Natural Options for Treating Aggressive and Anxious Dogs

Dogs can experience anxiety. While this emotion is upsetting, it is a natural and healthy feeling.

Dog anxiety affects all breeds. However, each situation may differ from one dog to the next.

While all dogs experience worry periodically, if you do not address abnormal anxiety levels, a dog might develop an anxiety disorder.

If you leave your dog’s anxiety unaddressed, it may develop into behavioral and other problems such as aggression.

Most pet owners believe that medicine is required to reduce their pet’s anxiety. However, many alternative remedies such as essential oils, Cannabidiol (CBD) chews for small and large dogs, and CBD Mega chew for dogs can also be effective.

What Is Dog Anxiety?

One study examined the habits of 13,715 companion dogs from Finland, representing 264 distinct breeds.

The researchers asked the dogs’ owners to complete questionnaires about their dogs’ behavior as they linked to seven anxiety-associated characteristics. These traits include noise sensitivity, general fear, fear of surfaces, impulsivity or lack of concentration, obsessive behaviors, aggression, and separation anxiety.

The researchers discovered that 72.5 percent of the dogs displayed anxiety-like behaviors using the survey data(1).

The following are some of the most common types of dog anxiety(2):

Fear-related Anxiety

Loud noises, strange individuals or animals, visual stimuli such as headwear or umbrellas, unfamiliar locations, specific scenarios like the veterinarian’s clinic or automobile rides, or surfaces like grass or wooden floors can all produce fear-related anxiety.

Although some dogs may have quick reactions to these stimuli, they may significantly impact anxious canines.

Separation Anxiety

Although some dogs may have quick reactions to these stimuli, they may significantly impact anxious canines.

Separation anxiety afflicts approximately 14% of dogs. When dogs with separation anxiety are left home or isolated from their family members, they cannot find comfort.

This anxiousness frequently manifests in unwanted behaviors, including urinating and defecating in the house, damaging furniture, and furnishings, and barking.

Age-related Anxiety

Age-related anxiety affects senior dogs and may cause cognitive impairment syndrome (CDS).

Memory, comprehension, vision, and awareness begin to diminish in dogs with CDS, comparable to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Senior dogs are confused and anxious as a result of this.

Alternative Treatments for Aggressive and Anxious Dogs

Once your veterinarian has determined that there is no medical problem, these natural remedies for pets may be what your pet needs to relax:

Exercise

According to one study, the amount of daily activity is the most critical environmental factor for noise sensitivity and separation anxiety in dogs(3). Dogs with noise sensitivity and separation anxiety have minimal daily physical activity.

Letting a dog outside exercise its legs and breathe fresh air may alleviate its anxiety.

Music

One study observed that animals looked less worried or anxious when exposed to classical music than when subjected to control conditions(4).

Natural Extracts Suggested by Vets

Some dog owners have employed alternative remedies for behavior management, such as hemp extracts.

According to American Kennel Club (AKC)’s Chief Veterinary Officer, you may use CBD for dogs because of its anti-anxiety impact(5).

There is a widespread belief that CBD is a safe and effective treatment for many disorders. However, a lack of scientific certainty on the safety, dose, and efficacy of CBD necessitates additional research on both humans and domestic pets(6).

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a kind of Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years. The process entails putting needles into the skin to stimulate specific body areas.

Acupuncture may improve clinical issues and well-being in laboratory animals(7).

However, you may need to consult a veterinarian behaviorist to oversee the administration of acupuncture.

Grooming

A dog owner may groom their dog by combing its fur every evening. This type of pampering may lower the anxiety levels of your dog.

As an added benefit, the dog owner will be able to examine their dog’s skin for any sores or abrasions caused by excessive licking.

Massage

Massage therapy could also be beneficial. During the massage, essential oils can assist the dog in relaxing and settling down. You may rub droplets of essential oil on the dog’s paws for it to lick.

However, keep in mind that some oils might be toxic to animals, especially if you have a cat in the house. Always consult your veterinarian.

Final Statement

Dog-parenting entails being attentive to the emotional status of your canine companion.

Suppose a dog’s owner feels that their dog is anxious or aggressive. In that case, they should seek the assistance of a professional veterinary behaviorist.

The earlier you seek therapy for your dog, the higher chance for improvement.