Is it Safe For my Dog to Eat Herbs For Anxiety?

An Article by Darrell Miller

Dogs do experience anxiety also. This may be manifested by excessive barking or growling and restlessness even though the stimulus is already not around. However, responses to anxiety stimuli vary from one dog to another. Anxiety may also be caused by stress towards the dog. Therefore, if the dog is experiencing anxiety, it is important that the owner must carefully assess the cause of stress and patiently relieve the stress by constant training. Correct behavioral therapy or proper desensitization to the dog’s unpleasant stimuli is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress among dogs. Like humans, there are also many herbs that are safe and effective in managing anxiety attacks among dogs. 

Some of these are: 

1. St. John’s wort is an herb commonly taken by people to help control anxiety and depression. It is believed to improve the mental health your pet. Its anxiolytic or anti – anxiety property is also effective among cats as well. This herbal supplement is often prescribed for treatment of mild anxiety caused by loud noises such as thunder, presence of strangers or many people and other simple phobias. 

2. Valerian is a European perennial herb which is widely utilized as a natural remedy for anxiety experienced by dogs. Studies show that this herb is composed of certain chemicals that can stimulate the production of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. 

3. Skullcap is also popularly employed to relieve anxieties among dogs because it has an effective sedative, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant property. Studies using this herb have revealed high effectivity in controlling nervousness and aggressiveness among dogs and cats most especially after an exposure to an unpleasant incident. Skullcap is an anxiolytic herb which does not have a side effect such as sleepiness and motor or reflex incoordination. Taking this herb together with valerian herb is best for epileptic mammals. 

4. Passion flower also contains a nerve – calming chemicals which make it an effective treatment for dog aggressiveness and nervousness. It has many other names which include maypop and apricot vine. The active chemicals in this plant are flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids. These are helpful in treating dogs with epilepsy and anxiety. Though this herb does not have a sedative effect like the other anxiolytic herb for dogs, it has a promising calming effect. This is the reason why it is usually prescribed as an effective relaxing agent for overexcited or frightened dogs. 

5. Chamomile, on the other hand, has both calming and sedative effects. This herb is usually used among dogs that will be traveling or for a stroll. 

6. Hops is a flowering vine which has a relaxing property. It is beneficial in treating insomnia and other sleep disorders. This herb is often taken in combination with the other anxiolytic plants. 

These natural herbal plants are guaranteed to be safe and effective. However, like any other drug and supplements, over dosage of these medicinal plants may be damage the liver. 

To be completely safe, it would be best to avoid using these herbs on pregnant animals. Help your pet live anxiety free with supplements that can help calm dogs of all sizes. You can find anxiety free supplements at your local or internet vitamin store. 

Published at: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=753262&ca=Pets