Understanding Your Pet’s Behaviour: Natural Solutions for Common Issues

Our pets communicate with us in a myriad of ways, from the wag of a tail to a sudden bark. Yet, as much as we love them, understanding their behaviour can sometimes be a challenge. Common issues such as anxiety, destructive chewing, or excessive barking can disrupt the peace at home and affect your pet’s well-being. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to these behavioural concerns that align with a holistic approach to pet care. In this blog, we'll explore how to decode your pet's behaviour and provide natural remedies to address these issues effectively.

1. Understanding the Root Cause

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why your pet is behaving a certain way. Much like humans, animals exhibit behaviours for a reason—whether it's due to stress, lack of exercise, boredom, or even an underlying health issue. Here are some common behavioural concerns and their potential causes:

• Excessive Barking: While barking is a normal form of communication, excessive barking may be a sign of boredom, anxiety, or attention-seeking behaviour.
• Destructive Chewing: Chewing is a natural activity for dogs, but destructive chewing often points to boredom, teething in puppies, or stress relief.
• Separation Anxiety: This occurs when pets become overly attached to their owners and exhibit stress when left alone. Common symptoms include pacing, whining, or inappropriate toileting.
• Aggression: Whether towards people, other animals, or food, aggression can stem from fear, territorial instincts, or a lack of proper socialisation.
• Hyperactivity: Pets that exhibit over-excitement may be under-exercised, overstimulated, or simply lack a proper routine.

Once you have a clearer understanding of the root cause, you can begin to explore natural solutions.

2. Calming Aids and Herbal Remedies

For pets struggling with anxiety or stress-related behaviours, calming aids can be incredibly helpful. Here are some natural remedies that have shown to be effective in promoting relaxation:

• Chamomile: Known for its calming effects in humans, chamomile can also help soothe pets. It’s especially useful for dogs that are anxious during car rides or vet visits. You can offer chamomile tea (cooled down, of course) or use pet-safe chamomile supplements.

• Valerian Root: Another herbal remedy with natural sedative properties, valerian root can help reduce hyperactivity and anxiety. It’s often used in calming sprays or chews specifically formulated for dogs and cats.

• Lavender: The aroma of lavender has long been used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. A lavender-infused spray for your pet’s bedding or a few drops of essential oil in their living space can work wonders. Just be cautious with essential oils, ensuring they’re diluted and pet-safe.

• CBD Oil: Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity in the pet world as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, and even chronic pain. Look for pet-specific CBD oils or treats, ensuring they contain no THC, which can be harmful to animals.

3. Addressing Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most challenging behavioural issues pet owners face. It often leads to destructive behaviours like chewing furniture, excessive barking, or toileting indoors when left alone. Here’s how to approach this issue naturally:

• Gradual Desensitisation: Begin by leaving your pet alone for short periods and gradually increase the time you’re away. This helps them understand that you will always return and reduces the anxiety associated with your absence.

• Comforting Spaces: Create a safe and comforting environment for your pet when you’re away. Calming blankets, soft toys, and a comfortable bed can provide a sense of security. Using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers can also help ease anxiety.

• Interactive Toys: To combat boredom while you’re away, provide your pet with interactive toys. Treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders can keep their mind engaged, reducing the anxiety linked to loneliness.

4. Reducing Destructive Chewing

If your dog is prone to chewing furniture, shoes, or other household items, they may be seeking relief from boredom or teething pain. Here’s how to tackle destructive chewing in a natural way:

• Natural Chews: Providing your pet with natural chews such as rawhide alternatives (like beef moon bones or twisted bull pizzles) can offer them an appropriate outlet for their chewing instinct. These products are safer for digestion compared to rawhide and help maintain dental health.

• Exercise and Stimulation: Many behavioural issues stem from pent-up energy. Regular exercise, such as daily walks or interactive play sessions, can help reduce destructive tendencies. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training exercises is equally important to tire out your dog’s brain.

• Chew-Deterrent Sprays: Natural deterrent sprays, made with bitter apple or citrus, can be applied to areas where you don’t want your dog to chew. The unpleasant taste will discourage them from biting into things they shouldn’t.

5. Managing Aggression

Aggression is a complex issue that often requires a multi-faceted approach. While working with a professional behaviourist may be necessary in severe cases, there are natural strategies that can help reduce aggressive tendencies:

• Socialisation: Gradually introducing your pet to new people, animals, and environments from a young age can reduce fear-based aggression. Positive reinforcement and rewards for calm behaviour will teach them that new experiences are not to be feared.

• Diet and Nutrition: Believe it or not, what your pet eats can influence their behaviour. A high-quality, grain-free diet like Aflora Grain Free, rich in protein and essential nutrients, can support balanced energy levels and reduce irritability. Some aggressive behaviours may also be linked to food allergies or intolerances, so ensuring your pet is on a healthy, balanced diet is crucial.

• Herbal Supplements: Supplements like L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, can help regulate mood and promote calmness. Similarly, passionflower and skullcap are herbs known for their anxiety-reducing properties, which can help mitigate aggressive behaviours when caused by stress or fear.

6. Tackling Hyperactivity

Hyperactive pets can be a handful, but their excessive energy often points to a need for more physical or mental stimulation. Here’s how to help your pet relax in a natural way:

• Routine and Structure: Establishing a daily routine can help hyperactive pets feel more secure and reduce chaotic behaviour. Regular meal times, walks, and play sessions can provide the structure they need to feel calm.

• Outdoor Time: For dogs especially, regular outdoor activities such as hiking, running, or swimming can burn off excess energy. Cats may benefit from interactive play with feather toys or laser pointers to mimic the hunting experience.

• Natural Calming Chews: Many natural calming aids, such as those containing chamomile or Hemp, can help reduce hyperactivity without making your pet lethargic. Look for chews specifically designed for calming anxious or over-excitable pets.

Conclusion

Understanding your pet’s behaviour is the first step towards a happy, healthy relationship. By identifying the root causes of common behavioural issues and using natural solutions, you can help your pet overcome challenges in a way that aligns with a holistic, eco-friendly lifestyle. Whether it’s calming aids, proper nutrition, or regular exercise, these natural strategies ensure your pet’s well-being without compromising on their health.

At The Pet’s Larder, we believe in nurturing our pets with love and care, which is why we offer a wide range of natural products, from herbal supplements to rawhide alternatives, to support your pet’s training and behaviour journey. Remember, patience and consistency are key—your pet’s behaviour won’t change overnight, but with time and the right approach, you’ll see positive improvements.