A few weeks ago, my cousin’s dog, Charlie, came to stay with us for a week while his mom went on holiday. He knows us very well and loves his cousins (our pups). But he also really loves his mom. This was his first time away from her for an extended period of time. Any dog in a new environment can easily become stressed if you approach the situation poorly – so we were very aware, and we wanted to be sure we made it as easy for him as possible.
Bringing your pet someplace new – whether it’s a boarding facility, daycare, or staying with family or friends while parents are away – can be a stressful experience for them. Changes in surroundings, unfamiliar smells, and new animals can all contribute to anxiety and stress. And this can negatively impact your pet’s immune system! Fortunately, there are ways to support their health naturally while reducing stress.
Today, we’ll help you do all you can to prep and help make the time away easy on everyone!
The Impact of Stress on Your Pet’s Health
We’ll get to the tips in just a moment, but I wanted to start with a little bit about why it’s so important to limit stress as much as possible.
Stress is linked with all kinds of issues, including:
- Weakened Immune System: Stress can suppress a dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses and infections. This can lead to frequent illnesses and a longer recovery time.
- Digestive Issues: Stress can affect a dog’s digestive system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. It can also exacerbate underlying gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
- Skin and Coat Problems: Stress can contribute to skin issues in dogs, including excessive scratching, hair loss, or the development of hot spots. These skin problems may persist if the underlying stress is not addressed.
- Behavioural Changes: Dogs under stress may exhibit changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression, excessive barking, or destructive chewing. They may also become withdrawn or overly clingy.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Stress can cause tension and muscle tightness in dogs, leading to discomfort, stiffness, or even exacerbating existing musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis.
- Compromised Mental Health: Prolonged stress can negatively impact a dog’s mental health, leading to anxiety disorders, depression (which can look like fatigue), or phobias that can affect their overall quality of life.
Signs of stress in pets include:
- Excessive Panting or Drooling: Rapid or heavy breathing can be a sign of stress.
- Yawning or Lip Licking: Dogs may yawn or lick their lips when feeling anxious.
- Whining or Barking: Increased vocalization without an apparent reason can signal stress.
- Shaking or Trembling: Physical trembling can indicate nervousness or fear.
- Hiding or Avoidance: Dogs might retreat or hide in response to stressors.
- Destructive Behaviour: Chewing, digging, or other destructive behaviours can be a result of stress.
- Loss of Appetite: Stress can impact a dog’s eating habits.
- Excessive Licking or Scratching: Stress can manifest as compulsive behaviours like excessive licking or scratching.
- Eating their own poop.
- ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY! You know your dog best, so watch for signs that they’re just not themselves. Stress could be the culprit.
Ok, now that that’s out of the way, how can we help calm a dog in a new environment?
Preparation for a Dog in a New Environment
Any time your dog has to be away from you for an extended period of time, there are several things that you can do to prep and help ease any stress.
Many animals thrive on routine, so start by writing down a list of your dog’s normal day. Think about what their usual day looks like – when they eat, walk, sleep, etc. Sharing this with the person looking after them can help with routine. Sticking to this routine as much as possible can help reduce stress and help your pet feel secure in their new surroundings.
If you can, allow your pet to visit the new place beforehand. A gradual introduction can make it easier, as the place won’t be startlingly new to them. This applies as well if there are other pets in the space. You want to allow for a meet and greet first, at least once.
Create a safe space. If possible, bringing along your pet’s favourite bed and their favourite toy can bring a sense of the familiar to a new space. If the person can, put these in a spot that your pet can feel secure, or even a quiet space if there are other pets or children in the house that your pet isn’t used to. Bringing something that smells like you (the sheets from your bed, unwashed, for example, is the perfect thing) can also be very comforting.
Regular physical activity is a natural stress reliever for pets. Exercise releases endorphins, which help counteract cortisol’s effects. When assessing a new environment, ensure that your pet will get a good walk or play session to help them feel calmer and more confident.
Supplements to Reduce Stress
In addition to the proactive tips, there are several natural remedies that can help calm a dog in a new environment and protect their immune system and overall health.
1. Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Support – Medicinal mushrooms are powerful adaptogens that help the body cope with stress while boosting immunity. For example, rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, turkey tail and chaga can help regulate immune responses and protect against pathogens.
2. Antioxidants to Combat Stress – Oxidative stress from anxiety and environmental changes can weaken the immune system. Phytoplankton is a big one here – it’s very, very high in antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, spinach, and turmeric help neutralize free radicals and protect cells. Natural supplements containing vitamin C and E can also aid in maintaining immune health.
Quick Tip: Our Vital Defense combines Chaga and Phytoplankton for the ultime in cell (and stress) protection!!
3. Probiotics: Gut health plays a major role in immunity. Providing probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, reducing the likelihood of digestive upset due to stress.
4. Herbal and Natural Remedies
- Chamomile Tea: This popular calming herb can be used in supplements or teas to help ease stress. Simply brew a pot, let it cool, then offer it alone or pour some over dinner (1-2 teaspoons for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for large dogs).
- CBD Oil: Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise in reducing anxiety in dogs. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that CBD oil can be effective in decreasing stress-related behaviours.
- Flower Essences: Flower essences are based on vibrational energetics, rather than biochemical, and stimulate the body’s natural capacity to bring itself back to homeostasis. Bach’s Recuse Remedy is our go-to. It features several different remedies perfectly combined to address stress and anxiety.
- Homeopathy: Several different homeopathic remedies can also be helpful in many situations. We reach for aconite (for general fear), phosphorous (particularly useful for noise), or pulsatilla (for separation anxiety). Our Your Go 2 is a good choice for calming.
Knowing Charlie might struggle a bit without his momma, we worked hard to create a space where he would feel the most comfortable. We matched his routine, gave him a safe space with his bed (covered with a sheet that smelled like his mom), and made sure to give him lots of love and comforting affection (and some calming supplements). And I’m pleased to report that he did amazing!!
By taking a few proactive steps and thinking about overall stress levels and how to combat them, you can make it easy for a dog in a new environment to adapt. Supporting them with natural remedies, a stress-reducing routine, and immune-boosting foods will ensure they stay happy and healthy wherever they go.
