stressed animal: 5 tips to soothe the stressed dog & cat

Hyperattachment, aggressiveness, hyperactivity… Behavioral disorders complicate the lives of animals and their masters. Fortunately, there is a range of soothing and natural solutions suitable for all stressed animals, whatever they are. With the help of veterinarian Dr Brigitte Leblanc, 30millionsdamis.fr offers an overview!

To great ills, great remedies! Owners of stressed animals may feel helpless when faced with the behavioral problems of their companion on legs. Fortunately, medical, therapeutic and natural solutions can relieve these sensitive beings.

1. Veterinary diagnosis

Among our 30 million friends, anxiety can reveal an illness. Therefore, a stressed animal must first be examined by a veterinarian. “ Certain pathologies can be the cause of behaviors that can be associated with stress but whose cause is actually much deeper,” explains Dr. Brigitte Leblanc. For example, a hyperthyroid cat can be nervous, even aggressive ”. When you are sure that the problem is not physical, it is best to identify the source of the stress to correct it, with the help of a behaviorist.

2. Behavioral therapy

Combined with natural products, behavioral therapy is essential to soothe a stressed animal (dog) since it acts directly on the source of the problem. Throughout the therapy, the master himself will have to show patience and understanding. The therapist can guide the latter in the procedure to follow, in accordance with the needs of the animal.

3. Soothing diffusers and sprays

Diffused in the ambient air, certain pheromones and essential oils (lavender in particular) can be beneficial when used correctly: in small quantities and preferably on prescription from an aromatherapist veterinarian. “ Beware of the dosage of these essential oils which are too easily used by masters in self-medication and which are not devoid of toxicity , warns Dr. Leblanc. Place the diffuser high up to avoid any direct contact with the doggies ”. It is therefore essential to carefully check the instructions for use of each species and to avoid their distribution in the presence of animals less than 4 months old or pregnant females. Some will prefer to use essential oils directly on the skin of the animal (diluted in a shampoo) or orally, diluted (in a vegetable oil or honey) or coated in a pharmacy (in a capsule or a capsule).

4. Natural Oral Treatments

There is a large arsenal of alternative medicines, of natural origin, that specialized behavioral veterinarians recommend. “ There are many forms ,” says Dr. Leblanc. We can choose them according to the animal and the owner ”.

Thus, herbal medicine can calm nervous dogs: hawthorn, valerian, passionflower, lavender and St. John’s wort are renowned for their soothing and rebalancing properties. But because some plants can be toxic depending on the species – dog or cat – it is better to consult an experienced herbalist beforehand!

Homeopathy can also help animals with behavioral problems, by taking granules – morning and evening – which can be diluted in water. There is a variety of homeopathic treatments depending on the ailments: Gelsemium against separation anxiety, Phosphorus against noise phobia or, more generally, Aconite and Lycopodium against anxiety.

Finally, capsules based on milk proteins or other anti-stressed animal food supplements can be administered, such as hemp oil or Bach flowers (aspen, cherry plum, rock rose, rescue) which can be diluted in the animal’s food or water.

5. Games, cuddles and massages!

” We must also think about acting on the minds of our animals by other equally natural means “, specifies the veterinarian. To be appeased, the animal needs a living environment with rituals, in other words: a regular rhythm of life ”. Games and cuddles can obviously relax him(stressed animal). ” You can also imagine small relaxing products or massage sessions, it works,” smiles Dr. Leblanc . There are also anti-stressed animal toys that allow our companions to occupy their minds and bodies while we are away, and therefore less upset or stressed ”.

In short, it is possible to appease our animals, by coupling ways of acting… all without using heavy drugs (which are neuroleptics and anxiolytics). “ We gain in efficiency,” concludes the practitioner.