What Natural Remedy Can I Give My Dog For Anxiety?

There are several natural remedies you can give your dog for anxiety including pheromones or providing interactive toys. Whatever the reason for your dog’s stress, it’s important not to ignore it. In most cases, it won’t go away on its own and will continue to get worse over time. The good news is that many cases of anxiety in dogs can be successfully treated without medication.

Reducing Dog’s Anxiety Without Medication

In some cases, it’s easy to pinpoint the cause of your dog’s stress—but not always. Whether you know the anxiety comes from being alone, a traumatic event, or your dog is just naturally high strung, here are some things that may help:

Lots of Exercise

Dogs have to expend energy. If they don’t get the required exercise, that can lead to stress. In some cases, the solution for an anxious dog may as simple as two or three long walks each day. If you have a fenced-in yard, allow lots of time for romping and running there as well.

Background Noise

If your dog gets anxious when left alone, try leaving on a TV or radio to serve as background noise.

Interactive Toys

Stress can be born from tedium, and interactive toys engage your pet’s mind to fight boredom. Puzzle toys and toys that make dogs work for a treat are examples. Swap out the toys regularly so they won’t become monotonous to your pet.

Doggy Daycare

If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, another way to ensure your dog gets a lot of exercise and interaction is to enroll them in doggy daycare. Even if you can’t do it every day, a few times a week may be enough. Keep in mind that some dogs will not appreciate the raucous environment they may encounter, so do a trial run to see how your pet reacts before signing them up.

Pheromones

Using pheromones in a diffuser or calming collar is one popular solution. While some pet owners find success with such products, you should talk to your vet before adding any of these to your dog’s routine.

If none of the above methods work for your pet, don’t worry. Enlist the help of an animal behaviorist or your vet who will be able to assess your situation and develop a custom plan of action. Pet owners who prefer natural remedies will be glad to know that only in severe cases will medication be required.