Relationship of Gut Health To Anxiety In Dogs
Nutrition Essential for Anxiety Resolution
No matter which one came first, you have to address both when trying to resolve your dog’s anxiety.
There’s no reason for them to live with ongoing stress and anxiety — I can help you resolve it.
Dogs, like humans, can experience anxiety for a variety of reasons.
Vets I know suggest that any being with anxiety is deficient in digestive enzymes and in a sympathetic dominant state.
Many people do not realize how closely connected anxiety and gut health may be. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain." In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between anxiety and gut health in dogs and discuss ways to improve gut health in order to alleviate anxiety.
The gut and the brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis, which is a system of communication between the gut and the brain. The gut produces a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters that can affect the brain, and the brain can also influence the gut through the release of hormones and neurotransmitters. This connection is why the health of the gut is so important for overall health and well-being, including anxiety.
Think of how you feel with you’re anxious. It’s not just a worry that runs on repeat in our head, our physical heart and emotions are engaged, but also we feel unsettled in the belly. Your dog is no different.
Which came first the anxiety or the imbalance in the gut? We don’t know. They both have an influence on the other. But I have learned not to try and separate the two. This is all part of that (w)holistic dog approach to wellness I emphasize so much.
When gut health is out of balance, we know that the microbiome is affected. The microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in your gut. This microbiome is responsible for a variety of functions, including regulating the immune system, producing vitamins and enzymes, and aiding in digestion. If anxiety is a function of or contributes to a deficiency in digestive enzymes, it stands to reason that we supplement digestive enzymes and take steps to heal the gut.
One way to improve gut health and alleviate anxiety in dogs is through the use of digestive enzymes and probiotics. Digestive enzymes are molecules that help break down food and make it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Both of these supplements can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety. A good place to start with digestive enzymes and probiotics is Adored Beast.
I am happy to discuss choosing the right digestive enzymes and probiotics for your dog, along with the right foundational nutrition, and supplements, consideration of essential oils & herbs that help ease anxiety. Schedule an inquiry or consultation