Category: Stress & anxiety

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Top tips for separation anxiety in dogs

separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common reason for pet owners to visit the vets, as dogs can become stressed when left alone.

We all love our dogs and enjoy nothing more than spending time with them. However, if left alone for only a few hours some dogs can become nervous or stressed. Separation anxiety in dogs can be shown in a variety of ways.

Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include, trembling, whining, destruction of property and sometimes aggression. Dogs will also hide in an enclosed safe place, such as under a bed or in a den.

What causes anxiety in dogs?

Anxiety in dogs can be caused by a number of factors, such as loud noises, travel, being left home alone, vet visits, moving house and even the introduction of a new pet.  Dogs can experience separation anxiety when their owners go out to work, or simply leaving them home alone for a few hours.

Separation anxiety in dogs can occur if your dog is not used to being left on their own, or if they are scared of something in particular in the home. It is common for younger dogs to develop puppy separation anxiety when getting used to their new home. Although dogs should not be left for too long throughout the day, we can’t always be with them 24 hours a day.

Tips to help manage separation anxiety in dogs

If you have a nervous dog and have to leave them alone whilst at work or for a few hours, here are a few top tips to help reduce any stress for them:

Distractions

Make sure that your dog has enough toys to play with, which would be a great distraction whilst you are out. Stuffed toys with treats are a good way to keep them busy and happy during the time you are away. You could also leave the TV or radio on for background noise.

Exercise

Make sure your dog has had enough exercise before you leave the house. If you are going to be leaving them for a number of hours, take them for a long walk before doing so. This will help to get rid of excess energy and they may sleep whilst you’re out.

Safe zone

Create a safe zone or den for your dog to retreat to if they are feeling extra anxious. You could leave a jumper or t-shirt with your smell on for your dog, which is familiar to them. This will help to comfort them while you are gone.

Prevent accidents

Make sure they have had the opportunity to go outside and go to the toilet prior to you leaving the house.

Close curtains

If your dog can get distracted by outside noise or you live on a busy road, close the curtains to reduce any distractions which might make them anxious and bark for prolonged periods.

Ask someone to check on them

If possible, ask a friend or family member to stop by and check on your dog, even if it’s for 10 minutes to allow them to go to the toilet outside.

Training to reduce separation anxiety in dogs

If you know you have to leave your dog alone, try to train them from a young age to get them used to being separated from you during the day. You could start by leaving them for a short period and increase the time you are away. Make sure that you give your dog plenty of attention when you return as a reward.

Pet proof your home

If you don’t want your dog to have the run of the house whilst you are out, be sure to close doors and block off areas you don’t want them to go. Be sure to check the area/room they will be in for any hazards to be sure they are safe whilst on their own.

Don’t discipline bad behaviour

If your pet has misbehaved whilst you are out and caused damage or toilet in the house, don’t discipline them on your return as this could cause further anxiety. It could also lead to your dog worrying about your return home.

If you are worried about separation anxiety in dogs, ask your vet for more information on additional ways to help your dog and how Nutracalm can help to naturally reduce stress in your dog. Nutracalm has been specially formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

 

 

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Top tips on how to calm an anxious dog or cat

anxious dog

An anxious dog or cat is a common reason for pet owners to visit their vet to get advice. Stress in pets can be a familiar occurrence for many owners with a number of reasons why it happens.

If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

Both cats and dogs alike can suffer from anxiety, which can make certain situations stressful for their owner. Situations that may stress your pet include:

  • Loud noises
  • Travel
  • Staying in a cattery
  • Vet visits
  • New pet
  • Fireworks
  • Separation anxiety
  • Staying in kennels
  • Moving house

If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

In some pets, stress can also lead to other health concerns, such as urinary tract function in cats. No pet owner likes to see their beloved companion distressed, but we highlight some positive things that could help to calm an anxious dog or cat:

Create a safe zone

Make sure your pet has a den or a spot they can retreat to if they start to feel anxious. For your cat, make sure that there are plenty of places available to sleep or hide in peace.

