Quick Answers
Some quick answers to what you can give a dog to help them relax include:
– CBD or hemp oil – These natural supplements can help relieve anxiety and stress in dogs. Always consult your vet first.
– Prescription anti-anxiety medication – Talk to your vet about anxiety medication options like fluoxetine or clomipramine.
– Natural calming treats or supplements – Look for products with ingredients like melatonin, L-tryptophan, chamomile, and passionflower.
– Pheromones – Synthetic pheromones like Adaptil mimic natural calming pheromones and can help relax dogs.
– Exercise – Getting your dog exercise and playtime can help relieve pent up energy and anxiety.
– Massage – Gently massaging your dog can help produce relaxation hormones and signals. Focus on areas like the head, neck, shoulders, and back.
– Training – Teaching calm behaviors and doing short, positive training sessions can mentally stimulate your dog in a calming way.
– Calming bed – Plush beds with bolsters or partial enclosures can help dogs feel secure and relaxed.
– Calm environment – Providing a quiet, comfortable place away from stressors can allow your dog to relax.
Understanding Dog Anxiety
Dogs can experience anxiety and stress just like humans. Some common reasons dogs feel anxiety include:
– Separation anxiety – Getting very distressed when left alone.
– Noise phobias – Being afraid of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or gunshots.
– Travel anxiety – Getting nervous during car rides or being in new places.
– Social stress – Uncomfortable around other animals or strangers.
– Confinement anxiety – Disliking being crated or restrained.
– Age-related anxiety – More common in older dogs.
– Trauma/abuse – Past neglect or trauma can cause lasting anxiety issues.
Anxious behaviors in dogs include pacing, panting, trembling, hiding, destructive chewing, and excessive vocalizing like barking or whining. If your dog is displaying anxious behaviors, talk to your vet to identify potential causes and solutions.
Common Dog Anxiety Triggers
Some common triggers that can cause anxiety or stress in dogs include:
– Being left alone – Dogs with separation anxiety become very distressed when their owner leaves.
– Loud noises – Fireworks, thunder, gunshots, and more can frighten noise-sensitive dogs.
– Travel – Car rides, being in carriers, or visiting new places can stress some dogs out.
– Vet/groomer visits – Some dogs find visits to the vet or groomer very stressful.
– New people – Shy or unsocialized dogs may become frightened around strangers.
– Other animals – Some dogs feel nervous or threatened around other dogs or critters.
– Confinement – Being crated or restrained against their will can make some dogs anxious.
– Health issues – Physical pain or illness can contribute to anxiety.
– Changes in routine – Dogs thrive on routine and changes can be stressful.
– Trauma – Dogs subjected to abuse, neglect or trauma may have lasting anxiety issues.
Identifying and minimizing your dog’s specific anxiety triggers is an important part of helping them stay relaxed.
Lifestyle Tips to Help a Dog Relax
In addition to supplements and medications, some lifestyle changes and techniques can help an anxious dog relax:
Provide Plenty of Exercise
Getting regular exercise and playtime helps your dog burn off excess energy and provides mental stimulation. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, or try dog sports like agility. Puzzle toys can also stimulate your dog’s brain. Just be careful not to overdo it right before bedtime.
Give Your Dog “Down Time”
Make sure your dog has access to a comfortable, quiet place to relax and nap undisturbed. Provide special beds and chews to help your dog unwind. Keeping things low key before bed can help.
Stick to a Routine
Following a consistent daily schedule helps ease anxiety in dogs. Feed, walk, and play at around the same times each day.
Use Calming Essential Oils
Essential oil blends like lavender and chamomile can help relax some dogs. Never apply oils directly. Instead add a few drops to your dog’s collar or bandana.
Consider Calming Music
Soothing music designed specifically for dogs features ambient melodies and sounds that can minimize anxiety. Try playing it during stressful times like storms or alone time.
Use Pheromone Products
Synthetic dog pheromones mimic natural calming pheromones and help dogs relax. They come in sprays, diffusers, and collars. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Train Calm Behaviors
Training your dog to settle, go to their bed, and perform tricks builds confidence and minimizes anxious energy. Keep training sessions short, positive, and fun.
Minimize Stress Triggers
If you know certain things like loud noises or strangers stress your dog out, try to limit those exposures and give them access to a safe space when unavoidable. Not pushing them too far outside their comfort zone will help them stay relaxed.
Natural Supplements to Calm Dogs
There are many dog calming supplements made with natural ingredients thought to reduce anxiety. Some options include:
CBD Oil
CBD, or cannabidiol oil, comes from hemp plants and does not contain THC. Proponents claim it helps relieve anxiety, stress, and fear in dogs. It also has few side effects though research is still limited. Always choose high-quality oils and consult your vet first. Give doses based on your dog’s weight.
Melatonin
The natural hormone melatonin helps regulate sleep cycles. For dogs, a low dose given 30-60 minutes before bed is thought to help anxious dogs relax and sleep. Only give your dog melatonin if recommended by your vet.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid and natural sedative sometimes given to dogs with anxiety. It’s thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain which helps dogs feel calm. Too much tryptophan can be harmful so only give recommended doses.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb often used as a sleep aid and mild natural sedative. Chamomile tea or extracts are thought to ease anxiety and calm nervous dogs but more research is still needed. Give chamomile under your vet’s guidance.
Valerian Root
Valerian root increases levels of a calming neurotransmitter called GABA. However, it can also cause drowsiness. Valerian should only be given to dogs with extreme anxiety under veterinary supervision.
Passionflower
The passionflower herb acts as a mild sedative and calming agent. However, there is limited scientific evidence regarding its safety and efficacy for pet usage. Consult your vet before using.
Again, only give your dog calming supplements that are recommended by your veterinarian and with proper dosing for your dog’s size.
Prescription Anti-Anxiety Medication for Dogs
If your dog has severe anxiety or is unresponsive to natural remedies, prescription anti-anxiety medication may be an option. Some types vets may prescribe include:
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant sometimes prescribed for canine anxiety. Brand names include Reconcile and Prozac. Possible side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, and restlessness. It may take weeks to start working.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors in dogs. Brand names include Clomicalm and Clomir. Side effects can include sedation and digestive issues. This medication also takes 4-6 weeks to become fully effective.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines like alprazolam induce sedation and may be prescribed for dogs with extreme phobias like fireworks or thunderstorm anxiety. Since they act fast, they’re sometimes given short-term. These drugs can cause agitation in some dogs.
Medication | How it Works | Potential Side Effects |
---|---|---|
Fluoxetine | SSRI antidepressant, increases serotonin | Lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea |
Clomipramine | Tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits serotonin reuptake | Sedation, digestive upset |
Alprazolam | Benzodiazepine, induces sedation | Disinhibition, increased anxiety |
Anxiety medication for dogs is customized based on each dog’s health profile and symptoms. Only give your dog medication prescribed specifically for them by a veterinarian. Let your vet know about any side effects. Some medications require slow withdrawals, so don’t stop suddenly.
Conclusion
Helping an anxious or stressed dog relax requires determining the underlying causes and triggers first. Then you can try natural calming supplements, prescription anti-anxiety medication, pheromones, training, and lifestyle changes to ease their anxiety. Working closely with your veterinarian ensures your dog gets relief safely. With some dogs, the anxiety may never fully go away, but should become more manageable. If your dog’s anxiety seems extreme and unresponsive to remedies, seek help from a veterinary behaviorist. With patience and consistency using proven techniques tailored to your pup, you can help bring more peace and relaxation into their life.