An anxious dog will need a special treatment, additional affection and a few drugs or alternative remedies. Anxiety natural remedies are usually efficient to calm the pet and will not cause nausea or lethargy as other anxiety drugs do.
Herbal Remedies for Anxiety
If your dog suffers from anxiety, herbal remedies can be used to restore a normal emotional state, without causing addiction. Not all dogs will respond to herbal treatment, but these remedies can be tested. Herbs that can soothe a dog with anxiety include:
- Oatmeal can be a calming agent. Cook oatmeal and give it in addition to your dog's normal food.
- Chamomile, which can be administered as tea or as a tincture added to the food. Chamomile has a soothing effect and may also cause sleepiness. Don't administer this treatment if your dog needs to be alert (i.e., as a watch dog).
- The valerian plant is a natural sedative that will also calm dogs
- St John's Wort is a tonic plant that may be used in conjunction with the valerian.
- Skullcap has a soothing effect on the nervous system.
- Astralagus will stimulate the immune system, as a depressed immune system may cause anxiety in pets.
- Jasmine has a calming effect.
- Passion flower will calm the dog without making him sleepy.
- Green tea leaves, which contain amino acids that are effective to induce a state of relaxation.
These herbal remedies can be mixed (mix the tincture drops before administering them) or can be used by themselves. Even though these herbs will not have side effects as the anxiety drugs, the administration of valerian treatment or other natural sedatives is not recommended for a lengthy period of time or in high daily doses. The vet can recommend a suitable dose and a period of time during which to administer the herbal treatment.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are different natural remedies that may be used in dogs with anxiety. The homeopathic treatments are made up of dilutions that will contain different natural ingredients including mineral or plant extracts. The composition of the dilutions will be established for each pet in part, depending on several factors. Common homeopathic remedies that can be effective in dogs with anxiety or depression include:
- Borax - Effective if the anxiety is caused by fears and noises
- Chamomilla - As the name suggests, contains chamomile and will reduce restlessness
- Rhododendron - Applied in dogs that are afraid of firecrackers or thunders
- Phosphorus - Can relieve separation anxiety
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used to treat different conditions in dogs, including anxiety and depression. The dog will be kept in a quiet room with a few scented candles, burning incense or tinctures added to boiling water which will release an aroma that is meant to soothe him. Common aromas used to soothe dogs with anxiety include chamomile, jasmine or roses.