When a dog is anxious or stressed, you can notice it through several signs. For example, the dog may start panting, yawning, drooling, or trembling. Hiding, excessive licking, frequent barking or growling, and being extra vigilant are also signs of stress. But it can also be more subtle. Some stressed dogs start destroying things, exhibit repetitive behaviors, eat poorly, or suddenly become unhousebroken. These are all signs of stress.

Different Mechanisms

In mammals, various biochemical mechanisms play a role in stress. For example, there is the neurotransmitter GABA, which blocks anxiety and tension responses in the nervous system. Many anti-stress medications act on this neurotransmitter. Hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline also play a role in the onset of stress and anxiety. Therefore, there are also products that influence these hormones. Lastly, the immune system also plays a role in the development of stress. Herbs, supplements, or medications can act on stress reactions in different ways. This means that these products are often suited to slightly different types of tension and stress. The advantage of nutritional supplements and herbs against stress is that they usually have no addictive or sedative effects, unlike many stress medications from the pharmacy.

Chronic Stress or Acute Stress?

When we talk about the different types of stress that your dog may experience, we quickly come to the difference between short-term and long-term stress. Short-term stress or tension can arise from loud noises or other dogs, for example. Fear of fireworks is a good example of (relatively) short-term stress. Long-term or chronic stress often stems from trauma. Poor socialization, boredom, or repeated exposure to short-term stress can also lead to stress becoming chronic. The dog then has a kind of constant inner restlessness, which it tries to escape by displaying unwanted or repetitive behavior. Withdrawing or showing signs of depression can also result from long-term stress.

Cloves or Herbs?

Research shows that plant-based cannabinoids, which can be extracted from the clove plant, among other sources, reduce anxiety. Stress reactions stemming from past trauma can also be dampened or even disappear through treatment with plant-based cannabinoids. Cloves are therefore especially suitable for long-term stress, providing greater inner calm, even for dogs with trauma. An herbal extract containing valerian, lemon balm, hops, and ginseng is suitable for dogs that react strongly to external stimuli, such as fireworks, other dogs, or loud noises. If your dog shows signs of stress, it is also wise to ensure he gets enough magnesium through food or a supplement. This mineral supports a healthy nervous system. If your dog is magnesium deficient, he may have a harder time coping with everyday tension. Dogs also use more magnesium when stressed.

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Clove extracts contain many types of cannabinoids, the signaling molecules of the ECS system. The cannabinoids from cloves are not hallucinogenic (like THC from cannabis), so your dog will not get high or drowsy from them. Plant-based cannabinoids can improve mood and behavior, and the hormone system is positively influenced by cloves.

More about cloves for dogs: https://askheltie.com/en/articles/heltiedog/clove-for-dogs-what-does-that-do

Herbs Against Stress in Dogs

An herbal extract is a blend of liquid herbs that work together and enhance each other. A calming herbal extract for dogs includes a blend of ginseng, lemon balm, hops, and valerian. Because it’s in liquid form, such an extract is easily absorbed by your dog’s digestive system. Ginseng acts on the stress response in the brain, reducing tension in your dog. Hops is an ancient medicinal herb used for many applications. Lemon balm is known to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs and to relieve behavioral problems. Valerian reduces freezing responses in cases of fear. In addition, an extract from the valerian root has a calming effect and promotes better sleep. Valerian acts on the GABA neurotransmitter.