It's fireworks season again.
This is my least favourite time of year. These pretty lights and sounds are great if you don’t have a dog that suffers from major noise sensitivity like me. To top this year off, I also have the wild Taz who currently has shown no signs of anxiety, but she is only 9 months old and hasn’t experienced fireworks night yet!
This year I am working hard to make sure that Myst is as calm as possible, I don’t want her to pass her fear on to Taz.
I have talked about chewing and how this can calm your dog during times of stress. Now let’s look at how we can take that support to the next level when chewing is just not enough.
This does not mean that I don’t still encourage chewing, as I do! It is important to continue the natural production of serotonin.
To read more, check out my From Fright to Delight: How Chewing Can Calm Your Dog During Fireworks.
In this blog, I am going to talk about the power of herbs and how adding these can help with anxiety, especially with fireworks.
Herbs are a powerful addition to your dog’s diet, and there are so many it is hard to know which to choose and why.
I use herbs that are nervine herbs and often adaptogenic. I know these are big words, so let me explain:
Nervine herbs are herbs that work with the nervous system.
Adaptogenic herbs are clever little things, and they work by going to where they are needed.
I am a firm believer in only adding supplements as needed. You do not need to add everything to the bowl in one go.
Calming herbal supplements for dogs
The herbs I find that work best for calming are:
Valerian - Valerian is an herbal supplement that can help dogs with anxiety and sedation. It's thought to work by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a calming effect
Skullcap - an active herb that supports the calming pathways in the nervous system
Lemon Balm - relieves nervousness, and separation anxiety, or as a calming agent. Best known for the fact that, despite its sedative effects, it does not render animals somnambulistic or incoherent but rather increases their alertness and focus whilst calming them
Lavender - can help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, which can be useful for dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or travel anxiety
Passiflora (Passionflower) works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which reduces activity in certain brain cells. It also increases levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Chamomile - Chamomile can help with anxiety and promote relaxation. It can also help dogs who are nervous or stressed, such as those who bark around people, shake during thunderstorms, or have trouble settling down at night
Ashwagandha regulates cortisol in your dog's body, helping to regulate their blood sugar, reduce their anxiety, and boost their immune system.
Hops has been shown in studies to have sedative and sleep-inducing properties
Hemp products can promote calmer behaviours and may form part of a treatment plan for canine anxiety and hyperactivity. “Scientists are also looking into its use as a sleep promoter, a tool in the management of seizures, and as a potential pain relief and anti-inflammatory for those with chronic pain such as arthritis
Relieving canine anxiety naturally
I am not suggesting that you go out and buy all of this and start throwing them in the bowl. As herbs need to be added carefully in the correct dosage - as too much can be dangerous.
This is why there are companies that have done the work for you and worked out the correct dosages.
You also need to consider the quality of the herbs as the way they are treated will also affect the efficiency. Which is why I am very fussy over what I recommend.
My go-to calming herbal remedies are:
Verm-x organic calming support as this contains a lot of the herbs on my list. They are organic and the quality is top-level.
I would always add this first as it gives all-round support and works on a low level.
As we get closer to the main event and fireworks start to ramp up, I reach for the strong stuff. Dorwest skullcap and valerian. These are a strong combination of the most powerful nervine herbs. Myst who hates taking any form of pill, usually results in me having to put her in a headlock. I not joking and don't advise that anyone does this. She will happily eat these when she is anxious. However, as soon as she starts to feel better, I have no chance. So, I believe that they must be helping her, or she just won't take them.
If you have a very fussy dog, adding stuff to their bowl or pills is just not an option. Pet remedy is a brilliant alternative. This also works great for multi-dog households and contains an aromatherapy mix of powerful herbs to help any animal relax and destress. I have the plug-in set up already. As I am not sure what Taz will do this year I want to give her a little support just in case.
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