Separation anxiety is a behavioral problem that manifests when dogs or cats are left alone by or separated from their parents. It is the second most common behavioral issue for dogs, and although not frequently discussed, it can also affect cats.
Separation anxiety affects well-being, negatively impacting both their emotional and physical health, and may also disrupt the human-animal bond.
Common Signs of Separation Anxiety
Behaviors that are associated with separation anxiety in dogs are:
Chewing, digging, and destructive behavior
Excessive barking and howling
Urinating and defecating inside the house or in uncommon places
Escaping
Pacing
On the other hand, cats can manifest the following signs:
Excessive meowing and moaning
Not eating and drinking during the pet parent’s absence
Urination in uncommon places
Excessive self-grooming
Destructive behavior
Vomiting
Gentle Strategies to Manage Separation Anxiety
First, it’s very important to rule out other behavioral and non-behavioral conditions that can show similar behavioral signs as separation anxiety. Many different health disorders can present similar symptoms.
If your trusted vet states that your little one experiences separation anxiety, it’s essential to seek a certified animal behavior specialist to address the situation appropriately.
Strategies to help furry friends with separation anxiety must be respectful, gentle, gradual, and free of fear. While the therapeutic approach may differ in some respects between dogs and cats, the following are general aspects of these strategies:
Create a safe, enriched environment
Everything must start always from the basics. It’s crucial to make sure that you meet all your pet’s basic needs, like balanced nutrition, social interactions, exercise and play, training, and elimination. It’s also important to develop an area where they know they can rest, relax, and sleep without worrying, in order to create a safe space where they can stay while you’re absent.
Establish a predictable routine
Making the day more predictable can help them reduce anxiety since they can predict what will happen and be mentally prepared for that. Ideally, all their activities must be included in the routine, like feeding, eliminating, exercising, playing, and napping. In a more advanced phase, activities, when they don’t expect attention (like napping or playing with their toys), should be scheduled to be done at times when you usually leave home.
Desensitization
This is a slow, complex process that requires the guidance of a specialist. It consists of gradually exposing a pet to the stimulus that makes them anxious (pet parent’s absence) but in a way that will not allow the pet to feel anxious. This process uses progressive techniques like eliminating the pet’s reactions to pre-departure cues, doing out-of-sight exercises, incorporating short absences, and gradually increasing the length.
Training Techniques for Calming Pets
There are training techniques that can help reduce anxiety
There are training techniques that can help reduce anxiety, and these should be implemented using the pet’s most desirable rewards. In these cases, pet parents should reinforce desired behaviors like settling down, independence, relaxation, and being calm during departure and returning home. Training on how to settle down is also helpful, as it can facilitate the implementation of more complex strategies.
Reinforcing desired behavior is important, but it is equally crucial to avoid reinforcing behaviors that reflect dependence or anxiety, such as demanding attention or following. If a pet is seeking attention, the pet parent should ignore the behavior and wait until the pet calms down. Once the pet has settled, and enough time has passed, reward them with attention or another desired reward, like a healthy treat.
NHV Supplements for Emotional Support
At NHV we care about your little one’s health from a holistic approach, as we know that health is not only about physical aspects, but also mental and emotional ones. Separation anxiety and other behavioral issues can be as challenging as other physical conditions, and they should not be taken lightly as they are a fundamental part of health.
Lesstress and Matricalm are the supplements we offer our customers for a natural, gentle option to support their little one’s stress management. These supplements can be helpful not only for behavioral issues but also for nervous system conditions.
Lesstress is a great supplement to support doggies with anxiety, either caused by separation or other triggering factors like fireworks, moving, and car sickness. It can also help reduce hyperactivity, excitability, and destructive behavior, and balance the immune system.
Matricalm, best suited for kitties, may help reduce anxiety, stress, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, and excitability. It’s a great option for stressful situations like moving, adding new members to the family, or other changes in their routine. Cats are very sensitive to environmental factors and taking care of their mental health is key to promoting healthy life.
Newly adopted pets are often quite stressed. They have spent time in the shelter, removed from their previous home or even from time roaming the streets. Though they are happy to have found a forever home, all of these changes can be quite stressful and can cause some undesirable behaviors. Matricalm is an all-natural supplement designed to reduce anxiety, stress and undesirable behaviors in pets.
MULTI ESSENTIALS
Newly adopted pets can often use nutritional support. Whether they are malnourished from being stray, not eating because of stress in the shelter or just adjusting to their new home, Multi Essentials can help to fill nutritional voids. This all-natural herbal multivitamin that can help to support your pet's health throughout their life.
PLANTAERIS
Stress and anxiety can cause gastrointestinal upset. Plantaeris can help to soothe and relieve spasms of the digestive tract which may cause diarrhea. It works quickly and gently to help promote normal bowel function.
USD $137.85
bundle and save with pet expert kits
3 month supply for a small to medium size
Newly adopted pets are often quite stressed. They have spent time in the shelter, removed from their previous home or even from time roaming the streets. This can lead to undesirable behavior and decreased appetite as they adjust to their new home. This blend of supplements can help your new pet's transition into their forever home be as stress-free and seamless as possible.
Newly adopted pets are often quite stressed. They have spent time in the shelter, removed from their previous home or even from time roaming the streets. This can lead to undesirable behavior and decreased appetite as they adjust to their new home. This blend of supplements can help your new pet's transition into their forever home be as stress-free and seamless as possible.
Dandelion– A highly nutritious food that stimulates liver secretions, improves digestion, and stimulates the appetite.
Kelp – Rich in macrominerals (Ca, K, Mg) and trace minerals.
Parsley – Contains protein (up to 22%), vitamins (A, C, B1, B2, K), and minerals (Ca, K, Fe, Mg, P).
Marshmallow – Contains high levels of Ca.
Chickweed – A highly nutritious digestive tonic.
Stinging Nettle – Contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
PLANTAERIS
Barberry – Treats inflammation and infections of the urinary tract.
Mullein – Soothes and lubricates tissues.
Bayberry – Contains tannins, resins, and gums that control bacterial infection.
Myrrh – Relieves spasms, inflammation, and digestive discomfort.
Thyme – Improves digestion and relaxes spasms.
Chamomile – Relaxes the digestive system.
Chinese Peony – Reduces inflammation and relaxes spasms.
Ginger – Relieves discomfort and stimulates circulation.
Oregon Grape – Helps relieve indigestion and malabsorption.
item number
WT7019
weight
2.1
volume
3 x 3.4 fl. oz (100ml)
form
liquid
life stages
adult, senior, puppy/kitten
made in
Canada
Dosage Tab
To be taken twice daily. (Each supplement) Determine your pet’s weight and then use the easy chart below to determine the correct dose. This is the minimum dosage.
Pet's Weight Dosage
0 - 15 lb = 0.5 ml
16 - 30 lb = 1.0 ml
31 - 45 lb = 1.5 ml
46 - 60 lb = 2.0 ml
61 - 75 lb = 2.5 ml
Over 75 lb = 3.0 ml
For small animals (rabbits, ferrets), avians and reptiles use 1 drop for every 2 lb of body weight.
Long term use: Feed recommended dosage every other day (1 day on 1 day off). If used in large dosages or over a long period of time it may become irritating to the stomach lining. Some pets may require a larger dosage due to their metabolism. You can safely double the recommended dosage.
How to Administer: Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provided and place the drops into your pet’s food or favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the pet’s mouth. Some pets can be finicky, if this occurs consider hiding the drops in foods most pet’s love such as fish, chicken or yogurt or a favourite treat. If your pet only eats dry food then soak a few kibbles at feeding time.
