Understanding Golden Retriever Stress and Anxiety
Golden Retrievers are known for being very friendly and happy dogs, but just like people, they can feel stressed and worried sometimes. Things like being left alone, hearing very loud noises, or going to new places can make them feel stressed or anxious. If these feelings aren’t taken care of properly, they can cause Golden Retrievers to act differently and have health problems. So, it’s important for dog owners to know what they can do to help their Golden Retrievers feel better naturally.
Natural Remedies for Golden Retriever Stress and Anxiety
There are many natural ways to help Golden Retrievers deal with stress and anxiety, and these ways are safe and effective.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
One good way to help your Golden Retriever feel better is to play with them a lot and give them fun things to do. Golden Retrievers really enjoy being busy and playing, so doing things like going for walks, playing fetch, and solving puzzles can help them feel good and have fun.
Herbal Supplements
Some types of healthy plants can help calm down a stressed dog, for example, chamomile and valerian root. These can be given to a dog in a liquid or a solid form. But it’s important to talk with a vet and be sure that the dog isn’t already taking any medicine that could react with the herbal supplements.
Aromatherapy
Some nice smells can help dogs feel better, like lavender and chamomile, but it’s important to only use them in a way that won’t hurt the dog and steer clear of their skin.
Calming Music
Good music can help dogs feel calm, too, especially if they are scared of loud sounds like thunder or fireworks.
Massage and Acupressure
Gentle hand massages and pressing in specific places can help relax a Golden Retriever and make them less stressed.
FAQs
Q: Can stress and anxiety in Golden Retrievers lead to physical health issues?
A: Yes. Being stressed out a lot can give dogs tummy aches, skin problems, and make their body’s defenses weaker to fight off sickness.
Q: Can I use essential oils to calm my Golden Retriever?
A: Yes, but be careful and talk with a vet first to be sure everything is safe for the dog.
Q: How can I tell if my Golden Retriever is stressed or anxious?
A: They might move around a lot, bark a ton, shake, breathe hard, and seem like they can’t relax.
Q: Are there any dietary changes I can make to help reduce my Golden Retriever’s stress and anxiety?
A: Yes, feeding the dog foods that have good things like omega-3 fat and antioxidants can help support the dog’s healthy and maybe reduce how stressed and nervous they feel.
Q: Can I use over-the-counter medications to calm my Golden Retriever?
A: It’s important to talk with a vet first before giving a dog any medicine that people can buy without a prescription, because these medicines can make dogs feel unwell and not all dogs should take them.
References
– Overall, Karen L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier, 2013.
– Landsberg, G.M. Diagnosis and management of noise phobias in dogs. Waltham Focus, 16(3), 5-10, 2006.
– Chomel, Bruno and Sun, Bee Loon. Zoonoses in the Bedroom, Emerging Infectious Diseases, vol. 14, no. 10. 2008, pp. 1473-1479.
Disclaimer
The information provided on goGoldenRetriever.com is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your Golden Retriever’s health or medical condition.
Learn more
