Natural Supplements to Curb Anxiety in Pets

Natural Supplements to Curb Anxiety in Pets

Many dogs and cats experience anxiety, especially in situations like car rides, veterinary visits or even at home when people are visiting or during thunderstorms.  While severe anxiety may require medication, there are a number of natural supplements that may provide a calming effect in pets experiencing mild anxiety or to help prevent anxiety in puppies and kittens.

•  Natural supplements such as amino acids, proteins, probiotics, and herbs can have a calming effect on many pets.  Common supplements such as Solliquin and Composure contain L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea.  While commercial L-theanine supplements are safe and can reduce anxiety, do not use matcha powder or green tea as they contain high amounts of caffeine which can be toxic. Zylkene contains a milk protein called casein. Products containing chamomile, valerian root and passionflower alone or in combination are also potential options.  Probiotics are also effective in reducing anxiety in some pets.  People and pets may experience stomach upset during times of stress because the gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis.  Imbalances in gut bacteria can affect mood and behavior. Certain probiotic strains of bifidobacterium can help reduce stress-related behaviors.
• Pheromones—pheromones are chemical signals that influence mating, territorial marking and mood among other behaviors. While many pheromones exist in nature, some have been synthesized in products such as Feliway which is a chemical found in the facial glands in cats which can have a positive and calming effect and in Adaptil or DAP, (dog appeasing pheromone), a calming chemical signal produced by female dogs with puppies.  These pheromones are safe and species specific-they do not affect people and the dog pheromone has no effect on cats and vice versa.  These are typically used as a wall plug in or as a spray in the environment but they can also be found in collars or applied to bandanas worn on the pets.
• Melatonin is also a safe, calming supplement for pets. Melatonin can help reduce anxiety in situations like storm and noise phobias and may aid sleep. Typical doses range between 2-6 mg per day.

A word about CBD:  While many studies support theories that cannabidiol (CBD) supplements may benefit animals experiencing pain or seizures and may reduce stress and anxiety in pets, a wide variety of supplements are on the market and the amount and purity of active ingredient varies widely. Use caution with any CBD product, and never intentionally give marijuana or marijuana edibles to pets as the active ingredient THC that leads to a “high” can be toxic to pets.

            Remember, severe anxiety may not respond in full to calming supplements, but used in conjunction with medications and training or used in pets with mild anxiety, these supplements can be a good way to keep your pet feeling calm in stressful situations. However, even natural supplements can sometimes cause adverse reactions in individual pets—sedation, vomiting and diarrhea are common reactions.  Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on specific products or dosing information and be sure to check with your vet to make sure there are no interactions between supplements and any medications your pet may take.

            This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/