Consider using natural remedies to treat anxiety in dogs including exercise, massage, a Thundershirt, essential oils and distraction.
Many dogs struggle with anxiety. Some cases are due to the situations the dog finds himself in, while others are due to the dog’s personality. It’s easy to spot an anxious dog — constant barking, being destructive and becoming aggressive are all warning signs. If your dog is anxious, seek natural remedies to treat anxiety in dogs.
Although there are various conventional medications to treat dog anxiety, it is not always advisable to take that route. Researchers have proven that some drugs can be quite dangerous.
Instead of putting your dog’s health at risk, you should consider using natural remedies to treat your dog’s anxiety. Here are some of the most popular natural remedies to treat anxiety in dogs.
Natural remedies: Give the dog regular exercise
Just like for humans, exercise is a natural stress reliever for dogs. They can help a dog to eliminate anxiety without using any artificial medication. Physical exercise stimulates the production of serotonin in dogs.
Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that is produced when we work out. Exercise also gets rid of excess energy that can make a dog nervous. All you need is to walk or even run with your dog for some distance.
Natural remedies: Use a Thundershirt
A Thundershirt is a tight-fitting garment that you can wrap around your dog. There is reliable scientific research that backs the effectiveness of this natural remedy to treat anxiety in dogs. A Thundershirt exerts continuous pressure on a dog and by doing so, calms the dog’s nerves and eliminates fear.
Many pet owners who have tried this method give it positive feedback. How effectively Thundershirts work will depend on how they are used and the dog’s personality.
Natural remedies: Try a soothing massage
Dogs like a relaxing massage. Set aside some time to give your dog a regular message. Your touch helps soothe the dog’s nerves and helps the dog remain calm.
You don’t have to be a professional masseuse to do this task.
Simple long and slow strokes are enough to deliver the desired results. Use your fingers to make circular movements on different parts of the dog’s body. Studies have shown that giving your dog a massage will also calm your own nerves.
Natural remedies: Use essential oils
For years, human beings have been using essential oils to remain calm and relaxed. These oils have the same effect on dogs.
Experienced veterinary practitioners agree that essential oils are among the best natural home remedy for a dog’s anxiety. They are capable of reducing stress, increasing concentration and reducing agitation.
Simply diffuse a few drops of essential oil in the air and wait for the results. For example, lavender can help a stressed pup relax.
Studies show the healing properties of essential oils. Some essential oils help deter flies while also providing a remedy for skin irritation. Some veterinarians use essential oils to calm dogs before administering other treatments. This can be especially beneficial if the dog tries to be aggressive during treatment.
Are essential oils safe? Mostly yes. But dog owners should take care to ensure their dogs don’t come in contact with tea tree oil, pennyroyal, oil of wintergreen or pine oils.
Natural remedies: Distract the dog
If specific events or activities cause anxiety, try to distract your dog. Try to engage the dog until it entirely focuses on you rather than whatever makes it nervous.
Alternatively, dog toys also make distract the dog from the source of his anxiety. A treat ball stuffed with peanut butter can keep help distract your dog from any noise or other events that trigger anxiety.
Conclusion
You want to keep your dog calm and relaxed. The good news is you don’t have to spend lots of money to treat your dog’s anxiety. Instead, you can use simple, natural remedies to treat anxiety in dogs.
Ruby Smith is the proud owner of Pet So Fun, a website designed to help owners of dogs, cats, and even fish by providing information on how they can create a healthy a friendly environment for their pets. You can reach Ruby by email at ruby@petsofun.com and follow Pet So Fun on Facebook or Pinterest or Twitter.
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