Summertime Fun... and Anxiety?

• Posted on 20 June 2016
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in boarding anxiety, dogs and fireworks, essential oil, herbal tinctures, summertime anxiety, supplements, thunderstorms
• 0

There is nothing quite like summer, the chance to relax and enjoy nature in all its lush glory. But along with the beauty of summer comes certain anxieties tied to environmental stressors and experiences during this unique time of year. As our companions join us on so many of our adventures, our dogs can feel those anxieties as much as we humans do.

There is nothing quite like summer, the chance to relax and enjoy nature in all its lush glory. But along with the beauty of summer comes certain anxieties tied to environmental stressors and experiences during this unique time of year. As our companions join us on so many of our adventures, our dogs can feel those anxieties as much as we humans do.

What causes increased anxiety for dogs in the summer?

• Thunderstorms - Dogs that are not exposed to loud noises at a young age may fear the thunder more than others. They can even sense the change in barometric pressure and can anticipate when a storm is coming.
• Fourth of July and Fireworks - The bright flashes and exploding noises can cause your dog anxiety if they have not been exposed to them at an early age. Independence Day is filled with flashing and loud bangs that can traumatize a pet who is experiencing them for the first time. If your community is like mine, fireworks have become a summer-long event. Some animals fear the loud noises as they age and their nervous system is more taxed.
• Summer Vacations - Leaving your dog at kennel or a with the pet sitter can bring about separation anxiety. Changes in their daily routine can also affect them. Even taking them with you can cause issues due to new or uncommon experiences such as meeting new people, riding in a car, or visiting new places.

How can you tell if a dog is feeling anxious?

These telltale signs can indicate that your pup is feeling anxious with their situation:

• Hiding - most common in tight spaces
• Shaking/Trembling
• Panting
• Excessive salivating
• Excessive barking
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Unusual aggression
• Pulling out fur
• Indoor potty accidents
• Property destruction

What can you do to help?

As it is not always possible to avoid the stressors that may cause anxiety for your pet, consider these natural anxiety remedy options to help your pet feel less anxious in certain situations.

• TREATS
  • Functional Treats - Earth Animal Calm Chicken Cutlet Treats contain L -Tryptophan, an amino acid that supports increased serotonin levels, relieving stress and anxiety.
  • Sam’s Yams Daily’s - Calmly Chamomile includes chamomile which is used to relieve anxiety and soothe inflammation, as well as provide nerve support.

• HERBAL TINCTURES - Tinctures are very functional in a time of stress because they don't require your pup to eat anything. When stressed, some animals do not want to eat, but prefer to hide. Liquid herbal tinctures are easy to squirt in their mouth with reduced interaction in hopes of not causing more stress.
  • Animal Essentials Tranquility Blend -  An herbal remedy that provides a balanced combination of three calming nerve tonics for anxiety and stress management: Valerian, Skullcap, and Oat Straw. Tranquility blend is an alcohol-free tincture formula for dogs and cats that promotes a calm and restful state during thunderstorms, fireworks, and other stressful events.
  • Holistic Blend Herbal Calmer - Another blend that is slightly different from Animal Essentials, but still supports the nervous system to help reduce anxiety and shaking.

• HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS - These supplements are good to use on a daily basis during the summer months if you know your dog or cat gets easily upset by storms or fireworks.
  • Nature’s Sunshine GABA Plus- An herbal blend found within our central nervous system and used to prevent nerve cells from over-firing by making them less susceptible to stimulation. GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) is an essential amino acid that balances neurotransmitters, improving circulation to the brain and, in turn, improving brain function.
  • Herbsmith Calm Shen - This supplement is for dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, and discontentment in response to environmentally-induced stress. It can also help to maintain contentment during separation, travel, and changes in the pet’s daily routine. This formula is often used to support those animals that get worse with anxiety as they age.

• ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS - Eating the right kind of fats can also help our animals during prolonged periods of stress and anxiety. We need fat for proper function of our brain. Adding fish oils, like salmon, cod, and krill, to your pet’s diet can help to avoid Omega-3 and -6 deficiencies.

• ESSENTIAL OILS - Tranquility Blend is formulated to promote relaxation, especially for pets in time of stress. Stressors could include fireworks, thunderstorms, new unfamiliar places, trips to your veterinarian, birthing and passing. This blend also assists with depression, eases anxiety, stress, and tension bringing joy to the heart, balances and stabilizes the emotions, gives patience,  and calms worries. It is easiest to diffuse essential oils during your pet's time of need. Another great option to help your pet without adding to an already stressful state.

If your dog is still experiencing anxiety and you have tried the options above, consider an Emotional Balancing Consultation at The Pet Beastro. This appointment is one-on-one with our staff and lasts about 30 minutes. These appointments are done in-store to cover your companion’s emotional being. During the consult, we review past and present situations that may have caused an imbalance emotionally such as birth experience, trauma, or something passed on from generations. Call us at 248-548-3448 to schedule an appointment.