Calming Aids for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

What causes Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety is a severe condition, and it is one of the main reasons dog parents get frustrated and abandon them.

First, rule out the other medical behavior problem because, in some conditions, dogs also show the same signs and symptoms, such as urinary incontinence, territory marking, and boredom, etc.

Here are a few reasons why your dog acts that way.

• Moving from shelter to home

• Change of ownership or family

• Change in schedule and routine of owner or family

• Change in Residence

• Loss of a family member

• Being left alone for the first time

What are the benefits of using a calming aid, such as L-theanine treat or calming collar with pheromones?

Dealing with dogs suffering from separation anxiety is like solving a complicated math problem. Calming aids are very popular with dog owners nowadays. L-Theanine treats and calming pheromone collar are used to calm anxious dogs.

If any calming product contains L-theanine, you can expect an increase in dopamine, serotonin, and GABA in a dog's brain. These are happy and mood-boosting hormones, so we can say that L-theanine can treat separation anxiety.

Calming collars with pheromones are also useful in treating separation anxiety. Pheromones are species-specific, meaning that dogs have their own specific hormones known as DAPs or Dog Appeasing Pheromone.

A recent study shows that DAP is used in hospitalized dogs, and a significant decrease in separation-induced stress and anxiety is observed.

For calming treats, what ingredients should pet owners look for, and how do they work to calm a dog down?

Some nutraceuticals are used as non-medicinal remedies containing herbs and vitamins to alleviate the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. You can choose a calming treat for a dog by using a common-sense filter by looking at its ingredients.

Here are some ingredients to look for when selecting a calming treat for your dog:

L-Theanine, aka Sun theanine: Increases the level of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, and probiotics to calm symptoms of separation anxiety.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) increases dopamine levels, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain and helps treat separation-related anxiety.

Tryptophan or melatonin: It has documented effectiveness against separation anxiety

Chamomile: It is safe for the dog, but this evidence is based on limited studies

Lavender or Ginger: It helps relax and calm the anxious dog, but specific studies on the dog are limited.

How do calming collars work?

When puppies are nursing, their mother produces pheromones to calm them, and this principle is followed by the companies that design soothing collars.

These calming collars are infused with dog-specific pheromones. The dog's body temperature helps to release odorless pheromones from the collar.

Calming collars are not magic, but they do have quite a promising effect on dogs. These pheromones or DAPs can reduce separation-related stress and anxiety, but it should be clear that pheromones cannot change your dog's behavior.

Can bolster beds or certain dog toys also help calm dogs with separation anxiety? What should pet owners look for with those items?

You can keep your dog busy and engaged with certain dog toys. Some interactive toys or puzzles can stimulate the dog's brain and help relieve stress and anxiety.

Mental stimulation is significant to dogs, as physical activity and dog toys are the best solutions. Dog toys will keep your dog busy alone without your involvement. Also, keeping a toy close by, giving your dog food can be an essential way to stop tail chasing.

You should look for these factors when choosing pet toys such as:

• Every dog has different preferences for toys, so you can try different toys to have the best one. For example, some dogs like moving toys, but some are tough chewers, so choose accordingly.

• The dog toy should be durable and made of non-toxic material so that you can leave your dog unsupervised.

• Choose interactive toys that will keep the dog active and be useful for mental stimulation.

• Bolster beds are also a good option because the dog will feel safe and protected. These beds are comfortable. It can be helpful in separation anxiety if your dog is used to it.

Are there any other types of pet products you'd recommend for dogs with separation anxiety?

As a vet, we have to deal with many complaints about separation anxiety in dogs. I recommend different over-the-counter products like calming treats and calming collars that contain safe ingredients, as mentioned above. Products containing CBD are also available to calm the anxious dog, but as a vet, we are limited by the FDA, we cannot recommend these.