There are times when a dog can become overly anxious, hyperactive, and even aggressive. This usually happens in everyday life situations, for example, travel, visiting the vet, or your own brushing routine. As an owner, it is always good to know how to calm him down. Although there are sedative medications for dogs, we can also resort to certain natural tranquilizers.
What to do to calm down a nervous dog that won’t stop barking? How to get your dog to stay calm during a long trip? What are the natural sedatives for dogs?
Keep reading on SweetDoggo to discover everything you can do (and use) when your puppy doesn’t want to cooperate.
Table of Contents
How to sedate a dog naturally and safely?
In general, these are the 10 most recommended alternatives to calm hyperactive dogs , without the need to directly resort to medication:
- Exercise
- Chewy treats
- Pheromone therapy
- Herbal remedies
- Aromatherapy with essential oils
- Soothing clothes
- Melatonin supplements
- CBD therapy for dogs
- Massages
- Toys
Let ’s see why they work and how you can use each of these natural remedies to calm your dog …
Warning. Remember that “natural” is not always synonymous with safe. Consult your vet before trying any type of herb, oil, or supplement to calm your dog. It may be the case that the pet is allergic to a particular substance or has a health condition that affects the way it responds to certain treatments.
1. Exercise
Many experts recommend physical exercise as a healthy and effective way to calm dogs, especially before traveling or doing anything that might make them restless and agitated. A well-exercised dog will be more likely to stay calm , as he will have used up all the excess energy.
In addition, exercise is known to promote the release of serotonin in the dog’s body, making him feel better.
Long walks, as well as complex games (catch, search), are excellent allies.
2. Chewy treats
Never underestimate the power of treats to calm an agitated dog. These are even more effective if they require more chewing . The action of chewing, together with the pleasure caused by the food itself, has a great calming effect.
A highly recommended option to calm anxious dogs is stuffable toys, such as the Kong. These work wonders by making it difficult to access food. Use them as a tranquilizer during an episode of situational anxiety, for example, a thunderstorm, a trip to the hairdresser, etc.
Over time, the dog can learn to perceive these stressful situations as something positive.
See later: Anxiety in Dogs – Causes, Types, Symptoms + How to Calm It Down
3. Pheromone therapy
Another effective method to naturally calm your dog is pheromone therapy. Different studies have shown that all mammals, including dogs and cats, produce calming pheromones while nursing their young. That is precisely the objective of this therapy, which is available in various presentations.
It can usually be found in the form of sprays, necklaces, and diffusers. Each product is designed to release pheromones that mimic those of the mother.
Once placed on the dog’s neck, the calming collar maintains a sustained release of pheromones for approximately 1 month. For its part, the diffuser must be connected to the current and it also remains effective for 1 month. Sprays are a more practical option for spraying the car or a cage.
4. Herbal remedies
Some of the calming remedies commonly used by humans also work to calm an anxious or hyperactive puppy. For example, chamomile is a good natural sedative for dogs; Valerian promotes a general feeling of relaxation and calms the nerves. Both plants can be used in cases of anxiety, excitability, behavioral problems associated with travel, among others.
One of the easiest ways to use it is to make your own homemade tea to add a little to your dog’s water or steep a treat, but chamomile and valerian root are also available in capsules and drops.
Keep in mind that the dosage of herbal supplements for dogs always depends on the weight of the pet. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose. Always consult your vet before proceeding.
For reference:
- Dog from 1 to 20 pounds (1/4 cup of tea, ½ capsule or 1-4 drops)
- Dog from 20 to 50 pounds (1/2 cup of tea, 1 capsule or 5-10 drops)
- Dog from 50 to 100 pounds (1 cup of tea, 1-2 capsules or 10-20 drops)
5. Aromatherapy with essential oils
Have you already tried aromatherapy? There are several essential oils with calming action on dogs . This includes lavender , chamomile , vetiver , and rose oil . Of all of them, lavender is usually the favorite. To use them, simply add several drops of essential oil to the water in a diffuser. Always make sure your pet can move to another room if they want a break from the smell.
Never add essential oils to the dog’s water, or apply them directly to his skin.
6. Soothing clothes
Another very innovative tranquilizer for dogs is the calming vest or shirt, a garment designed to wrap the pet and make it feel hugged. This creates a kind of slight but constant pressure on your body. It is said to work in a similar way to swaddling accessories commonly used to put babies to sleep.
You can buy it at your local pet store or online.
7. Melatonin supplements
Don’t know what to give your dog to calm down and sleep? Melatonin supplements may be the solution. This sleep hormone can make your puppy relax and rest better. It is generally used in the treatment of separation anxiety and other stressful conditions, such as noise anxiety.
If your dog tends to get nervous before traveling , or you know he’s going to experience a potentially frightening situation soon, consider using a melatotin supplement to help him fall asleep .
The most common form of presentation is pills. As always, the correct dose depends on the weight and size of the dog.
8. CBD therapy for dogs
CBD oil or cannabidiol is a chemical extracted from the marijuana plant that is very popular in the treatment of stress and anxiety. As in people, this compound promotes increased serotonin production and a state of relaxation in dogs.
According to experts, this natural tranquilizer offers an advantage and that is that it works quickly ; it can be given only when it is needed. Just put a few drops of the product in the dog’s mouth 30-60 minutes before the stressful event (a trip, a visit to the vet, a nail clipping, etc.).
Keep in mind that CBD oil comes in different concentrations and purity levels. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or the recommendations of the veterinarian.
9. Massages
Sometimes a little cuddles is all it takes to calm an agitated dog . Touch and massage are known to be powerful sedatives . It is an effective, pleasant and completely natural method.
Use the palm of your hand to gently rub his entire body, starting at the base of his neck and working down to the tip of his tail. Massage slowly and deliberately, gradually increasing the amount of pressure exerted.
10. Toys
Your dog’s favorite toys, blankets, and other accessories contain many of the scents that are familiar to him. Bringing them with you can help ease his restlessness during trips or visits to unfamiliar places.
So far we have seen a summary of the best natural sedatives for dogs. Consider that not everyone will work the same way. Depending on the individual dog or situation, some remedies may be more calming than others.
What to do if natural painkillers don’t work?
When none of the natural sedatives for dogs seem to work to calm an upset or hyperactive dog , then sedative medications are often turned to. These drugs are very effective, hence they should only be used under prescription and veterinary supervision.
Dog tranquilizers
Medications commonly used by veterinarians to sedate dogs are:
- Acepromazine
- Diazepam
- Alprazolam
- Dexmedetomidine
In essence, they work by blocking certain signals from the central nervous system (CNS), which produces a sedative effect in the animalone.
For example, acepromazine is a strong tranquilizer that is often prescribed when you need to sedate the dog quickly ; it acts within 20-30 minutes after administration. The medication usually comes in the form of tablets or a liquid to be sprayed on the pet’s gums and cheeks. The usual dose is 1 to 2 mg for every kilogram of body weight.
In the case of benzodiazepines, such as diazepam , alprazolam , and clorazepate , they are single-use or short-term use drugs . They are also fast acting, but their effect does not last long. Any of these could work to put a dog at ease just before their vet or groomer appointment.
Warnings to consider
- Regular use of these tranquilizing medications can not only be addictive for the dog, but have other long-term side effects.
- Never try to combine multiple sedatives on your own to achieve longer lasting sedation.
- Although they are an alternative to treat anxiety, restlessness and hyperactivity in dogs, medications are not the best option at all times; A clear example of this is air travel (usually prohibited).
