Introduction
Many dog owners know how stressful anxiety can be – for both the dog and the owner. A dog pacing, panting, barking, or displaying destructive behaviors when left alone can leave an owner feeling helpless. With studies showing over half of dogs suffer from anxiety triggered by loud noises, separation, or other factors, it’s clear this is a major issue for our furry friends.
Finding ways to calm an anxious dog brings relief for both pet and owner. Scents that help relax dogs can be an effective tool as part of an overall strategy. This guide will cover signs of anxiety in dogs, what causes it, how calming scents work, and tips for using scents and other methods to ease a dog’s stress.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Anxious dogs may exhibit both behavioral and physical symptoms. Some of the most common signs of anxiety in dogs include:
Shaking – Dogs may tremble or shake when they are feeling anxious or fearful. The shaking is caused by the release of adrenaline in the body.
Panting – Excessive panting that is unrelated to exercise is a telltale sign of anxiety. Panting helps dogs release warmth and relax when stressed.
Pacing – Dogs may pace or run back and forth as a way to relieve nervous energy and tension. Pacing helps anxious dogs burn off adrenaline.
Whining – Whining, whimpering, or crying can indicate a dog is feeling anxious, afraid, excited, or stressed. It’s a way for dogs to communicate their unease.
Hiding – Anxious dogs may try to find a safe space to hide, such as under furniture, in a corner, or in a closet. It helps them feel more secure.
Aggression – Some anxious dogs become aggressive by barking, lunging, growling, or even biting. It’s a defensive reaction motivated by fear.
Clinginess – Extremely anxious dogs may become velcro dogs, following their owners closely, refusing to be left alone, and demanding constant attention.
Other signs include restlessness, increased alertness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and attempts to escape or run away. If your dog is displaying any unusual behaviors, anxiety could be the culprit.
Causes of Dog Anxiety
There are several common causes of anxiety in dogs:
- Loud noises – Dogs have very sensitive hearing, so noises like thunder, fireworks, or loud music can easily startle them and cause anxiety (AKC).
- Separation – Dogs are pack animals, so being left alone can trigger separation anxiety. Signs include destructive behavior, barking, pacing, and more when a dog is left by itself (BPAH).
- New environments/people – Unfamiliar places, people, animals, objects, and situations can make some dogs anxious. They find comfort in consistency.
Anxiety can also be caused by trauma, abuse, illness, age, breed tendencies, and more. If a dog suddenly becomes anxious without a clear trigger, a veterinary exam is recommended to check for underlying medical issues (PetHub).
Scents that Calm Dogs
Certain scents can have a calming effect on anxious or stressed dogs. Some scents that are known to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs include:
- Lavender – Lavender essential oil has been shown to decrease heart rate and lower blood pressure, which can help dogs relax. Studies have found lavender to be effective at reducing restlessness and improving calmness in dogs (source).
- Chamomile – Chamomile has natural sedative and muscle relaxant properties. The scent from chamomile tea or essential oil can create a comforting environment and relieve anxiety for dogs (source).
- Vanilla – Research has found that the sweet vanilla scent can have a calming effect and lower signs of stress in dogs. It may help inhibit startle responses and anxious behaviors (source).
- CBD Oil – While not technically a scent, CBD oil has been shown to reduce anxiety, fear, and stress responses in dogs by supporting brain function and hormone balance.
- Pheromones – Synthetic pheromones mimicking natural calming pheromones can help relax dogs when diffused in the home.
Essential oils like lavender and chamomile can be diffused in the air, applied topically when diluted, or used in products like shampoos or sprays. Always consult your vet before using new products or supplements for your dog.
How Scents Calm Dogs
Scents have the ability to calm dogs due to how a dog’s olfactory system works. A dog’s sense of smell is much more powerful than a human’s. The part of a dog’s brain that processes smells is about 40 times larger than a human’s (1). When dogs inhale air, scent molecules bind to receptors in their nasal passages, transmitting nerve impulses to the olfactory bulb region in their brains (2). This region contains over 220 million smell receptors and analyzes smells in detail (3).
Introducing a pleasant, relaxing scent stimulates this olfactory system. The scent impulses are processed in the brain, transmitting calming signals that counteract feelings of stress, anxiety, or fear. Scientists believe scent stimulation releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that inhibit anxiety. The odors of certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, have demonstrated calming effects in studies (4). Diffusing these soothing scents into the air can help relax dogs.
