Even the most seemingly chilled out of pets can have triggers that cause them stress, which in turn can lead to anxiety, leaving us considering our options in terms of dog calming supplements and calming care for our dogs. To some, it’s loud noises, crowds of people, other animals, boredom, or the prospect of being left home alone. Dog separation anxiety can be a really big problem that affects both pet and owner on a daily basis.
Vesper, our Guru Pet, detests the sound of the hoover and hides out in the bathroom whenever it is switched on, and Willow, as shown at the top, takes refuge beneath the dining room sideboard when she’s feeling anxious or stressed.
One of our friend’s dog drools extensively and continuously on every car journey and another friend’s cat yowls and jumps hyperactively around the house whenever the telephone rings – not only endangering herself in the process, but also causing significant damage to furniture and soft furnishings too.
Other symptoms of stress and anxiety can include trembling, licking and biting of paws, crying, whining, pacing, excessive panting and even extreme behavioural changes such as unexpected aggression.
Calming Care for Dogs
Seeing our beloved pets anxious and overwhelmed by unavoidable situations is never fun, so what can we do to help?
Massage is a good starting point because of the comforting connection and natural bonding of you touching your pet. If, you can identity where your pet keeps their stress in their body, then it also works in the same way as in humans, where you can use the massage to help alleviate the tension spots and ease their anxiety.
Ensure that your pet has a safe space to retreat to in times of stress away from the source and containing familiar scents, toys and bedding to help put them at ease.
Try to desensitise them to the triggers that cause the stress – for example if it’s certain loud noises, record them on your phone and play them to your pet at a low volume that you slowly increase over time so the sound becomes less shocking and triggering for them. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour along the way.
Talking to your vet is also important as they can advise you of other options and resources that may be useful for persistent anxiety. And there are, of course, many supplements available.
Dog Calming Supplements
While some owners use calming pills for dogs, our natural remedy, CALM GURU, is an easy-to-administer liquid supplement that can really help in times of stress. Specially formulated using a handful of key ingredients that are known to reduce stress, soothe and restore balance, calm hyperactive behaviour and help fix dog separation anxiety too.
Our Active Ingredients and Benefits:
VALERIAN ROOT has been used medicinally since the times of early Greece and Rome. Valerian for dogs helps to support key parts of the nervous system reducing the symptoms of anxiety and promoting calm without drowsiness.
SKULLCAP encourages relaxation and restores balance. It is particularly effective for treating noise phobias and general hyperactivity, again with no drowsy side effects. On the contrary, it can actually help to improve concentration and focus.
LEMON BALM is a herb used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety. It mentally soothes and physically calms.
CHAMOMILE helps to relax, reduce stress and relieve anxiety.
This remedy is only available for dogs at the moment. We are developing a cat-friendly version to launch very soon.