High areas for cats

Provide high accessible areas for your cat, such as shelves or on top of furniture. This allows them to feel safe, whilst still being able to watch and feel included in the family.

Exercise your dog regularly

Stress and anxiety can sometimes create uncontrollable energy. Taking your pet for regular walks or encouraging your cat to play and go outside can help to relieve some of that energy.

Keep to your routine

Fixed routines can help to keep your pet calm. Any changes to your normal household routine can upset and stress your pet. Stick to the same feeding and walk routine and stay calm yourself. Pets can pick up when you’re anxious and that could in turn cause them stress.

Distract your pet

Try to keep your anxious dog or cat occupied. Use toys to play with your pet and keep them focused on something else. Play will also help to use up energy and they may sleep through the stressful situation.

Scratch posts

Make sure that your cat has access to a scratch post to relieve boredom and anxiety. Stressful situations might make them scratch your furniture if they don’t have a suitable place to do it.

Multi-cat households

If you have more than one cat, make sure that you have at least one litter box per cat. Ensure that you cat also has somewhere to retreat to and get away from your pet dog or other pets.

Don’t shout at your pet

If they do anything out of the ordinary due to stress, such as toilet in the house or scratch furniture, refrain from shouting at them. Reward their positive behaviour with treats and ignore any unwanted behaviour. This can be a reaction to how they feel in a situation and shouting at them could lead to further stress and behavioural problems.

Keep the noise out

Play calming music if you have to leave your dog home alone, to help drown out external noise that could make them anxious. Create a calm environment for your cat or dog.

Comfort your pet

Sit close to your pet and stroke them to try and keep them calm. Physical contact could help to make them feel safe and reduce their anxiety. If they prefer to be by themselves, let them wander off to find a safe place to hide. Keep checking on them to make sure they are ok.

Plan ahead

If you know a specific event, such as fireworks night or a trip to the kennels or cattery will cause stress, try to prepare ahead of the event. For trips to the vets of kennels, consider using a calming aid for dogs, such as Nutracalm, which can be given 2 hours before the event. Nutracalm is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets.

Train your pet to deal with certain situations

If a trip in the car or a visit to the vet causes your pet to have anxiety, you could train them to get used to these situations. Separation anxiety is also common in dogs. Getting them used to being home alone for short periods of time can help. Reward your dog with a treat and praise them when they respond positively to training.

Socialise your pet

If you have an anxious dog when around people or other dogs, training classes could help reduce anxiety during these occasions. Don’t lock your dog away when visitors come or this will only add to their stress. Help them to become accustomed to socialising with people other than family members. Reward good behaviour with treats.

 

If you are worried about changes in your pet’s behaviour, speak to your vet who will be able to advise the best solution for your pet’s health needs. Ask your vet for more information on ways to aid your pet and how dog calming products such as Nutracalm can help. Nutracalm is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and help to reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

 

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Behavioural issues in pets

Behavioural issues in pets

Stress and anxiety can lead to behavioural issues in pets, which they can demonstrate in a variety of ways.

As an owner, it’s never nice to see your dog or cat stressed but you may notice behaviour issues in pets in certain situations which cause stress for our four-legged friends. Pets can show signs of stress and anxiety in a number of ways.

For dogs this includes trembling, whining, destruction of property and sometimes aggression. Cats may spray urine, leave widespread vertical scratch marks on walls and furniture and in severe stress situations react aggressively towards people or other household pets.

If your dog is nervous or stressed easily this can be because of a number reasons, which can make certain situations stressful for pet owners. For example changes in their normal environment or routine can be the reason for a dog or cat to become nervous or stressed.

Both dogs and cats will choose to hide in enclosed safe places like under a bed or in a den. These symptoms can be caused by a number of stress factors such as loud noises, separation anxiety, travel and other stressful situations, such as: vet visits, fireworks, new pets or moving home.

