As pets have become increasingly treated like family members, and our world has become more chaotic and stressful, we have found ourselves looking for better ways to decrease anxiety in our furry loved ones. Many things can cause anxiety in dogs, including:
- Travel
- Separation anxiety in dogs
- Thunderstorms
- Fireworks
- Dogs with difficulty sleeping
As a result, many different brands of calming treats for dogs have come on the market.
What are calming treats for dogs?
Calming treats for dogs are supplements containing vitamins or herbs that help alleviate anxiety. They usually contain tryptophan, theanine, melatonin, suntheanine, hemp oil, valerian root, passionflower, etc." When ingested by your dog, they are supposed to have a relaxing effect.
Unfortunately, nutritional supplements are not regulated, making it almost impossible to decide which ones are safe. It's a misconception that they are harmless just because the treats have vitamins and herbs. The word natural doesn't mean safe. The treats can contain dangerous contaminants, and you have no way of knowing. Reading the ingredient list is essential to check for additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients that may not be good for your dog.
Another misconception is that a particular dog-calming treat will have the same effect on every dog. The treat's effects vary widely, depending on age, breed, sex, size, and temperament. One dog may become slightly relaxed from a treat. Another can even become more anxious.
Safe Alternatives for Calming Dogs
According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the use of safe essential oils for dogs has increased in popularity to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs in a more natural way. As humans have increased their tendency to turn to more holistic aids for many physiological or psychological conditions for themselves, so have pet owners. However, just as with calming treats for dogs, there are misconceptions about essential oils for dogs.
What are Essential Oils for Dogs?
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. Each has a pleasant smell and potentially therapeutic properties. According to the ASPCA, safe essential oils for dogs benefit a variety of physical and psychological conditions, including stress and anxiety, such as separation anxiety.
As with calming treats for dogs, there are also misconceptions about essential oils. One of the most common is that all essential oils are safe for dogs. That is not true. There are safe oils and toxic oils. For example, due to their toxicity, you should only use tea tree, peppermint, and cinnamon oils for dogs with a veterinarian's recommendation. On the other hand, numerous safe essential oils for dogs offer many benefits.
Stress Relief: We know how highly developed dogs' sense of smell is. Aromatherapy involves using essential oils that trigger specific responses in dogs when they smell them. For example, many holistic veterinarians use bergamot, chamomile, and lavender to help decrease anxiety in dogs. These can be very helpful when used to reduce separation anxiety in your dog.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16978115/
Behaviour Management: Chronic anxiety can lead to aggression, chewing, excessive barking, and other undesirable behaviours. Essential oils can be calming and help ward off these behavioural problems.
How to Bond with Your Dog: If you use essential oils to decrease anxiety in your pet, your dog will learn to associate the more relaxed environment with you. Essential oils can also help during grooming.
Insect Repellent: Lemongrass, lavender, and cedarwood oils are natural insect repellents.
Pain Relief: Ginger and frankincense oils may decrease the discomfort of arthritis or injuries.
Hair coat and skin care: Lavender oil is one oil that can help with skin irritations and lead to a healthier coat.
How Do You Use Essential Oils for Calming Dogs?
You can apply diluted essential oils to the spine, ears, or even on the toes/pads of dogs.You can also use them in a diffuser. However, you should always dilute the oils and consult your veterinarian before using them. You should also always consider the following guidelines.
Guidelines for Using Essential Oils Safely
- Essential oils are a more natural, safer method of calming dogs and helping with other conditions as well. They are noninvasive, and unlike chemical medications, they do not have side effects or dependency issues. However, you must use oils that are safe for dogs and in the proper way.
- According to Dr. Janet Roark, an international animal essential oil expert, pure essential oils must always be diluted before use on dogs. They are highly concentrated and must be diluted with carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, at the proper ratio as advised by your veterinarian or certified animal aromatherapist. Even after dilution, it may take just one drop to have an effect.
- Do not apply essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Your vet may tell you to put one drop on the palms of your hands and then pet your dog. You may also try one diluted drop in a diffuser or a diluted spray for your dog's bedding or environment. The diffuser should be in a well-ventilated area where your dog can move away freely.
- Do not give essential oils to your pet by mouth unless your vet specifically tells you to. Keep the oils stored where your dog cannot get to them.
- When introducing essential oils to your dog, observe closely for any adverse reactions.
- Different dogs can react differently to the same oil. Finding the one that works best for you may take some trial and error. Likewise, one dog's preference for a particular scent may differ entirely from another. Respect their preferences.
- The quality of the oil you purchase matters. Select high-quality, safe essential oils from reliable sources. Stay away from fragrances, additives, or other harmful added ingredients.
- Do not expose small animals such as birds, rodents, rabbits, and reptiles to essential oils intended for dogs. Their small size may cause them to inhale too much and harm their respiratory systems. Also, check that the oil you consider is safe in a cat household. Cats can have toxic reactions to many oils, even if you're using them for your dog.
- While a holistic approach to caring for your pet, such as safe essential oils, is ultimately the most effective method for calming dogs, consult a veterinarian or certified aromatherapist who has experience with animals before starting your holistic approach.
https://www.aspca.org/news/essentials-essential-oils-around-pets
Pawsitive Potential: Nurturing Canine Wellness with Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to soothe your pets. Purchased, diluted, and given safely, they are superior to dog calming treats for relaxing your dog when travelling, during thunderstorms or fireworks, and when treating separation anxiety in dogs. They can also help strengthen your bond with your pet. With appropriate administration, essential oils can become an invaluable way to increase your beloved dog's quality of life beyond traditional calming treats for dogs.
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