Holistic Options for Anxious Dogs & How Canine Hydrotherapy Can Help
What is Anxiety in Dogs?
In today’s society, anxiety is a common epidemic found in people, but now we are also seeing it first hand in our pets. It is a disorder that many pet owners, as well as their pets, face during all times of the year. It is important to determine why your dog is suffering from anxiety and figure out ways to help calm them down naturally to bring them back to a state of harmony. Anxiety is explained as “a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. These disorders affect how we feel and behave and can cause physical symptoms”. When a person or animal has anxiety or fear their autonomic nervous system produces the flight or flight hormone, otherwise known as cortisol.
Examples of Anxiety in Dogs
Excessive barking
Trembling
Panting
Hiding
Loss of Appetite
Destructive Behavior
Looking for an Escape
Tail Tucking
GI Issues (diarrhea, vomiting)
Aggressive Behavior(biting, nipping, snapping)
Chewing, Biting or Licking body parts
Urinating Indoors
Excessive Energy
Panic Attacks
Reasons for Anxiety in Dogs
Traumatic Experience/PTSD/Abandonment
Loud Noises(fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuums)
Separation Anxiety
Illness or Disease
Toxic Environment
Prescription Drug Side Effects
Pain
Nature of the Breed
Aging
Unfamiliar Social Situations(dog park, dog daycare, dog boarding, the vet)
Ways to Help Your Dog
There are alternative ways to help calm an anxious dog besides medication. In severe cases it might be the smartest option at the time, however with proper maintenance and care, most dogs can manage their anxiety with holistic solutions.
Exercise
Getting your dogs endorphins going, just like humans, is a wonderful way to ease anxiety and stress. Exercise also helps produce healthy amounts of serotonin in the brain and helps get rid of tension and pent up energy. It is also a healthy way to distract a dog from their temporary disorder and make them feel happier andhealthier. If you work long hours or want to give your dog some extra TLC while you are gone throughout the day, hiring a trusted dog walker can be very beneficial for an anxious dog. It breaks up the time spent apart from you and gives them an extra mental and physical activity throughout the day. Our sister company Walk'n Dogs-Dog Walking Services provides one on one walks, playtime and/or just spending quality time with your dog(s) while you're away.
Hydrotherapy
Water therapy is another form of exercise, but it can also be very calming and healing at the same time. The weightlessness of the water provides a safe environment for your dog and reduces the risk of a land based activity. If your dog is fearful of water, putting your trust into an experienced and certified hydrotherapist can make a world of a difference. They are equipped to handle such cases and know how to successfully turn your dogs fear into success. Hydrotherapy has many benefits on not just the mental health in dogs, but also their physical aspect as well. Here is a link to another discussion, explaining why hydrotherapy is worth it for dogs with any type of disease (mental or physical).
Massage
A calming massage works wonders for a dog whose been uptight and stressed. Just as humans, massage helps release tension and clear any energy blocks in the body. Lastly, make sure you do your research and choose a certified and licensed canine massage therapist ONLY to work on your dog.
Fun Brain & Body Activities:
Use a Flirt Pole
Play Tug of War With Your Dog
Play Frisbee With Your Dog
Create Your Own Agility Course
Use Kong Stuffing & Food Dispensing Toys
Teach Your Dog to Chase Bubbles
Play Find the Treats With Your Dog
Play Hide & Seek
Training
Behavior modification and desensitization is a process, and is best done with the help of a professional. A positive reinforcement trainer or animal behaviorist who has experience working with anxious dogs is the best option to choose. We recommend a local trainer, Jessica, with the National Academy for Dogs, who we have seen first hand, really help dogs. She is very knowledgeable as well as caring and compassionate.
Holistic Supplements
One of my favorite suggestions I offer to all of my clients is the miraculous CBD oil. Dog owners who inquire about CBD oil have all different types of reasons for doing so. Most of these paw parents are searching for a holistic approach to help and heal their pet. CBD oil is known to be the main ingredient in many treatment options that provide internal as well as external care for humans and pets. It is also available in many different forms such as edibles, tincture, oils or even creams. Here are many different uses for CBD oil and health conditions that can benefit from it:
Arthritis
Aggressiveness/Temper
Seizures
Cancer Symptoms
Appetite Loss
General Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Inflammation After Surgery
Managing Pain
Depression
High Stress