Natural Ways to Calm Your Pet’s Stress

Pets get stressed out just like humans do. Whether your dog or cat suffers from separation anxiety, from fear of going to the vet, or from general stress as a result of a hectic home environment, calming your companion is an important part of maintaining her health. And, thankfully, there are many natural ways that you can help your pet unwind before the stress takes its toll.

Bach Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy

One of the go-to stress relieving remedies for pets is Rescue Remedy, which is a combination of Bach Flower Essences that are completely natural and non-toxic. The great thing about these remedies is the fact that you can’t overdose on them, and if they’re ineffective, they don’t cause any side effects. You can place some in your pet’s water, spray it into the mouth, or even pat some on your pet’s head whenever she’s going through a stressful time.

Music That Calms

Calming music has the same effect on animals as it does on people. Classical music, in particular, has been found to lower breath and heart rates in stressed animals. Music with a slow tempo is best, while loud and fast music should be avoided.

Homeopathic Options

Working under the direction of a holistic vet, you can acquire the precise homeopathic remedies for your pet. These natural medicines will work with your pet’s unique body to alleviate stress, fear, and anxiety. But because there are so many options, including Arsenicum album, Arnica, and Aconite, you shouldn’t prescribe the remedies yourself. Rather, have a professional evaluate your pet’s whole constitution to determine the specific remedy that will work to resolve the problem quickly. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself spending money on ineffective homeopathic medicines.

Herbal Remedies

Holistic veterinarians and pet parents who want to avoid the use of prescription sedatives for anxious pets prefer to use herbal remedies. Keep in mind, though, that certain herbs can have side effects when administered improperly, so it’s always best to consult with a professional before choosing the herb and dose that’s right for your pet. Generally speaking, though, go-to herbs for anxiety and stress include chamomile, valerian, skullcap, and St. John’s wort.

Massage, Acupressure, and Acupuncture

Sometimes all that a pet needs in order to feel at ease again is a bit of healing touch. Massages specifically designed for cats and dogs can dramatically reduce their stress levels. Applying gentle pressure to certain points throughout the body can also reduce tension and bring about peace in an otherwise frazzled pet. And if your pet suffers from particularly high levels of stress on a chronic basis, taking her to a professional acupuncturist might do the trick.

A Word About Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Some pet parents choose to use aromatherapy, or the diffusion of essential oils, in order to relieve stress and anxiety in their animals. But if you choose this route, please use caution. Only purchase 100% pure essential oils designed for pets and make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh air. Administering these oils incorrectly can lead to serious health problems, as animals are far more sensitive to fragrances than humans, and some essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs.