“ My dog is stressed” or “my dog is agitated in the car” are phrases sometimes uttered casually, but they can mask complicated situations for the dog. Sometimes, our dogs are sensitive and need help to calm down, de-stress, and experience a situation peacefully. This help can be provided through medication or natural remedies.
Most often, owners will therefore take their pet to the veterinarian. They will leave with a calming treatment, sometimes even a sedative. These well-informed owners are often unaware that before resorting to medical treatment, they can try a less harmful natural remedy.
While no advice can replace that of a canine health professional, we can nevertheless discuss natural alternatives. In case of a serious problem, don't hesitate to consult a professional behaviorist or a specialized veterinarian.
Natural stress treatment for dogs
There are treatments described as natural because they contain ingredients of natural origin that have soothing or relaxing properties.
Natural treatments are made from whole plants, parts of plants, or a combination of several plants. These natural treatments can therefore be made from roots, leaves, stems, seeds, fruits, or essential oils.
Unlike a drug, a natural treatment does not cause addiction or side effects.
Is "natural" treatment effective on dogs?
This is the question every dog owner asks. Natural treatments are often considered less effective than veterinary treatments. The truth is much more complex. Generally, owners don't know what to give their dog, and especially how much.
Depending on the complexity of the dog's condition, its behavior, and the number of years the conditioning has been in place, a more or less intensive treatment will be considered. Often, owners want an immediate or dramatic result, visible almost instantly in the dog.
"Natural" treatments act in a less invasive way on the molecules in the dog's body. Therefore, the result is not always immediately visible. However, it can be just as effective.
BF Petfood RELAX Tablets
RELAX is one of the flagship products of the BF Petfood brand, also known as BIOFOOD. It is a tablet made with naturally derived ingredients that provides a relaxing and calming effect on dogs (and cats) of all ages.
Composed of valerian and passionflower , this is the perfect blend to help a dog relax. Valerian is a natural stress reliever. The plant is known for its calming properties, which also promote restful sleep in both dogs and humans.
Passionflower is a natural anxiolytic. It helps improve sleep, reduces nervous tension and irritability in dogs, and also provides emotional support.
Relax tablets are as palatable as a treat, making them easy for dogs to digest. If your furry friend is a picky eater, you can opt for Relax calming biscuits , also made with valerian and passionflower.
When and how should this natural calming agent be administered?
This tablet can be given for any change in circumstances that might upset a dog. Relax is not addictive, so it can be given for:
- a trip by car
- a move
- the arrival of a new member in the family
- a trip
- more chronic anxiety
- if your dog is stressed by parties , fireworks, etc.
An effective treatment, but one that must be temporary.
Even if natural treatments are effective, you must keep in mind that this should be temporary. If your dog needs to take them too regularly, it may be because there are other things that need to be done, changed, or because the treatment is not suitable and needs to be changed.
Only a veterinarian or a professional canine behaviorist can help you with this analysis. Focusing solely on the dog's bothersome symptoms is the worst mistake you can make. If you don't know the cause of these problems, the symptoms will always reappear. Here are some examples of preventative work to be done depending on the symptoms:
- Fear in the car: put the natural treatment in place, plus do some positive habituation work with the car.
- Fear of humans: implement natural treatment, plus carry out positive habituation work and controlled immersion to help the dog.
- Fear of fireworks and parties: implement treatment and ensure the dog's safety. It should not be taken to these places, but since this won't prevent it from hearing what's going on, it should still be given natural assistance.
If, despite all your efforts, no improvement is observed, it is probably necessary to turn to a competent behavioral professional.