Sources:
(1) https://www.bubblypaws.com/barkblog/best-calming-scents-for-dogs-to-reduce-stress
(2) https://www.pethub.com/articles/239168/does-aromatherapy-really-calm-dogs
(3) https://www.rover.com/blog/aromatherapy-for-dogs/
(4) https://www.rover.com/blog/aromatherapy-for-dogs/
Using Essential Oils
Essential oils can be an effective way to help calm anxious dogs when used properly. Some of the best ways to use essential oils include:
Diffusing
Diffusing essential oils allows the aroma to spread through the air. This allows your dog to inhale the calming scent. When diffusing for dogs, always use a low concentration of oils. Good options to try diffusing include lavender, chamomile, and sweet marjoram. Diffuse for short periods of 10-15 minutes at a time. Always keep your dog’s age, medical conditions, and preferences in mind when diffusing.
Sprays
Sprays with essential oils can help calm dogs when applied to bedding, crates, carriers, or even the dog’s coat. Dilute oils properly, using only 2-3 drops of essential oil per ounce of water or carrier oil. Shake well before use. Some soothing options for sprays are lavender, chamomile, and sweet orange. Avoid spraying near the face and eyes.
Aromatherapy
Essential oil aromatherapy uses diffusion or sprays to deliver calming scents. Oils like lavender and chamomile can help provide a soothing environment. Always monitor your dog closely when using aromatherapy. Start with short sessions of 10-15 minutes once or twice a day to see how your pet responds.
Dosage
When using essential oils topically or internally, always exercise extreme caution with dosage. Typically, oils are very concentrated and require dilution. Consult with a veterinarian before use. As a general rule, use only 1 drop of essential oil per 20 pounds of body weight in any recipe.
Other Calming Products
Besides essential oils, there are some other products that can help calm anxious dogs:
Calming Treats – These treats often contain ingredients like melatonin, L-tryptophan, chamomile, and hemp to promote relaxation. According to PetMD, studies show supplements with L-tryptophan and melatonin can reduce fear and anxiety.
Calming Toys – Toys like puzzles or lick mats with frozen treats can keep dogs occupied and less anxious. According to Rover, lick mats are great for reducing anxiety as they keep dogs busy and focused.
ThunderShirts – These snug shirts apply gentle, constant pressure thought to have a calming effect on dogs. According to Chewy, ThunderShirts may help for anxiety from separation, travel, loud noises, or other stressors.
Calming Pheromones – Synthetic pheromones mimicking natural calming chemicals released by nursing dogs are available in sprays, wipes, diffusers, and collars. Studies show they may reduce anxiety behaviors in some dogs.
Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to your dog’s lifestyle and daily routines can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some tips include:
- Increasing exercise – Getting your dog more exercise and playtime can help relieve pent-up energy that may be causing anxiety. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day.
- Establishing a routine – Having a predictable daily schedule and routine can provide comfort and stability for anxious dogs. Feed, walk, and play at consistent times.
- Training – Obedience training and teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down” can help build confidence and give anxious dogs a sense of control.
- Providing mental stimulation – Use interactive toys and play hide-and-seek games to engage your dog’s mind and prevent boredom.
- Avoiding triggers – If you know certain things make your dog anxious like loud noises or strangers, try to limit exposure to those triggers.
- Using calming products – Try adaptil, calming collars, or calming treats to reduce stress.
Making simple lifestyle adjustments tailored to your dog’s needs can go a long way in reducing anxiety and promoting mental wellbeing.
When to See a Vet
If anxiety is severe or debilitating, it’s important to make an appointment to see your veterinarian. They will be able to do a full physical exam to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be contributing to the anxiety. According to the AKC, symptoms that warrant a vet visit include aggressive behavior, avoiding socialization, hiding excessively, loss of appetite, destructive behavior, and repetitive or obsessive behaviors.
The vet will also be able to provide recommendations on behavior training, lifestyle changes, and potential medications or supplements that could help. Especially in severe cases of anxiety, medication may be needed to reduce the dog’s overall anxiety levels and help behavior modification be more effective. Your vet can prescribe medications like fluoxetine or clomipramine that are formulated specifically for dog anxiety. Working together with your vet provides the best chance at successfully managing anxiety and improving your dog’s quality of life.
Conclusion
In summary, anxiety is a common issue for dogs that can manifest in various behaviors like pacing, whining, and aggression. While the exact causes are often hard to pinpoint, factors like separation, loud noises, and new environments can trigger anxious responses. Using calming scents is one approach to relieving anxiety by activating soothing neurological pathways. Certain natural essential oils like lavender and chamomile can provide calming effects when diffused or applied topically. There are also various commercial products containing these oils, like diffusers, sprays, and collars. Making lifestyle changes to minimize stressors and providing a predictable routine is also important. For severe anxiety that impacts quality of life, consulting a veterinarian about prescription medications or behavioral therapy may be necessary. Helping dogs cope with anxiety is an act of compassion that promotes their health and happiness.