Anti-Anxiety Medication for Dogs
Dogs suffer from anxiety during stressful situations like travel and severe weather changes. There are several natural remedies available to safely treat your dog's anxiety without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Some also contain valuable nutrients that nourish your dog's body back to health. As with any medicinal substance, however, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian for instructions before administering any of them yourself; too much of a good thing could be a bad thing.
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Herbs
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Herbs are wonderfully mild and non-addictive natural medicinals for the treatment of anxiety in your dog. Some even contain nutrients that will boost and support your dog's nervous system as well as relieve the dog's anxiety. Chamomile calms the nerves and induces sleep. Oat also has a calming effect on the nerves and added nutritional benefits, so serve your dog some oatmeal. Valerian, a sedative, and St. John's Wort, an anti-depressant, work together to reduce anxiety and tension but should not be used for a long period of time. The Chinese herb Astragalus, on the other hand, can safely be used continually to boost the immune system of a dog under stress. Consult with a veterinary herbalist for proper dosing instructions.
Homeopathy
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There are some homeopathic remedies for canine anxiety that work on your dog almost from the moment of ingestion. Chamomilla, derived from chamomile, relieves anxiety that presents as irritability and restlessness. Passiflora incarnata, from the passion flower, calms frightened animals without sedating them. Phosphorus and Borax work for animals that startle easily, and rhododendron helps animals with a fear of storms. Always consult a homeopathic veterinarian for advice on the proper remedy and dosage for your dog.
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Nutritional Supplements
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L-theanine is an amino acid that has been found to stimulate the production of alpha brain waves, which create a state of deep relaxation. Found almost exclusively in tea plants, it has a calming effect on people and dogs. Thiamin (vitamin B1) affects the central nervous system and has a calming effect on anxious animals. Decapeptide, derived from the milk protein casein, also has a calming effect.
Flower Essences
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Flower essences, like homeopathy, work on an energetic level by taking extracts from certain flowers, plants, trees and bushes, and diluting and potentizing them to create remedies for various mental and emotional ailments. They restore energetic balance to your dog's body and mind by removing negative energies that interfere with its overall equilibrium. The most well known of these remedies are those formulated by Dr. Edward Bach from 38 healing plants that he found to have a balancing effect on negative states of mind in both humans and animals.
Reiki
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Reiki is an ancient Eastern healing modality that utilizes the life force energy surrounding all of us to restore balance and health to the patient. The practitioner channels this energy and directs it through her hands to the dog's body, stimulating the body into healing itself. The process creates a profound sense of peace and relaxation in the patient.
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References
- Photo Credit soggydan
