There are a variety of supplements and other non-prescription substances that can be used to help your dog. In some cases the effects are obvious and in other cases the effects may not be as noticeable, but with time may help your dog. Use caution when adding anything new to your dog’s diet. Never assume that because something is ‘natural’ that it is either better or safer than a prescription medication available from a vet. Never combine herbs, supplements or medications without first asking a veterinarian. There can be life-threatening complications even with all ‘natural’ products. If something is powerful enough to affect a change in our dog’s behavior, it may also be powerful enough to cause harm.
Do not expect miraculous results in most cases but look for minor indications that your dog’s level of stress has been lowered. Some supplements can be used on a daily basis while others are meant for situational fears (like thunder or car rides).
Gentle massage is also helpful to calm a fearful dog. There are books on the subject. One technique is called TTouch and it involves a particular type of massage and can address specific concerns.
Keep in mind that any handling of your dog should be reassuring and make it feel better, not more frightened. Keep initial sessions short until your dog can deal with more prolonged handling. You should also be feeling calm and relaxed whenever you handle your dog. TACT is a protocol that has been designed to help people learn to touch and handle dogs without scaring them.
Dr. Karen Overall’s relaxation protocol may also be of interest. Here it is available in MP3 format made available by Champion of My Heart.
There are people who believe that their dog’s fear and aggression was caused by vaccines and that homeopathy has ‘cured’ them, although even dogs who were never vaccinated can be fearful.
Calming Aids
The inclusion of these products does not indicate an endorsement of them. They might be worth a try, but decide for yourself which helps your pet.
- Anxitane-sold by vets-contains L-theanine
- Composure Liquid- A combination of lactium (called C3 by VetriScience) and the Suntheanine brand of L-theanine
- Calming by Pet Naturals contains similar ingredients to Composure.
- Lactium- contains a bioactive peptide with anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties, available from Swanson Health Products
- Zylkene-not available in the US
- Rescue Remedy-a Bach flower remedy
- D.A.P.
Anxitane_study_2010 a product sold by vets that includes L-theanine.
I have been sent a sample of a calming product produced by Pet Naturals of Vermont that I am currently trying with my cocker spaniel Annie who has some anxiety issues. Called ‘Calming‘ it contains similar ingredients to Composure, one of the first supplements I tried with Sunny and did see subtle improvements in his anxiety level. Daily and extended use of the product was going to be cost prohibitive and I was already committed to putting him on a behavioral medication, a decision I have never regretted. The one difference I see between the products is that Composure uses the Suntheanine brand of l-theanine.
Pet Naturals is a Vermont Business Environmental Partner and is committed to protecting the environment, the health and safety of employees and the community in which they conduct business. As a Vermont resident, I like that.
Some people find essential oils to have a calming effect on dogs (and themselves!)
Good Dog Health sells a Super Calming Blend
Body Wraps & Shirts
Some fearful dog owners have found that their dog is more comfortable when wearing a snug fitting T shirt or body wrap. The Thundershirt comes in a variety of sizes.
Keeping well meaning, but scary strangers away from your dog while you’re working on counter conditioning and desensitizing can be a challenge. IN TRAINING shirts can help keep hands off your dog when out in public and also provide a snug fit that may help calm your dog.
