Are you curious about calming supplements for dogs? Does your pup seem anxious and stressed? Even the calmest of dogs can experience moments of anxiety. One option to help soothe an anxious dog is supplementing their diet with a calming supplement.
Calming supplements are growing in popularity as a natural remedy to help anxious dogs feel more relaxed and secure. If your pup is struggling with anxiety, you’ve likely got questions about whether a calming supplement is the right solution for them.
Let’s explore the benefits of supplementing your dog’s anxiety and how to get started.
De-Stressing Your Anxious Dog
Anxious dogs can be a handful and it’s important to have an understanding of what causes their stress and how to recognise signs of anxiety. We advocate that you take these steps first before starting your dog on any calming supplement.
Common signs of anxiety in dogs include panting, trembling, pacing, barking excessively, hiding or trying to escape, cowering or freezing when scared, and destructive behaviour, such as chewing furniture or other objects.
Once you’ve figured out that your dog is feeling anxious, it’s time to figure out what is causing the stress. Common causes of anxiety in dogs include:
- Being away from home for too long (separation anxiety),
- Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms (noise phobia),
- Changes in routine or environment (fear of the unknown), and
- Unfamiliar people or animals (social anxiety).
It will take some detective work on your part to determine the root cause of your pup’s stressor. Once you identify the cause of their anxiety, you can start looking for solutions.
In many cases, calming supplements are a good choice when used in combination with other practical methods, like training and exercise, and creating a calm home environment.
Now that we’ve covered that important message, let’s take a closer look at calming supplements.
What Are Calming Supplements?
Calming supplements typically contain natural ingredients such as hemp, chamomile, valerian root, or L-tryptophan that are known to have calming properties. These remedies work by targeting both the mind and body to give your pup relief from stress.
Supplements can provide essential vitamins and minerals that help support the body’s natural functions. These include antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, as well as omega-3 fatty acids that can boost brain function and improve mood.
There are many benefits to using supplements as part of your dog’s anxiety treatment plan. For one, they are non-addictive and do not carry the same risks as prescription medications. Additionally, they usually take effect quickly, so you can see results in a matter of days.
Lastly, some supplements have multiple applications beyond treating anxiety; they may also provide other health benefits, such as improved digestion, increased energy and coat health.
Choosing a Calming Supplement
Before selecting a supplement for your pup, it’s important to consult with your vet first to ensure it won’t interact negatively with any other medications. Once approved by your vet, you can choose from a variety of over-the-counter supplements specifically formulated for dogs.
There are a few different types of supplements you should consider. First, omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil have been found to be particularly effective in reducing stress levels and improving cognitive performance in dogs.
Additionally, probiotics — like those found in Ipromea iPro-Calm — are another great option for anxious dogs as they promote healthy gut bacteria, which helps regulate mood and behaviour.
Finally, certain herbs like chamomile and valerian root have also been found to be helpful for calming anxious pups. These calming herbs are used in products like ZamiPet Relax & Calm.
Administering Calming Supplements
Many calming supplements come in the form of treats or powders that can be added easily to your pup’s food. Other supplements are available in capsules, such as Natural Animal Solutions Calm.
When it comes time to give your pup their daily supplement, it’s best to stick with the same routine. This consistency will help to further reduce stress levels for dogs that are prone to anxiety.
You can mix the supplement into a small portion of wet food or put it directly into their mouth. It’s always helpful to give your pup a few treats afterwards so they associate taking their supplements with something positive — a tasty reward!
Final Word
Supplementing your pup’s diet with natural calming ingredients is an effective way to reduce stress levels. Just make sure you follow dosage instructions carefully and consult with your vet if necessary before introducing any new supplement into their diet.
Support your anxious dog with our range of calming supplements for dogs. All of our supplements are hand-selected by our team of veterinarians, so you can rest assured you’re always choosing quality. Shop the range now!