Best Foods For Dog Anxiety
Dogs can have anxiety for various reasons and a lot of the time you will find that smaller dogs will have anxiety, mainly anxiety related to leaving the house and they may shake often. Although there are ways to reduce anxiety in dogs, this isn’t always achievable and it’s important to find ways to help elevate that anxiety to help your dog out.
One way that we have used at The Paw Institute is the use of foods that help target anxiety in dogs. Plus, let’s face it doggos love eating different foods and if you can find one that helps and that they love, it’s a win-win situation.
Best Foods For Dogs Anxiety
Managing a dog’s anxiety can be challenging, but certain foods and dietary adjustments can help calm and soothe your furry friend. Here are some of the best foods and supplements known to help reduce anxiety in dogs:
1. Blueberries
- Benefits: High in antioxidants and vitamins C and E, blueberries can help reduce oxidative stress and improve overall brain function.
- How to Use: Offer as a treat or mix into their regular food.
2. Sweet Potatoes
- Benefits: Rich in fibre, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, sweet potatoes can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide a steady release of energy, promoting a calmer demeanour.
- How to Use: Serve cooked and mashed or mixed into their meals.
3. Turkey
- Benefits: Contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, which can promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- How to Use: Cooked turkey breast (without skin or seasoning) can be added to their regular diet.
4. Pumpkin
- Benefits: High in fibre and antioxidants, pumpkin can aid in digestion and provide a soothing effect on the gut, which is often linked to overall mood.
- How to Use: Pureed pumpkin can be mixed with regular dog food.
5. Salmon
- Benefits: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help reduce inflammation and support brain health, potentially reducing anxiety.
- How to Use: Cooked, boneless salmon can be added to meals.
6. Oatmeal
- Benefits: A good source of fibre and slow-release carbohydrates, oatmeal can help stabilise blood sugar levels and provide a calming effect.
- How to Use: Cooked oatmeal can be mixed with their food or served alone.
7. Chamomile
- Benefits: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- How to Use: Chamomile tea can be cooled and added to water or food, or you can find chamomile supplements for dogs.
8. Probiotics
- Benefits: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall health, including mental well-being. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut flora, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
- How to Use: Add a dog-specific probiotic supplement to their diet.
9. Coconut Oil
- Benefits: Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil can support brain health and reduce anxiety.
- How to Use: Add a teaspoon to their food, adjusting the amount based on the dog’s size.
10. Bone Broth
- Benefits: High in nutrients and amino acids like glycine, bone broth can help soothe the gut and promote a sense of calm.
- How to Use: Serve as a treat or mix into their regular meals.
What Can Cause Anxiety In Dogs?
Anxiety in dogs can be triggered by various factors, ranging from environmental changes to underlying medical conditions. Understanding the root causes can help in managing and reducing anxiety in your pet.
1. Separation Anxiety
- Description: Dogs can become anxious when separated from their owners or left alone for extended periods.
- Signs: Excessive barking, destructive behaviour, urination or defecation indoors, and pacing.
2. Loud Noises
- Description: Thunderstorms, fireworks, construction noises, and other loud sounds can frighten dogs.
- Signs: Trembling, hiding, barking, or attempting to escape.
3. New Environments
- Description: Moving to a new home, visiting unfamiliar places, or changes in their usual surroundings can cause anxiety.
- Signs: Restlessness, withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping habits.
4. Social Anxiety
- Description: Dogs can be anxious around unfamiliar people or other animals.
- Signs: Aggression, barking, hiding, or excessive licking.
5. Changes in Routine
- Description: Sudden changes in daily routines, such as feeding times, walking schedules, or the absence of a family member, can lead to anxiety.
- Signs: Confusion, agitation, and changes in behavior.
6. Lack of Socialisation
- Description: Puppies not exposed to different people, places, and other dogs during their critical socialisation period may develop anxiety.
- Signs: Fearfulness, aggression, or avoidance behaviour.
7. Medical Conditions
- Description: Health issues like thyroid disorders, neurological problems, or pain can contribute to anxiety.
- Signs: Unexplained changes in behaviour, lethargy, or physical symptoms.
8. Previous Trauma
- Description: Dogs that have experienced abuse, neglect, or traumatic events may develop anxiety.
- Signs: Fearfulness, aggression, avoidance, and excessive barking or whining.
9. Aging and Cognitive Dysfunction
- Description: Older dogs may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), similar to dementia in humans, leading to increased anxiety.
- Signs: Disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, and house soiling.
10. Breed-Specific Traits
- Description: Some breeds are genetically predisposed to anxiety, including working breeds that may become anxious without sufficient mental and physical stimulation.
- Signs: Hyperactivity, destructive behaviour, and excessive barking.
Managing Anxiety in Dogs
Environmental and Behavioural Interventions
- Routine and Structure: Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, exercise, and rest.
- Safe Space: Provide a comfortable, quiet space where your dog can retreat to feel safe.
- Socialisation: Gradually expose your dog to new experiences, people, and animals in a controlled manner.
- Exercise: Ensure your dog gets regular physical and mental stimulation to reduce excess energy that can contribute to anxiety.
- Training: Positive reinforcement training can help build confidence and reduce anxiety-related behaviours.
Medical and Supplemental Interventions
- Consult a Veterinarian: Rule out medical issues that could be causing anxiety. Your vet may also prescribe anti-anxiety medication if necessary.
- Calming Supplements: Products like calming chews, pheromone diffusers, or anxiety wraps can provide relief.
- Diet: Incorporate foods known to have calming effects, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids and tryptophan.
Anxiety in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including separation from their owners, loud noises, new environments, social situations, changes in routine, lack of socialisation, medical conditions, previous trauma, aging, and breed-specific traits. Understanding the specific triggers for your dog’s anxiety and implementing a combination of behavioural, environmental, and medical interventions can help manage and reduce their anxiety, improving their overall quality of life. Always consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviourist to tailor an approach that is best suited for your dog’s needs.
Additional Tips for Managing Dog Anxiety
- Regular Feeding Schedule: Keeping a consistent feeding schedule can help manage anxiety by providing a routine.
- Hydration: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. Dehydration can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
- Avoid High-Sugar and High-Fat Foods: These can lead to energy spikes and crashes, increasing anxiety.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular physical activity and mental challenges can help reduce anxiety by releasing pent-up energy and providing distraction.
Incorporating these foods into your dog’s diet can help manage and reduce anxiety. Always introduce new foods gradually and consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions. Alongside dietary adjustments, providing a stable, loving environment and regular exercise can significantly contribute to your dog’s overall mental well-being.