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Promoting a calm feeling leads to calm behaviors and this is an acquired skill for dogs. We, humans, have to learn it too!
Usually, we can achieve this through behavior modification, teaching good manners, offering adequate physical and mental exercise, feeding high-quality nutrition, keeping their mind busy learning and being challenged, and building solid command cues to help direct them in times of stress. We also want to make sure each of our dogs has their own safe spot to call their own, their puppy Zen zone, in the house as their "go to" spot for chilling out. There are some occasions when a dog may need more than just training and behavior modification.
In this blog, I discuss a variety of different aspects of calming activities, products, supplements, medications, and treatments.
There are MANY helpful natural remedies that can assist with creating a more calm mindset.
*Physical AND Mental exercise. See HERE for more details.
*Work Walks! Not just a walk, but more of an adventure. Letting our dogs sniff and explore and learn and observe and work on some training cues along the way. This will help to expend not only physical but also mental energy. See HERE for an article about scent walks!
*Acupressure or Acupuncture, as well as massage and other calming therapies.
*Creating a puppy Zen zone. See HERE for more specific details about creating a calm, positive environment for our dogs.
*Supplements: *For informational purposes only, always consult with your vet prior to giving any supplements to your dogs!!!
We want to combine a training or rehabilitation plan with calming products when appropriate. We do NOT want to rely upon these supplements and products alone.
So, what kinds of supplements and products are best? We want to look at ingredients and how they work for our pups.
Helpful Active Ingredients:
Chamomile- eases upset stomach
Thiamine Mononitrate- reduces stress and tension
Passion Flower- calm emotions and ease anxiety
Ginger- eases upset stomach
L-Tryptophan- reduces stress and tension
Melatonin- promotes rest and relaxation
Skullcap- ease nerves and sensitivity to touch
L-Theanine- thought to work by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the central nervous system
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)- thought to work by increasing serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
You'll want to ask your vet what their recommendations are and what is safest for your pup!
*Veterinary Prescribed Psychiatric Behavioral Medications: *For informational purposes only, always consult with your vet prior to giving any supplements to your dogs!!!
These medications are available only from your veterinarian, and this isn't usually the first step in treating potential mental or emotional issues in dogs. Generally, they will want to either try training first or at least alongside of these medications. Medications alone will NOT "cure" or "get rid of" any issues or behaviors. They are very helpful in helping to balance brain chemicals and calm or activate certain areas of the brain.
These are some of the more commonly prescribed "behavior" medications and their common uses. Remember, there is a lot of experience needed and important information as well as contraindications to understand all of these options so your Veterinarian will help to determine what the best plan and option is for your dog.
Zylkene- Milk derivative with naturally calming properties
Alprazolam (Xanax)-Usually used to help with treating Moderate to severe situational anxiety
Amitriptyline-Separation anxiety or more generalized anxious tendencies
Buspirone- Generalized anxiety
Clomipramine (Clomicalm)- Separation anxiety and situational anxiety
Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)- Situational anxiety (noise phobias and aversions)
Diazepam (Valium)- Situational anxiety
Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac)- Separation anxiety
Lorazepam (Ativan)- Situational anxiety
Paroxetine (Paxil)- Generalized anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors
Sertraline (Zoloft)- Generalized anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors
*CBD- Click HERE for great and reliable info! This is still a new and developing area of veterinary medicine. Ask your vet what they recommend. There are some promising studies and some industry-leading vet professionals working hard to ensure safety studies are being done and that the laws are not hindering the process or the ability of patients in need to access these products. Also, efficacy and purity are huge uncontrolled concerns still. Every year we see positive changes and progress!
*Other Calming Products:
Adaptil (appeasing pheromone) products: Travel spray, collar, diffuser
Some resources:
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