Natural Calming Aids for Dogs & Cats

Causes   Natural aid   Complementary care

There are many reasons for anxiety in dogs and cats. Dogs and particularly cats lick their coats as a way to calm high anxiety and nervousness. There are a number of natural approaches to helping calm animals.

Common Causes of Anxiety in Pets

• Medical - diseased gums, joint or muscle pain can turn your previously friendly pooch into an aggressive or surly dog. A visit to the vet may reveal the reasons for changes in your pet's behavior.
• Noise phobias - guns, fireworks, cars, machinery.
• Storm phobias
• Environmental Stress - pets can pick up household stress and may act jumpy, distrustful or defensive. Bringing in a new member of the household whether human or animal can product jealous responses. making sure additional attention is given to the pet can help a great deal.
• Fear of separation from owner (separation anxiety) - this can be stimulated by visits to the veterinary clinic, boarding kennel or even simply in the act of leaving the pet alone in the house. Acting in a calm, unhurried manner will help reduce some anxiety.
• Lack of regular exercise - can result in the pet digging in the wrong places or chewing things up such as couch parts, clothing, etc., or excessive barking or whining.
• Fear of unfamiliar places, animals and people - including children.
• Car rides

Note that a number of the causes listed above may be the result of psychological/emotional trauma suffered from past experiences, and may be triggered by seemingless innocent events. Whenever the stimulus is repeated, the pet is unable to make a conscious decision and adopts a "fight or flight" response.

In summary, look for the causes of the inappropriate behavior and try to correct them. Rule out medical conditions. Consult with a professional trainer or specialist in pet behavior training..

Natural Treatment & Calming Aids

In summary, look for the causes of the inappropriate behavior and try to correct them. Rule out medical conditions. Consult with a professional trainer or specialist in pet behavior training..

While training is always your first step, there are natural treatments and herbal remedies to help calm and resolve behavior problems in dogs and cats.

There are a number of natural products which have calming herbs that can help with anxiety and nervousness in cats and dogs.

• Herbal Remedies such as valerian root, chamomile and passion flower help to sooth the nervous system.
• The combination of five flower essences found in Rescue Remedy have been used widely to combat fear, nervousness, trauma, distress and shock in dogs and cats.