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Natural Pet Calming Ideas for Your Dog or Cat

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It is hard to see your beloved pet suffer through episodes of fear, stress, tension, nervousness and anxiety. Unfortunately, it is a more common problem than you may think. A good percentage of companion dogs and cats suffer with these types of symptoms. While there are prescriptions that veterinarians can prescribe, they can come with undesirable side effects. So, read on to learn more about the problem, and how you can utilize some natural pet calming ideas to help your dog or cat.

Symptoms & Triggers of Anxious Behaviors

Does your canine or feline have symptoms? The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association shares these signs of anxiety in pets:

  • Agitation: pacing, jumping, restlessness
  • Physiologic Abnormalities: trembling, vomiting, salivating
  • Elimination Abnormalities: inappropriate urination, defecation
  • Vocalization: barking, whining, whimpering
  • Destruction: escape attempts that include chewing, scratching, digging
  • Self-mutilation: hair pulling, excessive grooming, self-directed aggression
  • Signs of Depression: social withdrawal, submissive postures, lethargy
  • Aggression: nipping, growling, biting

Common triggers include:

  • Separation anxiety
  • New environment
  • Thunderstorms
  • Social anxiety
  • Car rides
  • Fireworks
  • Groomer/vet visits
  • Gunshots

PetCareRX identifies these breeds as being genetically disposed to experiencing anxiety: Bernese mountain dogs, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, German shepherds, dalmatians, great Pyrenees, Pekingese, Siberian huskies, standard poodles and some terrier breeds. The article goes on to say that highly intelligent, high-energy breeds are more prone to this stress.

Ways to Promote Pet Calming Naturally

Once your veterinarian has verified that there isn’t an underlying physical illness or issue, CesarsWay recommends consistent obedience training, proper amounts of exercise, and strong leadership as ways to address stress and anxiety in dogs. Proper training will help your dog build confidence in himself and in your leadership. Exercise stimulates natural serotonin levels, which can be calming. A balanced diet can also be part of a comprehensive therapeutic plan.

For cats, after first ruling out any medical issues, PetMD recommends behavioral conditioning through desensitization and counter-conditioning. Activity and a balanced diet can also benefit cats.

You may want to consider using a natural product that promotes pet calming. While they are not cures for anxiety, they may offer short-term relief for high-stress situations and assist you in rehabilitating your dog or cat.

Natural Products for Pet Calming

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@-Eaze All Natural Calming Gel by PetzLife

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100% natural ingredients

Promotes a restful, relaxed state without affecting alertness

Easy to use

For dogs and cats

 

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Calming by Pet Naturals of Vermont

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A colostrum calming complex, vitamin B1 and L-theanine formula

Supports stress reduction

Chicken liver flavored chews

Veterinary formulated

Available for dogs and cats

 

green-dog_complete-calm-chew-pet calming

Complete Calm by Green Dog Naturals

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Chamomile, valerian, lavender and ginger formula

Supports balanced behavior

Natural chicken flavor

Certified organic

For dogs

 

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RESCUE Remedy for Pets by Bach Original Flower Remedies

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A homeopathic combination

Natural stress relief for pets

Alcohol free

Veterinarian recommended

For dogs, cats, horses and birds

 

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Stress Gold by Pet Wellbeing

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100% certified organic herbs

For high-stress situations

Non-addictive

For dogs and cats

 

vital-planet_calm-dogs-pet calming

Calm by Vital Planet

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Natural ingredients

GABA, valerian and chamomile formula

Helps manage everyday stress and tensions

Chicken flavor

For dogs

 

davinci_serenity-now-small-pet calming

Serenity Now by DaVinci Laboratories for Pets

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A colostrum calming complex

For nervous, hyperactive, anxious or stressed pets

Contains no herbals

Chicken liver flavor

For dogs and cats

 

now_pet-relaxant-pet calming

Pet Relaxant by NOW Pets

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Natural botanicals

Promotes relaxation and contentment

Chewable tablets

Formulated by Dr. Barbara Royal, DMV, CVA

For dogs and cats

 

So there you have it! It may take some work on your part, but you may be able to help your beloved dog or cat work through their fears and anxieties naturally. And we all can appreciate that peace of mind.

If you have tips on natural pet calming, please share them in the comments section below. It may help a fellow pet parent!

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