Bringing Balance Back

By Jenni Davies

One minute, your dog is winning at being World’s Best Couch Potato. The next – kaboom! – thunder in the distance, and they’re a fearful furry rocket zooming under the bed. Fear is a survival mechanism, hardwired into us – and our pets – to keep us alive. But, when the threat isn’t really dangerous, that system can backfire.

Here’s why: when danger hits the panic button, the body floods with the stress hormones cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin. Pupils widen, muscles are tensed, the heart pounds – everything’s primed to hurtle to safety when a lion shows up. Perfect if you’re a pup in the Serengeti; not so much when the “predator” is a nail clipper. And if those stress hormones stay high – as in phobias or generalised anxiety – they exhaust the body, cause behavioural problems, and can even harm your pet’s brain.

SEEING THROUGH ANIMAL EYES

Renowned animal behaviourist Dr Temple Grandin says fear can be worse for animals than physical pain. In her book Animals in Translation, Grandin explains that, because animals perceive things differently to us, what seems harmless to us can be alarming to them. They can sense magnetic fields, see ultraviolet light, and pick up on scents, sounds, and movements beyond our imagining. Your dog may be shaking in its paws because of a faint buzz you can’t even hear, or your cat’s freaking out because the new carpet smells weird.

Unsurprisingly, animals experience sensory overload faster than we do. Imagine a crowded mall – bright lights, rushing crowds, loud music… Now turn your senses up to 11. No wonder your puppy’s first braai party was a bit of a catastrophe.

Now to figure out where your pet’s anxiety and stress is coming from. Fortunately, animals speak volumes with body language. Ears, eyes, tail, fur, posture – it’s all telling you something. Get down to their level and observe them carefully (as if you needed another reason to spend more time with them) and consider keeping a journal of their behaviour. Sometimes, the cause is clear – the vacuum cleaner switches on, instant bottlebrush tail on your cat. Other times, all that’s visible is muscle tension and restlessness from generalised anxiety – think Chicken Little waiting for the sky to fall.

The good news? Animals are adaptable and, with patience, consistency and the right support, you can change things for the better. And it’s not necessarily about eradicating the scary thing.

RESTORING THEIR ZEN

Anything from genetics to insufficient socialisation or past abuse can be at play, and we can never get rid of every object of fear. You can’t stop thunderstorms. Vet visits happen. Claws need trimming. And if the animal has generalised anxiety or a history of abuse, there probably isn’t even anything specific to remove. The goal is to help your pet become resilient so they can cope when inevitable challenges rear their heads.

Prescription medications can help in severe cases, but they aren’t always needed and they do come with side effects. Some sedatives can make things worse because the animal is aware of the trigger but isn’t able to do anything, while others can prompt aggression.

This is where complementary medicines, like nutritional supplements, shine. Scared animals shut down and won’t take in anything. By gently calming them and supporting the nervous system, you open the door to training and desensitising. Think of it like taking a few deep breaths when you’re too stressed to think straight – suddenly you’re able to focus on the task at hand.

LOOK OUT FOR:

• B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), which are crucial for nervous system support.

• L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan to support the happy hormones serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

• GABA-supportive supplements like Peptazine®.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids to provide brain cell building blocks.

Environmental calming aids like pheromone collars or diffusers for dogs and cats, or catnip (Nepeta cataria) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) for cats can also help.

Dealing with fear and anxiety in our pets is not a quick fix. But, as the saying goes, anything you love is worth fighting for. And gifting our furry family members with joy and balance is absolutely priceless.

TOP TIPS FOR STRESSED PETS

• Use calming supplements like CalmEze Plus before the event. You can start supplements days or even weeks in advance, for example for upcoming travel. Chronic anxiety may need daily use – your vet can advise you on dosage.

• Stick to a routine. Pets like to be prepared – and stability is the key.

• Move at their pace. Animals tend to handle things better when they choose to investigate. Leave the carrier open with treats inside instead of suddenly dropping your cat in. Let your dog sniff and hop up onto the vet’s scale on their own. Forcing them? That’s how to create lasting fears.

• Manage the environment. Muffle noise with a thick blanket over a crate, play soothing music or try white noise, close curtains to block flashes. Provide hide-outs, like a dark room with a bed to burrow under.

• Get moving. Make sure your pet gets walks or playtime every day to reduce stress and tire them out.

• Stay calm. If you’re running around chanting “it’s ok!” in a high-pitched voice, your pet thinks: “it is clearly not ok”.

• Try desensitisation by gently exposing them to the trigger with rewards. For example, record grooming parlour sounds and play this at home while giving treats.

• Feed them well. A species-appropriate diet makes a world of difference. Avoid processed food, especially sugar, which can worsen anxiety.

• Support gut health. There’s a link between anxiety and your pet’s gut health, so consider pre- and pro-biotic supplements and foods (check out PetPrints March 2025 on Issuu for more about the gut microbiome).

• Consult an animal behaviourist who uses gentle, positive methods.

IS YOUR PET STRESSED?

Different animals show stress differently – some actively hide their distress, others let it all hang out. In general, signs include:

• Shaking, shivering, and/or tensed muscles
• Freezing or moving very slowly
• Hiding, often in dark places like under beds or behind sofas
• Running away (that’s why it’s critical to secure your pets on fireworks nights)
• Crouching and cowering
• Dogs may hide their tail between their legs; cats may puff them up
• Clinginess
• Yawning excessively when not tired
• Panting, often with a curled tongue, rather than relaxed, open-mouthed heat- or exercise-related panting
• Lip licking
• Wide eyes with the whites showing (“whale eye”)
• Barking or meowing incessantly
• Some animals appear “aggressive” – growling, raised hackles, snarling, hissing (cats).

IMPORTANT! Visit your vet to rule out medical causes. Serious but treatable conditions like hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and pain can cause anxiety and behavioural changes. Always consult with them before giving supplements, especially if they’re already on any medication.