For Best Results: Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage: All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications: Do not use Yucca in pregnant or nursing animals. Allowing breaks in feeding helps alleviate the possibility of a irritating effect on the digestive tract. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements. All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
Pet's Weight Dosage
To be taken twice daily. All NHV supplements are designed to be used together, and can, therefore, be given at once for convenience.
Select your pet's weight to determine the correct dose.
Faq list
My rescue pet has PTSD. Will this kit help?
This kit can absolutely help. The supplements were chosen for their support for anxiety.
My rescue pet has multiple health issues that are being treated by the vet. Will this kit help?
This kit can help to support anxiety, nutrition and GI troubles. They are all safe to give if your pet has other conditions. Seek veterinary advice if you suspect your pet is unwell
Would you recommend this kit for a healthy and friendly rescue pet?
Even if pets are over-all healthy, their bodies can be affected by stress. This kit would be a great way to keep your pet stress free and healthy when brought in to a new home
How long do I need to use this kit for?
We recommend using this kit until your new pet happily settles into your home, generally we would expect for about 3 months.
To be taken twice daily. (Each supplement) Determine your pet’s weight and then use the easy chart below to determine the correct dose. This is the minimum dosage.
Pet's Weight Dosage
0 - 15 lb = 0.5 ml
16 - 30 lb = 1.0 ml
31 - 45 lb = 1.5 ml
46 - 60 lb = 2.0 ml
61 - 75 lb = 2.5 ml
Over 75 lb = 3.0 ml
For small animals (rabbits, ferrets), avians and reptiles use 1 drop for every 2 lb of body weight.
Long term use: Feed recommended dosage every other day (1 day on 1 day off). If used in large dosages or over a long period of time it may become irritating to the stomach lining. Some pets may require a larger dosage due to their metabolism. You can safely double the recommended dosage.
How to Administer: Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provided and place the drops into your pet’s food or favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the pet’s mouth. Some pets can be finicky, if this occurs consider hiding the drops in foods most pet’s love such as fish, chicken or yogurt or a favourite treat. If your pet only eats dry food then soak a few kibbles at feeding time.
For Best Results: Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage: All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications: Do not use Yucca in pregnant or nursing animals. Allowing breaks in feeding helps alleviate the possibility of a irritating effect on the digestive tract. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements. All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
To be taken twice daily. All NHV supplements are designed to be used together, and can, therefore, be given at once for convenience.
Select your pet's weight to determine the correct dose.
Faq list
My rescue pet has PTSD. Will this kit help?
This kit can absolutely help. The supplements were chosen for their support for anxiety.
My rescue pet has multiple health issues that are being treated by the vet. Will this kit help?
This kit can help to support anxiety, nutrition and GI troubles. They are all safe to give if your pet has other conditions. Seek veterinary advice if you suspect your pet is unwell
Would you recommend this kit for a healthy and friendly rescue pet?
Even if pets are over-all healthy, their bodies can be affected by stress. This kit would be a great way to keep your pet stress free and healthy when brought in to a new home
How long do I need to use this kit for?
We recommend using this kit until your new pet happily settles into your home, generally we would expect for about 3 months.
Dr. Carla Moran graduated from the University of Chile in Veterinary Medicine and later obtained a Diploma in Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases from the same university. She has had the opportunity to learn from diverse areas of the veterinary profession through her professional training, like small animal medicine, wildlife conservation, and public health. Dr. Moran loves being able to support animals and their guardians through natural medicine, and she strongly believes that nature can provide us with what every being needs to be happy and healthy, mentally, and physically.
Dr. Carla Moran graduated from the University of Chile in Veterinary Medicine and later obtained a Diploma in Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases from the same university. She has had the opportunity to learn from diverse areas of the veterinary profession through her professional training, like small animal medicine, wildlife conservation, and public health. Dr. Moran loves being able to support animals and their guardians through natural medicine, and she strongly believes that nature can provide us with what every being needs to be happy and healthy, mentally, and physically.