There are many reasons that your dog might experience anxiety, and just as many varying triggers that can set that anxiety off. From being left alone to thunderstorms to car rides and more, when our dogs get anxious, we often do too. Anxiety usually comes down to behaviors, and while training methods can help address those behaviors, there are also simple, natural anti-anxiety solutions for dogs that are easily accessible to everyone, no matter what the trigger.
Understanding the Root Causes of Anxiety in Dogs
Before you try any natural anxiety remedies for your dog, it’s important to understand what’s actually causing the anxious behavior. While it may present itself in many similar ways, the root cause of that anxiety varies. You want to treat the symptoms based on the source, not just to create a temporary relief of the symptom itself.
Common causes of anxiety in dogs include:
- Environmental Triggers. Thunderstorms, fireworks, crowds of people, and loud music are common environmental triggers.
- Separation Anxiety. Dogs are pack animals and most enjoy having company, whether that is with another pet or with their person. When they are left alone, it can cause them stress and trigger anxiety.
- Health and Medical-related Factors. A dog who is in pain or who is dealing with certain medical conditions, like thyroid or neurological issues, can experience anxiety.
- Genetic Predispositions. Every dog is different, and some may just be wired to be more nervous than others. My greyhound, Silka, is one of these dogs. Whether it’s from past trauma or just her natural way of being, after 3 ½ years with us, she’s still just a nervous dog.
- Breed-specific Tendencies. Certain breeds are more prone to anxiety, often having to do with being bred for specific jobs.Let’s take herding breeds. When they don’t have a job to do, they can become anxious due to not fulfilling their genetic need to manage a herd. Belgian Malinois, for instance, are often used as police dogs because their high energy and strong herding instincts can be channeled into scent work, protection, and other tasks. Without structured outlets for both their mental and physical energy, they’re more prone to anxiety.
Understanding what is at the root cause of your dog’s anxiety can help you create a plan that helps with their unique needs.
Environmental Modification and Enrichment to Reduce Anxiety
As people, we understand that the environments we put ourselves in play a big role in whether we feel comfortable. The same is true for our dogs. Not every dog will enjoy dog play groups; some prefer a hike with their person. Silka’s preference is to be with me wherever I am, unless that place has a lot of people. Too many people overwhelm her, and luckily, that is something I can control for her.
As dog parents, it’s up to us to create a calm, structured environment that can help reduce the possible stressors that will set off an anxious reaction. We create safety and predictability for our dogs, and it’s up to us to watch them and know when we need to make an adjustment.
Use these four simple actions to help ease anxiety triggered from the environment:
1. Create a Safe Space
Ensuring your dog has a space that is their own area, and that it includes the things they love, gives them a space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed in your home. Whether it’s noise, company, or something else, having a place to feel safe will help your dog manage anxiety. This safe space can be a crate or a bed in a separate room with their favorite blankets and toys.
2. Reduce Noise
For dogs who are triggered by loud noises—like thunderstorms or fireworks—consider calming playlists, white noise machines, or products that support the nervous system, such as a ThunderShirt. Get them to their safe space and try using a calming supplement to help ease the reaction to the noise trigger.
3. Build a Routine, and Stick to It
Dogs thrive on consistency. You may know this when it’s 4:59 PM and they are at your side, wondering where their dinner is. Extending consistency to the whole day, not just meal times, can help lower anxiety. Creating a predictable routine for them with meals, walks, playtime, and even naptime helps your dog feel secure throughout the day.
4. Enrichment Activities
When considering how to calm an anxious dog, toys and enrichment games are probably not the first thing to come to mind. However, adding enrichment activities, like treat puzzles, scent games, or short training sessions, can help release built-up energy and redirect anxious behaviors into problem-solving fun for your dog. Enrichment is something I’ve intentionally incorporated into our routine whenever I need to leave Silka home alone. She gets a special treat or puzzle to work on as I walk out the door. This helps the trigger of my departure feel more positive and prevents an immediate stress reaction, which is helpful for both of us.
Natural Supplements for Anxiety Support
There is no shortage of available calming supplements for dogs. Many use herbs, amino acids, and other naturally soothing ingredients to help them relax. Every dog is unique. Their mental and emotional well-being is closely tied to what’s happening in their environment, their daily routine, and their gut. This is where natural supplements come in.
