogs, so try the different herbs on your dog to see which one(s) work best!

Chamomile

This herb reduces anxiety in dogs that are stressed out. It calms the nerve as well as induces sleep. You can give chamomile tea to your dog before a long drive or soak a treat in the tea.

Oat

Oat is an excellent nerve-calming herb and is nutritious as well. Cooked oatmeal can be added to your dog's food.

Astragalus

This Chinese herb has immune-strengthening qualities and can be used continually (in moderation) to boost the body's immune system under stress.

St-John's Wort

This herb is excellent for separation anxiety and tension and is also effective for depressed dogs, and is available in capsules or as a tincture. It combines well with valerian.

Valerian

Valerian reduces tension, anxiety, overexcitability in dogs. This herb is available in capsules or as a tincture.

Skullcap

Skullcap is effective for nervous tension. It also helps epileptic dogs.

** Sedative herbs (e.g. valerian, skullcap) and anti-depressants such as St-John's wort should not be used continually for a long period of time.

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Homeopathic Remedies for Dog Anxiety

Homeopathic remedies are also effective in calming nervous dogs with anxiety problems. For homeopathic remedies, the effect is almost instantaneous; therefore, if your dog suffers from anxiety caused by noise (such as thunder), or if she becomes nervous in a car, keep one or more of the following remedies handy so that you can administer the remedy to your dog before any upcoming stressful event.

Some common remedies include:

Borax

Dogs needing this remedy are easily startled by sudden noises, such as gunshots. They are also fearful of downward motion. For example, they may panic when you place them on the floor after holding them; or they may have a strong resistance in going down stairs.

Chamomilla

This remedy (from chamomile) can be given in low potency to calm a dog suffering from anxiety. Usually, the dog is irritable and restless, and has to be carried all the time - she will whine and become restless the moment she is put down.

Passiflora incarnata

This remedy (from passionflower) has calming properties but not a sedative. It is effective in calming frightened animals and is good for travel and other stressful situations.

Phosphorus

Dogs needing this remedy can be startled easily. They may generally be sweet and gentle, but in threatening or stressful situations (such as at the vet's), they may become explosive. They fear thunder and lightning and other loud noises.

Rhododendron

Dogs that require this remedy are sensitive to stormy weather and are afraid of thunderstorms. The symptoms usually worsen before a storm.

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Nutritional Supplements for Dog Anxiety

Some natural nutritional supplements can be effective remedies for hyperactive dogs as well. In particular:
  • L-theanine: L-theanine is a free (non-protein) amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants and is the predominant amino acid in green tea leaves. L-theanine has been found to directly stimulate the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation. It is being used effectively as a calming supplement in people.
  • Thiamine: Thiamine, or thiamin, is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex (vitamin B1). It has been shown to affect the central nervous system, in particular, it helps to calm and soothe anxious animals. A deficiency of thiamin has been found to cause irritability in animals. Because thiamine is not stored in the body, increased activity, stress, illness, or increase metabolism depletes its levels in the body.
  • Decapeptide: Decapeptide is isolated from the milk protein casein and is known for its calming effects.

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Flower Essences for Dog Anxiety

Flower essences are also effective in soothing a dog with anxiety.

Bach's Rescue Remedy is one essence that is handy to have for emergency situations.

If your dog is generally anxious and nervous about thunderstorms, going to the vet, taking a long trip, etc., there are various flower essence blends that can help address these problems as well. Visit our page on flower essence blends for dogs for more information.

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Natural Products for Dog Anxiety

Genesis Canine Anxiety & Stress Formula for Dogs

This is an herbal supplement designed for dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally induced stress. The natural ingredients in this herbal formula balance the calming effects between the central nervous system and the heart, reducing anxiety without affecting a pet's emotional balance and personality. It contains nerve-calming herbs such as chamomile and passionflower.

Vetri-Science Composure Liquid Supplement for Dogs and Cats

This supplement contains L-theanine, thiamine, decapeptide, and lecithin (which is also calming to the nervous system). Many dog parents have successfully used this composure liquid to calm their dogs with anxiety.

Only Natural Pet Relaxi-Herb Herbal Formula 2 oz.

This is another effective herbal formula designed for nervousness and anxiety problems. This formula contains herbs such as oat, passionflower, valerian, and skullcap. These herbs help quiet nerves, relax the body, and heal tissues.

Dr. Harvey's Relax for Dogs

This herbal supplement is all natural and is effective in alleviating symptoms of dog anxiety without any harmful side effects. It contains nerve-calming herbal extracts, such as chamomile, passionflower, valerian, skullcap. It also contains herbs with nutritious and healing properties, such as garlic, flaxseed, alfalfa, kelp, red clover, rose hips, etc.

HomeoPet Anxiety TFLN for Dogs and Cats

This is a homeopathic formula contains borax, chamomilla, phosphorus, and rhododendron - all effective in calming a nervous dog.

LoveMyPet Stress Relief for Dogs and Cats

This formula uses organic herbs as well as homeopathic ingredients to calm pets that upset easily in unfamiliar or startling situations such as travel, thunder, fireworks, or separation. It contains skullcap, passion flower, and oatstraw.

Bach Flower Essences Rescue Remedy 10ml

Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy is effective in calming an overly excited or frightened dog. Put a few drops of the remedy in your dog's drinking water, or to be more effective, rub a few drops on his mouth and gums. In many cases, this will achieve almost immediate result.

Delicious Treat for An Anxious Dog

Dogswell Mellow Mut Functional Dog Treats

These treats are made with relaxing herbs (lavender and hops) and are great for stressed out, nervous, anxious and skittish dogs. What's more, they are high in protein, low in fat, and are grain free.





Aromatherapy for Dog Anxiety

Aromatherapy can also be used to calm an anxious dog. Here is an aromatherapy recipe that you can try.


Related Topics

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Social Anxiety and Noise Anxiety in Dogs

References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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