Canine anxiety is a common concern, affecting dogs of all breeds and ages. Studies have proved it, over and over again. You see it daily in your own clinic. The dogs are not okay. Fortunately, we do have access to tried and tested canine stress solutions, with continuing clinical trials and studies further padding our practice and treatment protocols.
One such solution? Ashwagandha pure root extract – a natural remedy backed by science and clinically proven to aid in the fight against stress and anxiety in dogs.
Whether triggered by separation, thunderstorms, other stressors, genetics, or health issues, anxiety-related behaviors continue to be on the rise in our furry patients. And while the impact on their humans’ lives is obviously a factor, more concerning is the impact stress and anxiety can have on a dog’s quality of life and overall health. Which is why it’s so important to help them achieve canine calm as much as possible.
In pursuit of exactly this, more and more veterinarians are turning to KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract to combat canine stress.
Understanding Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Its adaptogenic properties make it an excellent choice for addressing stress-related conditions.
There is a caveat, however: the vast majority of current published clinical trials, not to mention more than 4,000 years of traditional healing, focus specifically on ashwagandha pure root extract – not leaves – for its ability to deliver adaptogenic healing benefits.
The Science Behind KSM-66 Ashwagandha
With this in mind, KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract stands out: clinical research shows that it contains a healthy concentration of the bioactive constituents required to achieve significant health benefits. More specifically, and relevant to the topic at hand, a recent study exploring the effects of KSM-66 Ashwagandha on stress and anxiety in dogs showed excellent proof of its safety and efficacy.
Here’s what the research tells us:
Reduced Cortisol Levels: Cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a central role in anxiety. By reducing cortisol levels naturally, we can help promote a sense of calm without sedation. The recent clinical study previously mentioned shows that KSM-66 Ashwagandha does exactly this for dogs, with results showing a 27% reduction in anxiety symptoms in dogs (as reflected in urine cortisol creatine ratio levels in the study).
The 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 24 dogs experiencing stress and anxiety included the following outcome measures:
- Urine Cortisol to Creatine ratio (UCCr)
- Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (CBARQ)
- Canine Brief Pain Inventory scale (CBPI)
- Body condition score (BCS)
Based on the data collected from all the dogs, KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract supplementation was associated with significant improvements in stress-related signs, including statistically significant reductions in:
- Urine cortisol to creatine ratio
- the fear and anxiety domain
- the CBPI pain severity and pain interference
Ashwagandha intake was also well tolerated in all the dogs with no reported adverse events.
Studies in humans have also shown that ashwagandha has the following potential when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety:
Enhanced GABA Activity: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety. KSM-66 appears to enhance GABA receptor activity, potentially reducing anxiety-related behaviors.
Improved Adaptability: Adaptogens like KSM-66 help the body adapt to stressors. By modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, KSM-66 supports resilience and emotional balance.
With results like these, it’s clear that KSM-66 Ashwagandha holds promise as a natural ally in the fight against canine anxiety. Perhaps it’s time to learn more about adding this botanical ally to your veterinarian toolkit.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Innovative Veterinary Care Journal bridges the gap between the worlds of allopathic and integrative veterinary care. Thousands of veterinarians and vet technicians are interested in ways to enhance their practice and update their skills…and integrative health is considered to be highly innovative and requested by patients along with a vast number of other traditional and emerging techniques. IVC features articles by some of the top experts, focusing on market trends in health treatments, new product features, industry news, how to create a strong retail experience, leading integrative modalities, and nutrition education not typically taught in vet school.