If are worried about behavioural issues in pets then Nutracalm could help. Nutracalm is our fast acting natural calming supplement for dogs & cats. Nutracalm is recommended by thousands of vets throughout the UK and Ireland to naturally calm anxious pets, without any sedative effect.

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GABA for dogs and cats

GABA for dogs and cats

GABA for dogs and cats is important as it is an important neurotransmitter in the brain and is responsible for relaxing the nervous system.

GABA – Gamma – Aminobutyric acid is a chemical made in the brain and is one of the most important neurotransmitters in your pet’s central nervous system. It sends messages through the brain and nervous system and is involved in regulating communication between brain cells. The role of GABA is to inhibit or reduce the activity of the neurons or nerve cells.

Too much activity within the central nervous system, such as that caused by stressful events can lead to anxious behaviours. GABA tells the brain to slow down and is responsible for relaxing the nervous system and a deficiency of it may lead to anxiety and phobias. Biochemically increased stress and anxiety is associated with deregulation of specific brain neurotransmitters, such as GABA, Serotonin and Dopamine.

Benefits of GABA for pets

  • Relaxes the nervous system
  • Reduces anxiety

Although due to misuse in the human market it is not allowed in human products however GABA is well recognised as a key, safe ingredient for calming supplements for pets, due to its significant benefits to reducing anxiety in dogs and cats. Oral supplementation with a natural calming product such as Nutracalm has independent scientific evidence of improved mood outcome by helping to normalise these complex biochemical receptors in the brain. 

In calming supplements for dogs and cats, GABA is commonly teamed with other natural ingredients, such as Passiflora Incarnata, L-Theanine and L-Trytophan.

If you’re looking for a GABA supplement for dogs and cats, then Nutracalm is highly recommended by vets throughout the UK for its fast-acting calming support for pets. Nutracalm has been specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm an anxious dog, cat or horse and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour. Nutracalm helps to normalise neurotransmitter activity and reduce mood swings, without sedative effect.

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L-Theanine for dogs and cats

L-Theanine for dogs and cats

L-Theanine for dogs and cats is a key ingredient to naturally calm anxious pets.

L-Theanine is an amino acid component of Green Tea and is involved in Dopamine neurotransmitter function. It has been shown to have a calming effect in dogs and cats.

An anxious dog or cat is a common reason for pet owners to visit their vet to get advice. Stress in pets can be a familiar occurrence for many owners with a number of reasons why it happens. If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

L-Theanine is a key ingredient in Nutracalm, a fast acting calming supplement for cats and dogs. It has been specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

In pet calming supplements, L-Theanine is often teamed up with other natural ingredients such as GABA, Passiflora incarnata and L-Tryptophan to naturally calm pets.

If you’re looking for a calming supplement for dogs and cats with L-Theanine, then Nutracalm is recommended by vets throughout the UK. Nutracalm is specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and help to reduce unwanted and unruly behaviour. It helps to normalise neurotransmitter activity and reduce mood swings, without a sedative effect.

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Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats

Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats

Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats is important to help reduce stress and anxiety and aid relaxation in pets.

Passiflora Incarnata is commonly known as passion flower. This extract has long been known for its ability to relax and reduce tension. Biochemical studies show that natural flavonoids are a key active ingredient and that Passiflora strengthens the effectiveness of GABA brain receptors which aids relaxation.

In pet calming supplements, Passiflora Incarnata is often teamed up with other natural ingredients such as GABA, and L-Tryptophan to naturally calm pets.

An anxious dog or cat is a common reason for pet owners to visit their vet to get advice. Stress in pets can be a familiar occurrence for many owners with a number of reasons why it happens.

If you have an anxious dog or cat, they may show common signs, which include: aggression, a decreased appetite, increased vocalisation, their ears may be pulled or pinned back, and they could be trembling or shaking.

Passiflora Incarnata is a key ingredient in Nutracalm, a fast acting calming supplement for cats and dogs. It has been specifically formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and to help reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour.

If you’re looking for Passiflora Incarnata for dogs and cats, then Nutracalm is recommended by vets throughout the UK as a natural pet calming supplement.