Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in both animals and humans. Dogs and other pets quite easily develop separation anxiety compared to any other form of anxiety. This is because we often have to leave our furry friends alone at home for most of the day. Staying alone in the house without being surrounded by anyone gives rise to a feeling of loneliness, fear, and anxiety in dogs. The symptoms of separation anxiety start to develop as you start getting ready for the office.
A few common behaviors developed by dogs with separation anxiety include chewing of shoes or corner of a table, clawing the door, urinating in the house, bonking with joy when you return home.
If your dog has these common symptoms, he could probably be going through separation anxiety and needs immediate attention. Here are a few natural ways to treat separation anxiety in dogs.
Exercise
Mild physical exercise daily can be highly effective to treat the symptoms of anxiety in dogs. A tired dog is always a happy dog. So, getting your dog outside to play and exercise can be one of the best ways to treat anxiety. Even older dogs can be taken out for mild exercise as long as it is not hurting their joints.
Exercise helps reduce anxiety symptoms by stimulating the production of serotonin. It is a chemical that helps stabilize mood. It is also found in humans and helps in sleeping, eating, and digestion. Serotonin also helps get rid of the tension that causes anxiety.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy through the use of essential oils can be a great way to cure anxiety in dogs. But you must be careful to not apply them directly to your pets. Diffusers can be used to implement essential oils to pets. A few common and most effective essential oils include lavender, frankincense, tangerine, patchouli, Ylang Ylang.
Massage
A relaxing body massage not only helps burst stress in humans, but the same is true for dogs too. Massage can help reduce stress and blood pressure in animals. Massaging your pet for just 10-15 minutes a day can have a huge impact on reducing your dog’s anxiety. But at the same time be careful to appoint a professional to ensure the best quality service.
Supplements
Another most effective way to treat anxiety in dogs is by giving them supplements. Melatonin, for example, is one of the most commonly known supplements that helps reduce stress in dogs. The supplement rises naturally during sleeping hours. It will help calm your dog for a short period.
L-tryptophan is another popular supplement that helps treat mild to moderate anxiety in dogs. According to a few studies, the supplement can help improve anxiety-related behavior in dogs.
CBD oil is one of the most popular and commonly used supplements among pet owners. The anti-anxiety properties in CBD oil help your dog feel calmer and more relaxed. A few dog owners worry if their dogs will get high after taking CBD. The answer to which is, no. CBD being federally regulated contains less than .3% of THC content. THC is the psychoactive component of the hemp plant that causes a high effect.
Brushing and grooming
As anxiety is caused due to mental stress and fear, pampering your pet can be a great way to make them feel calm and relaxed. A simple act of brushing and grooming your pet for at least 10-15 minutes every night can help fight the complex symptoms of separation anxiety. It is also a great way to spend some time with your pet and strengthen your bonding.
The bottom line
There could be multiple ways to cure separation anxiety in dogs. But the natural ways are most preferred by pet owners as it’s completely safe for the dog’s health. While prescription medicines can have adverse side effects, the above-mentioned natural ways can help your dog feel calm and relaxed without interfering with his natural health and wellbeing.
