Dogs can experience anxiety just like people, and finding ways to help them feel better is important. One natural way to help dogs calm down is using chamomile. Chamomile is a relaxant that helps reduce stress and anxiety. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can use chamomile to help your dog feel more at ease. We’ll also cover the potential side effects of chamomile, so you can make an informed decision about whether this remedy is suitable for your pup.
5 Causes of Anxiety in Dogs
Lack of Socialization
Socializing your pup early is incredibly important for their emotional well-being. Most dogs that lack socialization with people, other animals, and different environments may have difficulties adapting when faced with new situations. If your dog has been isolated and has not had much interaction with the world around it, this could lead to fearfulness or aggression when faced with new stimuli later on. As such, it’s important to expose them to different sounds and sights early on to become accustomed to them later in life.
Change in Routine
Dogs tend to thrive off routine; it helps them feel secure and relaxed because they know what will happen throughout the day. However, changes in routine can trigger anxiety as they don’t understand why things are suddenly different from their regular schedule. Therefore, try sticking as closely as possible to their routine whenever possible—this will help keep them calm during times of change or uncertainty.
Separation Anxiety
It’s normal for dogs who form strong bonds with their pet owners to experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Experts said that about 14% of dogs suffer from it. In addition, dogs may become anxious if there are changes in the family dynamic (i.e., moving homes or having a baby) or if their dog owners have been away from home for extended periods without warning (i.e., vacation). Of course, all dogs are different—some may be more attached than others—so try not to give too much attention before leaving the house, as this could worsen matters once you depart!
Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs
Behavioral Changes
A sudden behavior change is one of the dogs’ most common signs of anxiety. For example, if your pup was once very active and playful but now spends most of its time sleeping or hiding away, this could be a sign that something is wrong. Other behavioral changes to watch out for include excessive panting and barking, trembling, digging or chewing at furniture or themselves, and trying to escape from the house. If you notice any of these behaviors in your dog, it’s important to seek help from a vet or animal behaviorist as soon as possible.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety can also manifest itself physically in dogs. Signs to watch out for include loss of appetite or over-eating, digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, and frequent urination. Some dogs may also experience physical pain, such as muscle tension or joint pain, due to their anxiety. If your pup exhibits any physical symptoms along with signs of behavioral changes, take them to the vet immediately for an examination and diagnosis.
How Can I Sedate My Dog in Natural Ways?
Dietary Changes
Certain foods can have calming effects on dogs, while others can increase their energy levels and make them more anxious dogs. First, try cutting out processed foods from your pup’s diet, as these often contain additives that can exacerbate anxiety. Instead, opt for fresh whole foods like lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, adding fish oil supplements to their food is a great way to sedate your dog as one of the natural solutions. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil help reduce inflammation in the brain, which helps calm anxious dogs.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are another natural way to treat anxiety in dogs. Certain herbs like chamomile, lavender, passionflower, valerian root, and skullcap all have calming properties that can help soothe frazzled nerves in dogs. Some of these herbs come in pill form, while others are available as essential oils or tinctures that can be added to water or food. However, consult your veterinarian before trying any new supplements with your pet, as some may not be suitable for certain breeds or ages of dogs.
Exercise & Enrichment Activities
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for an anxious dog because it helps burn off excess energy and keeps them mentally stimulated. Take your pup on daily walks or play games like hide-and-seek or fetch inside the house if the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities. Enrichment toys that dispense treatment also provide mental stimulation and keep pups occupied for hours—perfect for when you need a break from entertaining them.
Fast-acting Calming Herbs for Occasional and Ongoing Anxiety
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most well-known calming herbs for an anxious dog and often comes in tea bags or capsules. Chamomile promotes relaxation and sleepiness in many dogs due to its high levels of apigenin, a compound found in herbs that sedate animals. Chamomile can also act as an anti-inflammatory and is particularly effective when treating anxiety caused by stress or fear.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is an herb with sedative properties that has been used to treat a dog’s anxiety since ancient times. Valerian root helps reduce stress levels by releasing GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce brain activity and keeps your pup relaxed. Valerian root can be given to your dog in capsule form or as tinctures mixed with water or food. However, it’s important to note that valerian root should only be used as needed since long-term use may lead to health issues such as liver damage or digestive problems.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its relaxing effect on humans, but did you know it also works on dogs? Lavender essential oil has been proven effective at reducing stress levels in humans and animals due to its ability to increase serotonin production, promoting relaxation and happiness. You can add lavender oil directly into your dog’s food (in small doses) or diffuse it around the house during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks displays. However, ensure you don’t use undiluted lavender oil directly on your pet, which could cause skin irritation.
CBD Oil for Dog Anxiety
To understand how CBD oil works, it’s important first to know what it is. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other major cannabinoid, CBD, has no psychoactive properties or side effects. As such, it has become increasingly popular as a natural treatment for various ailments and conditions, including anxiety in both humans and animals.
How Does it Work?
The exact mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, but studies have shown that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system—a complex network of receptors located throughout the central nervous system—to produce an anti-anxiety and natural calming effect. This interaction helps regulate various functions such as sleep, pain sensation, mood, appetite, memory, and more. By regulating these systems, CBD can help reduce feelings of dog’s anxiety by providing them an overall sense of calmness and relaxation.
Is It Safe?
Yes! Research has shown that CBD is generally safe for humans and animals. Studies have also shown that there are few side effects associated with its use—most commonly dry mouth or drowsiness—and those side effects are usually mild and short-lived. However, suppose you want to be sure that your pup will respond well to CBD oil treatment for their general anxiety symptoms. In that case, you should always consult your veterinarian before starting a course of treatment.
Final Thoughts
Regarding natural remedies for dog anxiety, various herbs and essential oils are available. They make other herbs more effective in treating a pet’s anxiety. For example, chamomile, valerian root, and lavender oil are safe, natural sedatives that help your pup calm down in stressful situations. Additionally, CBD oil is an effective treatment for dog anxiety with few side effects. Ultimately, natural remedies can be a great way to help your pup manage their stress safely and naturally. However, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment plan for your pet. Your dog can live a happy, stress-free life with the proper support and care!
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW CAN I SEDATE MY DOG OVER THE COUNTER?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that most people sleep well through. However, it can also help manage certain endocrine disorders in dogs. In addition, it has been found helpful as an adjunct treatment for canine stress conditions such as hospital-related aggression or age-related anxiety. Clients are offered OTC melatonin prescriptions on-site if necessary.
WHAT HUMAN MEDICINE PUTS A DOG TO SLEEP?
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and assist with sleep. Pets who consume this pill may become drowsy or shaky, but some will also react badly, agitated instead of relaxed like they should be while taking it prescribed for them by their vet.
HOW MUCH MELATONIN WILL SEDATE MY DOG?
The dosage for dogs varies depending on their weight. For example, dogs that weigh 10-25 lbs should be given 1.5 mg, while larger breeds like horses and cattle require 3mg of phosphorus per pound when taking supplements containing it as an ingredient or greater than 0%.
WILL BENADRYL SEDATE A DOG?
The drugs used to treat dogs are not nearly as powerful or effective when it comes to What sedative effects they have on your furry friend. So the only thing that will happen is you’ll be able to look at all those fireworks without getting too scared.
