Does your dog get anxious during thunderstorms, car rides, vet visits, or when left alone? Just like us, dogs can experience stress and anxiety from various triggers like separation, new environments, or loud and unexpected noises. This in turn may lead to nervous pacing, excessive panting, hiding under furniture, or even aggressive behavior. While a bit of anxiety is normal, chronic anxiety can affect your pup’s well-being.
While prescription medications are available, many pet owners prefer natural remedies because they can provide a gentle, effective solution without the harsh side effects.
In this week's PetPax Co. Paper, we’ll explore 10 natural remedies that can help soothe your anxious dog. From herbs and amino acids to hormones and plant extracts, these natural options might be just what your furry friend needs to feel more at ease. Let’s explore some natural options that might just make your dog's life a little less stressful and a lot more joyful!
Valerian Root is known for its calming properties and has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions in humans like anxiety, insomnia, depression, and headaches. Valerian works by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which helps promote relaxation and reduce nervous tension. Valerian root has gained recent popularity as an oral supplement to help soothe dogs who get anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud events.
While generally safe, the best practice is to consult your vet for the correct dose of valerian root for your dog’s weight. Some dogs may experience a tummy upset or become too sedated, so we recommend that you monitor your dog’s response to see whether this supplement is the right fit!
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and certain mushrooms that is known for promoting relaxation without the effects of drowsiness. L-theanine works by increasing levels of calming neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, in the brain, which is crucial for mood regulation. This makes L-theanine particularly useful for dogs who are hyperactive, have trouble settling down, or display anxious behavior.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is commonly used to alleviate anxiety, especially related to sleep disturbances and disorders or changes in routine in both humans and pets. Melatonin can be especially beneficial for dogs experiencing stress due to changes in their environment and routine like moving to a new home or traveling.
Zylkene is a supplement derived from the milk protein casein and contains alpha-casozepine, which mimics the calming effect of a mother's milk. When given to dogs who experience stress due to travel, new environments, or changes in routine, Zylkene can help manage stress-related behaviors in dogs without making them drowsy.
Zylkene can decrease stress reactions within 90 minutes of taking. In chronic cases, the decrease in stress reactions will not be immediate, but the first effects are generally observed in the first fifteen days.
Pheromone calming products are synthetically formulated to mimic the naturally occurring Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAPs). They work by replicating the calming pheromones that mother dogs release to comfort their puppies. Especially helpful for dogs who are adjusting to new environments or who suffer from separation anxiety, pheromone products can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Pheromone products don’t have any known side effects, but keep in mind that the effectiveness may vary between dogs, depending on size, weight, or even breed. We recommend that you consult your vet, so that they can provide personalized recommendations.
Chamomile is a flowering plant known for its gentle calming effects, which can help the nervous system and reduce anxiety in dogs - without causing excessive drowsiness. This herb is also beneficial for dogs with digestive issues, because it can soothe the stomach. Some dogs may experience a tummy upset or allergic reactions if you overuse chamomile, so make sure you’re giving an appropriate amount suited to your dog’s size and weight.
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is used to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Including tryptophan (or supplements that include tryptophan) in your dog’s day-to-day routine can improve their mood long term. Tryptophan also promotes a sense of well-being and calm, helping dogs cope with stressful and anxiety-inducing situations like separation or loud noises. It’s important to use products that are specifically formulated for dogs to ensure safety and efficacy, so we recommend consulting with a vet.
Derived from hemp plants, CBD is a compound that is well-known for reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm, without psychoactive effects. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in dogs, which plays a role in regulating mood and anxiety. It can be particularly beneficial for dogs with severe anxiety or chronic stress, as well as those suffering from pain or inflammation. While generally considered safe, CBD can cause side effects like dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness. Always ensure you're using a pet-specific CBD product and consult with your vet for proper dosing.
Passionflower has been a part of traditional medicine for centuries and is well known for its medicinal properties, especially to treat a variety of nervous conditions like insomnia and anxiety. This herb works by increasing levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which helps calm your dog’s nervous system. Passionflower also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can help prevent oxidative stress and support your dog’s overall health. It's often used in combination with other calming herbs for a synergistic effect. The potential side effects include dizziness, confusion, and ataxia (loss of coordination), so it's very important to use this herb under the guidance of a vet. Overuse or incorrect dosing can lead to more severe side effects, so always start with a low dose for your pup.
Casein is a protein found in milk that is known for its calming properties. By mimicking the calming effects of nursing, casein supplements can help reduce anxiety in dogs. Casein is often included in dog supplements and calming treats that are designed to help your dog cope with stressful situations like vet visits, new environments, travel, or loud noises. Although generally safe, some dogs may experience digestive discomfort because of a dairy intolerance. We recommend that you introduce new supplements like casein gradually and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.
When it comes to helping our beloved fur babies cope with stress and anxiety, natural remedies can serve as gentle and effective alternatives to prescription medication. From herbs like valerian and chamomile to supplements like CBD and casein, there are various options available to suit your dog’s needs - that’s where our calming oral melt ZenMelts come in! With precision dosing, we’ve combined the power of nature and science. ZenMelts has highly bioavailable chamomile, melatonin, L-theanine, and tryptophan, so that your pup can calm down and relax (most pet parents see results within a few minutes!). Even better, when given every day, your dog will reap the long-term health benefits of these wondrous herbs.
Written by Rhea Chandrachud