Some people will tell you that supplements are just snake oil, a way for companies to separate you from your hard-earned money. Using anecdotal evidence and the headlines of many stories in the media, they might convince you that there is no such thing as a supplement that can’t go wrong.
There are a lot of different causes for anxiety in dogs, and the way they manifest is through other behaviors. For example, a dog with separation anxiety will show specific symptoms when his owner leaves town, while a hyperactive dog will exhibit the opposite behavior when left alone. The latter shows excessive activity, while the former tries to escape his environment.
This article will discuss the potential side effects of different supplements and what to look out for.
In most cases, if you follow the A-Z list of supplements for calming provided in this article and make sure you buy them from a trustworthy source, you will have no problems with anxiety in your dog. If you have noticed that one of your animals is behaving differently since taking supplements, it’s time to stop immediately. Don’t worry, though, because there are always ways around these products. The main thing to remember is that because each supplement is made differently for each animal, not all of them will have the same effects.
Here is a list of products that could cause your dog’s anxiety. Here are some tips for minimizing these effects.
1. B vitamins
B vitamins are known to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, especially when given to small dogs (primarily due to their smaller brain size). Owners of small dogs should note that other supplements, such as biotin and folic acid, do not have the same effect on them, and it’s the same for large breeds of dogs. To get your dog’s body to absorb these vitamins, you must give them regularly throughout the day. This can be done by mixing these supplements with high-caloric food (such as catfood). Take note that your dog may need anywhere from 2 weeks to a month to fully absorb the food and even longer if there is a deficiency. Another way to introduce B vitamins into your dog’s diet is by mixing them with his food. You should do this if you are supplementing them with other vitamins or minerals.
2. L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea, and its purpose is to promote relaxation in humans. It has also been used for dogs suffering from anxiety, but it takes a lot more than the usual amount of these supplements for this effect to work on them. This is because it is highly effective for humans rather than for dogs.
3. Fish oil
Fish oil may be dangerous to your dog. This is one of the few supplements that are safe for your dog but not for humans. It’s also known as a potent anti-inflammatory supplement, which might make your dog feel slightly better if he’s suffering from joint pain, but it can also cause neurological problems or deficiency in the long run. In other words, please don’t give these supplements to your dogs without their vet’s approval first! If you have done so, stop giving them immediately and do not buy any more until you see the vet.