Unfortunately, like many humans, a large number of dogs will experience anxiety throughout their lifetime.
This can be triggered by a number of factors, including new situations, loud noises, strange people, separation from their owners, and even just old age (1).
These situations may lead to unwanted behaviors, as well as undue stress that owners do not want to place on their pet. The good news is that there are many natural solutions for dog anxiety treatment.
Dog anxiety vests
Dog anxiety vests have become a popular tool to navigate stressful situations, especially like thunderstorms and nights of the year where firework shows are common. If used properly, these shirts may help calm your dog’s anxiety naturally.
Anxiety wraps help dogs by providing pressure that is equally distributed around the sides, chest, and back. This pressure will induce the production of endorphins, which are the “feel-good” hormones (2).
Research has been fairly limited; however, one study did show a lower heart rate elevation in dogs wearing a pressure wrap, and a tendency toward less nervous destructive behavior in those wearing a pressure wrap (3).
If you decide that using a pressure wrap is the best method of anxiety control for your dog, it is important to be sure to use this tool properly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and give your dog time to adapt to the vest.
Introducing your dog to the anxiety wrap overtime allows them to make positive associations with the garment before they are exposed to a stressful situation, which will likely make the wrap more successful.
CBD oil for dogs
Much like the human supplement world, CBD oil has gained traction as a natural treatment for many ailments in pets, including dog anxiety. CBD oil is derived from cannabis but has no psychotropic effects. The exact mechanism by which CBD can help treat dog anxiety is unknown, but it is believed to increase serotonin levels, which gives the dog a happy feeling (4).
While studies to evaluate the effects of CBD oil on canines are still in progress, anecdotal evidence supports its use for managing dog anxiety (1).
To ensure that the CBD product is safe for your dog, it is important to give them CBD that has been developed specifically for use in dogs for maximum health benefits.
Exercise
Providing the proper amount of exercise can help calm your dog in several ways. Dogs with anxiety likely have an excess of energy, so it makes sense that decreasing the amount of pent-up energy the dog has could help deter negative behavior.
What better way to do that than exercise?! Exercise can provide a time for bonding between you and your dog, while expending extra energy and promoting overall health. Additionally, exercise can help increase endorphins in dogs as it does in humans.
Soothing music for dogs
Music can tend to have a therapeutic effect on many listeners, canines included! Some research has indicated that classical music can reduce anxiety in dogs (6).
Music can also be useful for drowning out or distracting the dog from noises that may cause alarm while alone (5). While more research is needed in this area, music is an easy and cost-effective strategy that may be helpful for calming a dog’s anxiety.
Summary
Overall, there are lots of options for managing your anxious dog. If your dog has anxiety, try natural solutions such as the highest quality lab-tested, pure CBD oil before resorting to prescribed medication. Of course, it is important to consult with your veterinarian on the best treatment plan for your dog, but no matter what route you choose, know that there are many ways to support your dog in living an anxiety-free life!
Read More:
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/treating-dog-anxiety/
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anxiety-vests-for-dogs
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787814000902
- https://www.goodrx.com/blog/cbd-anxiety-treatment/
- https://www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/anxious-dog/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022433/