Natural Remedies for Dog Anxiety

Does your dog get stressed by thunderstorms, car rides, strangers or being left alone? Apprehension and unease are common in dogs and can result in destructive behavior, house soiling, barking, and more. While prescription medications are an option, many pet owners prefer natural remedies, such as Brave Paws, to help calm their anxious dogs. Certain supplements, pheromones, herbs and techniques may provide soothing relief without sedating side effects.

Understanding Dog Anxiety

Anxious dogs experience excessive worry and stress in response to triggers like loud noises, unfamiliar environments or situations, and separation from their humans. Common triggers include:

• Separation: Distress when left alone. Affects around 14% of dogs.
• Noise phobias: Fear of loud noises like thunder or fireworks. Very common.
• Travel: Stress in the car or visiting new places.
• Strangers: Wariness around unfamiliar people entering their territory.
• Age-related Apprehension: Confusion in senior dogs due to cognitive decline.

Signs your dog may be anxious include pacing, whining, trembling, hypervigilance, loss of appetite, aggression, hiding, and escape behaviors.

Natural Supplements for Dog Anxiety

Certain supplements containing soothing botanicals and compounds can help reduce anxiety, worry and stress in dogs. These include:

• Chamomile: Contains apigenin, which binds to GABA receptors in the brain and may promote calmness. Give chamomile tea or tinctures.
• Valerian Root: Increases GABA and serotonin and may reduce stress. Give as a tincture.
• L-theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that may boost relaxing alpha waves. Available in chews or capsules.
• Hemp Oil: Contains omega fatty acids that may inhibit nervousness. Choose cold-pressed organic hemp oil.
• Melatonin: The sleep hormone also may have anxiolytic effects. Use fast-acting liquid forms.
• Brave Paws Calming Chews: Clinically tested botanicals reduce anxiety without sedation.  In clinical trials, it’s active ingredients demonstrated that they interact with the dog’s neurological GABA_a receptors to moderate cortisol (the fight or flight hormone) levels.

Brave Paws contains two main ingredients shown to reduce unease: Souroubea, a rainforest vine traditionally used as a natural tranquilizer, and Sycamore Bark which contains triterpene compounds that synergize with Souroubea’s anxiolytic properties. In a study of thunderstorm noise-induced stress, dogs given Brave Paws had less distress and lower cortisol compared to dogs given a placebo. The natural botanicals in Brave Paws start working in 30-60 minutes without causing drowsiness. Brave Paws has over 60 five-star reviews from owners of uneasy dogs.

Pheromones for Calming Dogs

Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) products mimic natural calming hormones released by nursing dogs. The synthetic pheromones may have a soothing effect. Ways to use DAP:

• DAP diffusers: Steadily release pheromones into the air for 30 days. Plug into a central area your dog frequents.
• DAP spray: Can be spritzed on bedding, crate, car seat, carrier or your dog’s collar prior to a stress trigger.
• DAP collar: Provides constant pheromone exposure when your dog wears the infused collar.

Herbs and Natural Sedatives

Some herbs have mild sedating properties to promote relaxation in anxious dogs:

• Skullcap: May help relieve stress, restlessness and panic. Give 2-3 drops of tincture.
• Catnip: May have a mild sedative effect. Use dried catnip or give 1-2 drops of tincture.
• Oat Straw: May soothe the nervous system and adrenals. Brew into a tea using 1 tsp dried herb.
• Passionflower: May alleviate stress and nervousness. Add 1⁄4 tsp dried herb to food.

Always consult your vet before giving herbs, ensure proper dosing for your dog’s size, and don’t use alongside other medications or sedatives.

Soothing Uneasy Dogs Naturally

In addition to supplements and pheromones, natural distress relief methods include creating a calm environment, exercise, obedience training, wraps, aromatherapy and more. A multifaceted approach provides the best results for dogs. Work with your veterinarian to design a customized treatment plan using natural remedies and conventional options tailored to your dog’s needs. With consistency and patience, your anxious dog’s worries can be eased for a happier, less stressed life.

To purchase Brave Paws visit our online store.