First, it’s important to know: a dog can show more than 40 different signs to indicate it’s feeling stressed. These signals often go unnoticed by owners, partly because they can have multiple causes. Dogs also use natural behaviors to comfort themselves, known as “displacement behaviors.” These vary from dog to dog and may include excessive sniffing, licking, or shaking off. Other signs of stress and anxiety can include: tail tucked between the legs, eating poorly or too fast, repetitive behavior, increased barking, or visible eye white.

Six Tips to Reduce Stress in Dogs:

Tip 1: Create a Safe Space

Provide a calm and safe place where your dog can retreat. This can be a special corner in the house with their favorite blanket or toys.

Tip 2: Let Out the Energy

Ensure regular and sufficient physical activity, such as daily walks or playtime. This helps release excess energy and can reduce stress.

Tip 3: Be a Calming Presence

As a dog owner, you can help by interacting calmly and reassuringly with your dog. Speak softly and give gentle attention, such as petting or brushing, to help them relax.

Tip 4: Could Your Dog Be Low on Magnesium?

Modern agricultural soils are increasingly low in magnesium, making plant-based foods like grains less rich in this essential mineral. Magnesium deficiency affects muscles and the nervous system and can lead to nervousness and depression. A good magnesium supplement, preferably in liquid form, may help reduce stress and anxiety.

Tip 5: Support the ECS System

In mammals, many processes are regulated by the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which works with signaling molecules called endocannabinoids. Mental health in both humans and animals is linked to the ECS. A lack of these substances can reduce the ability to handle stress, anxiety, and pain. The clove plant contains many plant-based cannabinoids, which may help replenish these levels. Clove extract can therefore help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs.

Tip 6: Fatty Acids and Behavior

The fatty acid DHA is essential for the development of the nervous system and is mainly found in fatty fish like salmon. Research shows that aggressive dogs often have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. If your dog becomes more aggressive due to stress, consider adding salmon oil to their diet to rule out a DHA deficiency as a contributing factor.

Persistent Stress?

Chronic stress and anxiety are very unpleasant and harmful to your dog’s well-being. It’s also difficult as an owner to live with a stressed dog. If the stress persists, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or a dog behavior specialist.

Sources:

Re, S., Zanoletti, M. & Emanuele, E. Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status. Vet Res Commun 32, 225–230 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-007-9021-y

Papagianni, E.P., Stevenson, C.W. Cannabinoid Regulation of Fear and Anxiety: an Update. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 38 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1026-z

Andrea J. Narayan, Luke A. Downey, Brooke Manning, Amie C. Hayley, Cannabinoid treatments for anxiety: A systematic review and consideration of the impact of sleep disturbance, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Volume 143, 2022, 104941, ISSN 0149-7634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104941