With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, it’s essential to help our furry friends feel safe and relaxed. The sudden fireworks, unexpected loud noises, and increase in visitors can lead to stress and anxiety for many pets.
Taking a few steps to create a calming environment can go a long way in ensuring they feel secure during these busy and often noisy festivities.
So, how can you naturally treat anxiety in pets?
Herbs for Anxiety
Damiana, a wild shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, is often called the “happy herb” for its natural calming effects.
Valerian is an herb native to Europe and parts of Asia, though it also grows in North America. Known for its calming effects, Valerian is commonly used to help dogs manage anxiety, especially during loud events like thunderstorms and fireworks. It’s valued for its ability to soothe nerves, reduce anxiety, and ease aggression in pets.
Catnip is an aromatic perennial herb originally from central Europe. Known for its enticing scent that captivates cats, it is also believed to help relieve anxiety.
To prepare these herbal teas for pets, add 1 tablespoon of the herb to 1/2 liter of spring water in a stainless steel pan. Bring to a gentle boil for 15-20 minutes, adding water as needed. Let it cool to enhance infusion, then strain out the herb, keeping the liquid.
Natural Calming Products
Bugalugs Organic Hemp Oil is a 100% natural supplement for pets, rich in omega 3, 6, and 9, plus vitamins A, D, and E.
It supports calmness in anxious pets, boosts immunity, and promotes healthy joints and hips. This oil also helps soothe dry, itchy skin, improves coat condition, supports digestion, and aids cognitive function, making it ideal for pets with stress-related habits or separation anxiety.
Wild Dog Calm Balm is an all-natural balm designed to soothe anxiety, stress, and worry in dogs, making it ideal for helping with nighttime settling, separation anxiety, car rides, moving homes, and meeting new people.
Bugalugs 4-in-1 shampoo and conditioner is a gentle, pH-balanced formula that cleans, conditions, moisturises, and soothes.
Perfect for anxious dogs, it deodorises while calming and soothing sensitive or dry skin, leaving your pet fresh, soft, and smelling wonderful. Infused with lavender for its calming and antimicrobial properties, chamomile for anxiety relief and skin support, and patchouli oil for nourishing dry, cracked skin.
Lickimats® help ease anxiety in dogs and cats by encouraging repetitive licking, which releases calming hormones. Spread a favourite treat on the mat to create a soothing, engaging activity that helps relax and comfort your pet.
Foods Which Help with Anxiety
Raw meaty bones, made up of edible bones, raw muscle meat, and connective tissue, are vital in a raw diet. Raw meaty bones help anxious or energetic pets occupied and settled while they chew.
Sardines are a rich source of marine omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also support mental health by protecting against mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
If you’re still struggling to keep your dog calm, feel free to contact us!
