Purina Calming Care Targets Dog Anxiety at the Gut

Just like us, dogs experience fear and feelings of anxiousness towards objects or sources and react with certain behaviors to handle them. Separation, loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, environmental changes, and traveling are some of the most common sources. Sometimes we can ease their stress by avoiding certain situations, implementing training or distraction techniques, but some canine anxiety can lead to destructive, negative, or aggressive behaviors. Which means it can not only be frustrating to owners but also potentially harmful for dogs. Treatment of canine anxiety and phobias can be very complicated and is not a quick-fix. Learn more about this condition in dogs and the new Calming Care probiotic supplement by Purina.

Common triggers include:

  • Loud noises from fireworks, thunderstorms, or social gatherings
  • Being home alone
  • Kenneling, traveling or moving
  • New people or pets in the house
  • Changes to the environment or daily routine

If you know what causes your dog to feel fearful, you may plan ahead for these situations. For example holidays. Take time to watch your dog to figure out what triggers them to feel anxious or stressed and what behaviors they express in response. Meanwhile, dogs and cats can also express phobias to certain objects or situations. For example the vacuum cleaner or bathing. Once identified, work with your pet to condition them to the object or situation. Try using training and give positive rewards to modify their behavior. Learn more.

Signs of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

  • Panting & Trembling
  • Hiding & Avoidance
  • Excessive drooling
  • House Soiling
  • Destructive chewing and digging behaviors
  • Excessive whining or barking

Nevertheless, for some dogs, these methods alone will not be enough to ease or rid them of their anxiety. If you find yourselves in that position, consult with your veterinarian to find out if a supplement will fit your needs.

Purina Calming Care

Calming Care at VetRxDirectPurina Calming Care is a probiotic supplement for dogs that manages anxiety and stress-related behaviors. The Purina Calming Care is designed to help reduce anxious behavior by targeting the gastrointestinal tract. Its unique strain of probiotic manages the balance of bacteria in the gut to influence the brain signals. Calming Care may improve behavioral signs caused by separation anxiety, noise phobias, and other types of anxiety in dogs. It also encourages a positive emotional state and helps maintain heart activity and cortisol response during periods of anxiety. Calming Care not only works to help dogs cope with stressful situations but also supports a healthy immune system. This powdered supplement mixes with food making it easier to give.

How to Tell When Your Dog or Cat is in Pain

What if your dog or cat could tell you if they were in pain? We have the advantage of describing our aches and pains, but our pets don’t have it quite so easy.  We may not be able to ask them, but we can learn what signs to look out for. It’s important to watch for subtle behavior changes. These may include changes in daily habits, activity level, body postures, vocalization, and facial expressions. Noticeable behavior changes may include aggression, self-mutilation, or self-protection. These changes are especially apparent when a normally friendly animal starts showing signs of aggression or vice versa. Some signs of pain are very distinct, for example, if your dog suddenly starts limping or has difficulty getting up from the floor. Keep in mind that cats are especially adept at hiding pain, and the warning signs may mimic other health problems, and vary widely.

 Painful Signs In Dogs

  • Less playful, social, or hiding
  • Reduced daily activity
  • Changes in appetite and drinking
  • Vocalizing
  • Changes in sleeping
  • Guarding or self-protection
  • Trembling, circling, or restless
  • Aggression
  • Resists being held or picked up
  • Scratching, licking, or biting a certain body part
  • Limping or changes in mobility
  • Excessive panting at rest

Painful Signs in Cats

  • Restless
  • Reduced appetite
  • Won’t use the litterbox
  • Vocalizing
  • Reluctance to jump up or down
  • Scratching, licking, or biting a certain body part
  • Increased sleeping
  • Avoiding physical contact or petting
  • Resists being held or picked up
  • Seeks more attention
  • Slows or stops grooming
  • Flattened ears, arched back, or tucked feet and/or abdomen

What Causes Pain?

Our pets can experience pain for a variety of reasons whether it’s acute pain, which happens suddenly due to injury, surgery, or illness. Chronic pain, which is persistent over time, may be due to conditions like arthritis, infections, cancer, nerve disorders, and other diseases. The exact source can be complex, so if you suspect your dog or cat is experiencing pain, the first step is always to talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will examine your pet to help diagnose the cause of it and provide treatment options that best fit your dog or cat’s needs.

Refrain from treating your dog or cat’s pain on your own. Certain types of pain relievers are toxic to animals, especially cats. Also, different types of pain require different types of treatment. Let your veterinarian decide if a pain reliever will manage their symptoms and prescribe the appropriate dosage.


VetRxDirect pharmacy offers a variety of prescription pain relievers for dogs and cats.  We’ve included some of the most popular below. Visit our website for more information.

Onsior for Cats at VetRxDirectOnsior

Onsior (robenacoxib) is the first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed to relieve pain and inflammation in cats. This medicine is particularly useful for cats recovering from surgery or soft tissue injury.

 

Galliprant at VetRxDirect Galliprant

Galliprant is a prescription medication for dogs with osteoarthritis that contains grapripant, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works to target pain and swelling at its source by blocking the receptor, so your dog can keep moving. Learn more on our blog.

 

Meloxidyl at VetRxDirectMeloxidyl

Meloxidyl (Meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation in the body. Meloxicam is commonly prescribed for dogs with osteoarthritis and those who have undergone surgery.