Natural treatments for nervousness in cats and dogs to help calm anxious disorders such as licking.

Nervousness

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What is Nervousness?
What Causes Nervousness?
Help for Nervousness
More Information on Nervousness

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What is Nervousness?

We’ve all felt that restless, jittery feeling when we are nervous about something – the same can be said for our pets – as they too can feel nervous and unsure of themselves. Animals need to feel secure and protected in order to relax. In the wild, an animal relies on the ‘fight or flight’ response to impending danger. This means that they have two choices: to stay and face the danger or to flee. Some animals can be more nervous and un-trusting than others.

It may depend on the breed or their background (if they come from abusive or neglected homes). Nervousness can be an infrequent, circumstantially bound problem (visiting the vet); or it could be the result of a disorder (separation anxiety or a nervous disorder). Either way, help is available, and if treated, nervousness can be managed.

If your animal is nervous you may notice some of the following signs:

Retreating abruptly at the slightest noise or disturbance
Tail between the legs (dogs)
Hiding under furniture or behind objects for prolonged periods of time (cats)
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid/Fast Breathing
Trembling
Muscle tension
Restlessness, agitation or skittish behavior
Upset stomach

What Causes Nervousness?

Common causes of nervousness in pets include:

A visit to the vet
Meeting strangers
Loud noises
Traveling in the car
Abuse in the past
Thunderstorms and fireworks

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Help for Nervousness

There are many treatments available to help your pet manage nervousness, depending on the severity and underlying cause. It is important to get a professional diagnosis by a vet if you suspect that your pet’s nervousness is causing him or her distress or impacting on his or her daily life.

For treating occasional or situational nervousness, your vet may prescribe tranquilizer-type medication or nervous system relaxants. Keep in mind these are strong drugs and may be accompanied by side effects.

Natural remedies

Nature’s ingredients can help to alleviate nervousness without the risks that conventional drugs may pose. Herbal and homeopathic remedies contain ingredients chosen for their ability to support the nervous system. Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap) is a popular herb for treating anxiety and other nervous disorders.

Passiflora incarnata has been used since the 19th century and is often called a 'natural tranquilizer'. Homeopathic ingredients such as Kalium phosphate and Argentum nitricum suit those pets with nervous dispositions that are sensitive to stress or change of any sort.

More Information on Nervousness

Tips to help manage Nervousness in your pets:

If you know that your pet is nervous in certain situations (such as a trip to the vet or an impending storm) put on the television or radio to help soothe and distract your animal.
Be consistent with your reaction to your pet. The whole family needs to follow the same routine when dealing with your pet’s anxieties otherwise your pet will become confused and even more insecure.
Consider consulting a behaviorist if your pet’s behavior is affecting their quality of life.
Regular daily exercise is essential to help keep your pet healthy and fit, as well as in peak mental health. Bored, frustrated animals can hardly be expected to behave well.
Be reassuring, but don’t fuss too much. Let your pet know that everything is fine by using a positive tone in your voice.
Have a safe haven set up in your home – a spot for your cat or dog to retreat to if they feel unsafe.
Never reprimand your pet for being nervous – it will only compound the problem and make it worse, remember they are unable to rationalize their fears and have no concept of time passing and the anxiety abating.