Remedies for Hyperactive Dogs
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Overview
If you take your over-excited or "hyper" dog to a conventional veterinarian, you may end up getting a prescription for antidepressants such as Prozac for your dog! Sure, the drugs may slow your dog down, but they come with potential undesirable side effects.
So how do you calm a hyper dog safely and naturally?
Use natural remedies!
All the remedies for hyperactive dogs on this page are mild and safe for our dogs. Try them out and see which one(s) work well for your poochie!
Do remember, however, that natural remedies such as herbs take a longer time to show results, so you need to give it time and be patient.
Also, many dogs who are considered "hyperactive" are actually just under-trained and under-exercised. Therefore, in addition to remedies, think if you can spend more quality time with your dog exercising and playing interactive games. If necessary, you may want to seek out professional dog-training assistance.
For more information on the symptoms and possible causes of hyperactive behaviors in dogs, please visit this page.
Herbal Remedies for Hyperactive Dogs
While herbal remedies will not "cure" your dog's hyperactivity, some herbs can be used to temporarily and symptomatically calm down a hyper dog, so that both the dog and the owner can take a breather!
There are several nerve-calming herbs that can be used on hyperactive 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!
- Oat: Oat is an excellent nerve-calming herb and is nutritious as well. Cooked oatmeal can be added to your dog's food. (Note, however, that if your dog is prone to yeast infections, DO NOT give oat to your dog. Yeast thrives on sugars and oat is a grain and is a rich source of sugars.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Hemp: CBD hemp oil calming and soothing properties (without making the dog "high"). Doctors have already started using hemp oil to help people with anxiety and ADHD. Try using this remedy to help calm down your hyper dog.
An Effective Herbal Product for Dog Hyperactivity
This herbal formula is made up of a balanced combination of three calming nerve tonics: Valerian, Skullcap, and Oatstraw.
It is very effective in calming both dogs and cats.
Supplements as Remedies for Hyperactive Dogs
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.
Thiamine, however, is not stored in the body. When a dog is sick, under stress, or if there is increased activity or metabolism, the levels of thiamine in the body will be depleted.
- Decapeptide: Decapeptide is isolated from the milk protein casein and is known for its calming effects.
An Effective Calming Liquid Supplement
This supplement contains L-theanine, thiamine, decapeptide, and lecithin (which is also calming to the nervous system). Many dog parents have used this composure liquid to calm their hyperactive dogs with great results.
Other Remedies for Hyperactive Dogs
Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is effective in calming a hyperactive dog. When using essential oils, remember to get 100% pure oil from a reputable source.
The essential oils of Lavender and Chamomile have calming effects on both us and our dogs. Here are some ways that you can use essential oils to calm your dog:
- For a long car trip, put a few drops of lavender and chamomile essential oils on a cotton ball and hang it from the rearview mirror.
- Use a diffuser in the room where your dog rests.
- Spray your dog's bed with a lavender and chamomile spritz.
** When using essential oils on pets, never put undiluted oils on them - undiluted oils are too strong for our pets.
If you are interested in learning more about using essential oils safely with your dog, here is a useful eBook for you!
Also consider this essential oil calming medallion:
This wearable medallion contains the essential oils of lavender and valerian, both of which are well known for their calming and relaxing properties.
Flower Essences
Some people have reported success in calming their hyperactive dogs by using Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy. Just put a few drops of the remedy in your dog's drinking water, or for faster effect, rub a few drops on his mouth and gums. In many cases, this will achieve almost immediate calming result.
Calming Chews!
References
C.J. Puotinen, Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats (Keats Publishing, 1999).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
M. Goldstein, The Nature of Animal Healing (Ballantine Books, 2000).
S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006).
R.H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
