It’s heartbreaking to see our beloved pups anxious or scared, but happily there are things we can do to help. Today, we’re talking about how to calm dog anxiety naturally, from calming supplements to lifestyle changes and training techniques. Because every pooch deserves to feel happy and settled.
All about dog anxiety: causes and symptoms
Anxiety is an emotional state characterised by worry, unease, nervousness, or fear. And just as we can experience it, it’s a feeling that our pups can experience too. Now, at first glance, you might wonder what on earth our pets have to be anxious about. After all, it’s not like they need to go to work or pay the bills! But the reality is that there are lots of reasons you may be searching for natural remedies for dog anxiety.
For example, research suggests that 20-25% of pooches show fearfulness when exposed to new people, dogs, or situations.(1) And as many as 50% of mutts display signs of separation anxiety at some point in their lives.(2) Other common causes of dog anxiety include car rides, vet visits, loud noises like fireworks, and pain or medical conditions. Trauma and a lack of socialisation can also make animals more anxious.
Mild anxiety in dogs isn’t always easy to spot. The only signs might be things like avoiding eye contact, turning their head away, yawning, and licking their lips. In more severe cases, you’ll probably notice symptoms such as:
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Drooling
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Organic Ashwagandha Powder
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Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
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Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder
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Panting
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Pacing
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Restlessness
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Trembling
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Refusing treats
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Excessive barking or whining
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Going to the toilet inside the house
In terms of body language, anxious dogs might stare, tuck their tail, put their ears back, or show their teeth. Dog anxiety could also lead to aggression, repetitive behaviour like tail-chasing, and destructive behaviour like chewing or scratching furniture. Another possibility is that a nervous pup may become withdrawn and lose interest in activities they used to love.
What can I give my dog for anxiety at home?
No one wants their furry friend to be worried or afraid. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for dog anxiety that could help your pet feel calmer and more relaxed. Here are ten of the most effective options:
1. Ashwagandha
This Ayurvedic herb is one of the best-known home remedies for dog anxiety – and with good reason. It acts as an adaptogen, which means it lessens the negative effects of stress on the mind and body. Studies show that adding ashwagandha to your pooch’s diet could significantly decrease signs of anxiety and fear.(3) One way it does this is by helping to regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol and promote relaxation. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties could ease joint pain caused by arthritis, which might be making anxiety worse.
Because ashwagandha is a potent herb, we recommend consulting a vet before giving it to your pet. This is to make sure it’s suitable for their individual needs. If they say it’s ok, simply mix the appropriate amount into your mutt’s normal wet food. For our organic ashwagandha powder, that’s up to a quarter of a teaspoon per 10kg of their body weight. And remember that functional foods like these are only for grown-up pups!
2. Reishi mushroom
Another adaptogen worthy of a place on our list of the best natural calming remedies for dogs is reishi. This fab fungi may be especially useful for helping your pup get more sleep. Research shows that the ingredient has an anti-insomnia effect and can lengthen slumber.(4) And investigators have found a correlation between anxiety disorders and a lack of good-quality sleep in dogs.(5) Similarly, pet parents are more likely to encounter problem behaviours in pooches who don’t get enough shuteye.(5)
Like ashwagandha, it’s important to speak to a vet before offering reishi to your pooch. If they confirm it’s suitable, the easiest way to feed it to your mutt is in powder form. Add ¼-½ a teaspoon per 10kg of their body weight to their usual grub. This could be in one dose, or spread out over the day. As a bonus, reishi may also support your pup’s immune system thanks to the polysaccharides and triterpenes it contains.
3. A safe space
Not all natural remedies for dog anxiety are edible! One of the most effective things you can do is to provide your pup with a calming place where they feel safe and secure. Ideally, this should be in a quiet part of your home where they won’t be disturbed by visitors or noises. You can make it extra cosy by popping in a favourite cuddly toy or a blanket that smells like you. The latter is especially helpful for pets who struggle with separation anxiety.
If you find your pooch mostly gets anxious at night, some background noise might help. For example, you could try a white noise machine or playing soothing music or an audiobook at a low volume. This helps drown out potentially scary sounds like foxes snuffling in the garden. Other factors to consider include ensuring that their bed is soft and the room temperature is comfortable.
4. Exercise
Making sure your pooch lives an active life is important for so many reasons. It tones their muscles, lessens the chance of weight gain and associated medical problems, and supports cardiovascular health. And it’s vital for their mental wellbeing too. Exercise helps stave off boredom, provides cognitive stimulation, and reduces the likelihood of behavioural issues. It’s also one of the best natural remedies for dog anxiety.
In fact, one study found that a lack of exercise was the largest environmental factor associated with noise sensitivity and separation anxiety.(6) And another discovered that taking part in doggy sports was among the most effective treatments for generalised anxiety in pups.(7) There are lots of explanations for these effects. Physical activity helps lower stress-related hormones, increase blood supply to the brain, and burn off excess energy. It may also reduce the risk of developing canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a condition which can cause or exacerbate anxiety.
