Stress and anxiety can take a toll on any dog or cat, and adversely affect their behavior, health, and overall quality of life.
In fact, studies have found that anxious dogs and cats are more vulnerable to diseases and show a decreased lifespan. It’s not an uncommon affliction either. A recent Finish study of 14,000 canine companions, found that 73 percent of the dogs studied expressed anxiety-like behaviors. Fortunately, we have ways of helping our quivering furry friends – including an array of natural calming ingredients for anxious dogs and cats.
Supporting calmness
Pharmaceutical solutions obviously play an important role in calming anxious dogs or cats when properly indicated. A big part of the integrative veterinarian’s toolkit, however, is the natural remedies and nutrients available to help alleviate anxiety.
RELORA®
One such natural remedy gaining particular attention is RELORA® – a proprietary blend of two botanical extracts that are key ingredients in ThorneVet’s Peaceful Pet formula. Research has shown that bark extracts from the Magnolia and Phellodendron trees can effectively:
- reduce stress,
- moderate anxiousness, and
- improve mood in both humans and animals.
Combining these two nutrients into a powerful anti-stress blend – and pairing it with other safe and soothing botanicals and nutrients – makes for an excellent tool to manage stress and anxiety in canine and feline companions.
Soothing botanicals and nutrients
These botanicals, also included in Peaceful Pet, have long been used in herbal medicine for their known capabilities to promote relaxation, with increasing scientific research backing up their claims of efficacy.
- American skullcap
- Valerian root
- Passionflower
- Lemon balm
The amino acid L-theanine is another ingredient known for its calming effects on the nervous system. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of L-theanine in alleviating anxiety-like symptoms in both humans and animals, making it a valuable addition to the anti-anxiety toolkit.
Finally, in its two most bioactive forms, vitamin B6 also addresses nervous tension and promotes balanced responses throughout the nervous system. It works by playing an important role in the body’s production of the brain’s key neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
With the growing body of research supporting the use of botanical extracts alongside other natural calming nutrients, we can provide pet owners with safe and effective natural alternatives that promote relief and relaxation for their beloved companions. All of which leads to healthier, happier lives for pets – and their parents.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Dr. Keith Weingardt is a 1999 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed acupuncture certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2004 and certification in herbal medicine at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in 2006. He has started successful integrative veterinary practices in San Diego, CA and Portland, OR. He is a dedicated herbalist and enjoys working with the plants of the Pacific Northwest. Currently, he works as a consultant for ThorneVet, specializing in product development and continuing education.