Finding a supplement that can help support your dog’s nervous system, ease their stress response, and bring them back to a calmer, more balanced state can make a significant difference for you and your dog. Do your research before introducing any specific supplement. Some ingredients to look for in natural anxiety supplements are:
- L-theanine. This amino acid is found naturally in green tea. It supports your dog’s brain chemistry with calming effects without causing drowsiness. Research has shown that it can reduce anti-anxiety behaviors in dogs.
- Chamomile, Valerian Root, and Lavender. These herbs are used for their gentle, calming properties. They are helpful for short-term relief in anxiety-producing situations like travel or fireworks.
- Passionflower. Often used in natural anxiety treatments for dogs, passionflower supports GABA production, which is a calming neurotransmitter in your dog’s brain. By supporting a calmer nervous system, your dog’s response to anxious triggers can be alleviated.
- Ashwagandha. This adaptogenic herb helps to regulate the body’s stress response. Research has shown it can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in both people and dogs. It’s a top ingredient for long-term, natural anxiety relief for dogs.
Your dog’s gut-brain connection is vital to supporting anxious behaviors. The gut and brain are in constant communication via the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication network where gut health directly influences mood, stress, and emotions. When your dog’s gut is out of balance, it can increase inflammation, disrupt neurotransmitter production, and contribute to anxiety-related behaviors. That is why a holistic approach to natural anti-anxiety solutions that include supplements is most beneficial for your dog.
This is where Bernie’s Perfect Poop comes in. It’s more than a digestive aid. It’s a daily supplement that promotes optimal gut function, which in turn, directly impacts how well your dog responds to stress. Supporting your dog’s gut health isn’t just about better stools; it’s about supporting their mood, energy, and ability to cope with the world around them.
Complementary Treatments for Anxiety in Dogs
Beyond environmental modifications and nutritional support, there are several holistic therapies that can promote your dog’s sense of calm, providing more anxiety relief.
- Acupuncture. This traditional Chinese medicine technique is growing in popularity in veterinary care for its ability to reduce stress and promote healing.
- Chiropractic Care. Our dogs’ bodies can get misaligned for a variety of reasons. A misaligned spine can lead to pain, discomfort, and behavior changes, including anxiety. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve physical tension, which may contribute to lowered anxiety, especially in active or aging dogs.
- Canine Massage. Massage therapy benefits dogs in similar ways to how humans benefit from it. If your dog’s anxiety is rooted in muscle tension or from chronic stress, a gentle massage can relax their nervous system. You can do this at home. Silka loves a gentle touch session!
Combining these treatments with natural calming remedies, you can build a well-rounded approach to managing anxiety in your dog. A plan that supports them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Supporting your dog with natural anxiety relief can help them live a calmer, happier life, and strengthen your bond in the process. I’ve experienced it firsthand with Silka and hope to help many other dog parents experience it, too. By understanding the root cause, creating a safe environment, incorporating supplements, and exploring complementary therapies, you can approach your dog’s anxiety holistically. Body, mind, and environment are all factors in helping your dog feel safe and secure, and supported throughout every season of their life.
Silka is a rescued greyhound who stepped into a home for the first time when I brought her home in January 2022. She lived outside in cold and heat with not much human contact, but plenty of dog contact, including being bred. At four years old, she had to learn everything about being a pet and living in a home. While she quickly learned that dogs can’t walk through glass doors, she is still clumsy on stairs.
And like many rescued greyhounds, her baseline is a bit anxious and nervous. Sudden movements, touches, or noises, make her jump. But she couldn’t care less about fireworks, thunderstorms, or the vacuum. Every dog is different, and Silka has come miles from where she was 3 ½ years ago. She went from not letting anyone come close to being interested in (some) people and curious about them all. She has learned basic commands and wakes us up at 6:30am for breakfast no matter what day of the week it is. We support her with supplements, enrichment, and training each day. Slika proves to me that it’s the everyday consistency that builds trust, and that trust creates a deeper bond and increases confidence in your dog.