5. Mental stimulation
When it comes to how to calm dog anxiety naturally, mental exercise is just as important as physical. It reduces boredom, improves cognitive functions, and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. What’s more, mental activities build a pooch’s confidence, tackle destructive behaviour, release stress, and boost their mood. This explains why research shows that mental stimulation helps lower anxiety in dogs.(7)
Happily, there are lots of easy and fun ways to keep your furry friend’s brain occupied. For example, you could teach them new commands and tricks, or play with puzzles and interactive toys. Some pups also enjoy activities that blend mental and physical exercise, such as treasure hunts, scent walks, and obstacle courses. Even simple actions like rotating your pet’s toys or going on a walk in a different location can be effective. One entertaining game you could try is the shell game. This is where you hide a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them, and have your pup guess where it is. Trust us, they’ll love it!
6. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy isn’t just for humans! Certain fragrances act as natural remedies for dog anxiety too. For instance, studies have found that chamomile and lavender essential oils can promote feelings of relaxation in pups.(8) As such, inhaling them could ease stress caused by situations like car rides, storms, or fireworks. Alternatively, you could try a diffuser that releases synthetic pheromones which help calm canines down.
There are a few safety considerations to remember when using essential oils around your pooch. First, because mutts have a far superior sense of smell to us, it’s easy to overwhelm them with fragrance. Avoid this by putting the diffuser in a well-ventilated area and ensuring your pet can leave if they want. Second, only use varieties that are confirmed as being safe for dogs. Third, essential oils aren’t safe for felines, so don’t use them if you share your home with a cat.
7. Lion’s mane mushroom
Another supplement worth including on a list of natural calming remedies for dogs is lion’s mane mushroom. Like reishi and ashwagandha, its adaptogenic properties help it ease the harmful impact of stress on the mind and body. It could also alleviate anxiety by supporting gut health. Lion’s mane is a prebiotic, meaning it nourishes the good bacteria in the gut microbiome. One of the many benefits of this is that it has a positive effect on mental wellbeing. That’s because gut bacteria contribute to the production of mood-altering hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin.
What’s more, lion’s mane is rich in neuroprotective compounds such as erinacines and hericenones. As such, it may help increase focus, lift mood, and ward off anxiety-inducing conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction. All of which means it’s no surprise that research has found lion’s mane reduces some anxiety-related behaviours in dogs.(9) You can add our organic lion’s mane powder to your pup’s normal wet food (after consulting a vet).
8. An anxiety vest
Anxiety vests, also called pressure wraps, are another safe and effective option for easing dog anxiety. They work by applying consistent, gentle pressure to your pet’s body without impeding their movement – a bit like a hug! Studies show this can lower heart rate and decrease the stress response, reducing symptoms of anxiety.(10) Similar to aromatherapy, it may be particularly useful for specific situations that induce fear, like fireworks and thunderstorms. Pop it on shortly before the frightening situation, when your mutt is still calm, and monitor them while it’s on.
Remember that some animals might find pressure wraps uncomfortable or scary, so don’t force your pup to wear one. They should be snug but not restrictive – a good test is to make sure you can fit two fingers under the collar.
9. Positive reinforcement and desensitisation training
There are a couple of training techniques you could use to help your pooch overcome their anxiety. The first is to positively reward calm behaviour with treats or cuddles. The second is to try and desensitise them to whatever scares them.(11) As an example, if your pup is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, start by simply leaving it in the room. Next, turn it on in a different room, so they can hear it but the noise is quiet. The idea is that, over time, they learn that there’s no reason to fear the thing that makes them anxious.
Another tactic that might help is counterconditioning. The aim of this is to get your mutt to associate the thing they fear with positive feelings instead of negative ones. For instance, if your pup is scared of strangers, give them a treat every time you have a visitor.
10. A consistent routine
The last of our natural remedies for dog anxiety is simple but effective. Our pets thrive when life is predictable and structured. Conversely, unpredictability and change cause them stress. It’s important for us to establish a routine they can rely on, so they feel secure and relaxed. That means having set times for things like meals, walks, toilet breaks, and bed. Of course, some change is inevitable, and there’s room for flexibility. But try not to alter too many things at once or deviate from your schedule too often.
When to see a vet about dog anxiety
If your pup’s symptoms are severe or the above natural remedies for dog anxiety aren’t helping, book a vet appointment. They’ll be able to check for underlying medical issues and offer you personalised advice. It might also be helpful to talk to a canine behaviour specialist.
What are the best home remedies for dog anxiety?
With so many simple and effective natural remedies for dog anxiety out there, it’s impossible to say which is best. That will depend on things like your pup’s personality and the reason they’re feeling anxious. As such, we recommend trying out several of the options on this list to see which work for your pet. The key is to be patient and never punish your pooch for showing fear – that only makes the situation worse. Instead, approach the issue with love and pawsitivity, and your dog’s nerves will soon be a thing of the past!
