How to take care of your dog’s mental health

Your everything guide to spotting, treating, and relieving your dog’s Anxiety & Mental Health.

Ever notice your dog suddenly acting out and wishing you could just peek into that complex mind of theirs? What are they thinking? What’s bothering them? How can you help?

We can bet it runs through every dog owner’s mind at least twice a day. And while mental health isn’t always a perfect science, we do know that out-of-character behavior is oftentimes just your dog’s way of letting you know that something’s off inside their body.

On any given day, your dog can encounter hundreds of potential stressors throughout their environment and routine. Don’t let this scare you—the same applies for humans and any other living creatures who roam the earth on a daily basis. And just like us, there are tangible ways to attribute, diagnose, and dissolve this stress from your dog’s body.

It just takes the right supplements and a healthy mix of care habits. For when your dog’s tweaking about something, consider this your ever-expansive guide to figuring out why and how to treat it.

How do I know if my dog is anxious or stressed?

Much like us, canine stress typically begins internally when a stressor (physical, mental, or environmental) agitates your dog’s system. It builds until it’s uncomfortable to ignore, at which point you’ll notice your dog exhibiting external symptoms.

If you know you and your dog are experiencing a significant life change (think: new people around the house, a recent move, going back to the office) that would impact your daily routine, take note. Your dog might be going through a bout of acute stress if you see:

• Excessive pacing
• Pawing or scratching
• Excessive licking, lip licking, or chewing
• Vocalizations such as barking, whining, or howling
• Droopy or pressed back ears
• Consistently tensed but still muscles
• Lots of side eye being thrown (looking at someone to the side while facing straight ahead)

That sounds familiar and now I’m stressed. How do I help my dog?

Don’t worry, most canine stress is curable with the right mix of supplements, exercise, self-care, and belly rubs. Just like other ailments, stress accumulates and compounds over time, so it’s best to treat symptoms as soon as they appear.

First thing’s first: Where is it coming from? While our dogs may not be able to talk (yet), their behavioral cues can speak volumes. For example, if your routine shifts constantly to keep up with big city life (weather, sidewalk conditions, access to nature, foot traffic patterns) and your dog’s acting strange, they may have encountered an environmental stressor. Excessive vocalization or other external symptoms may point to digestive or immune inflammation. Though you may not know for sure, the closer you can pinpoint the root of their stress, the faster they get to relief.

How do supplements help treat my dog’s stress and anxiety?

The best supplements, like Maev’s Anxiety & Mental Health formula, can work wonders on your dog’s mental health. With the right nutrient mix, supplements can replenish missing nutrient gaps that help isolate and neutralize built-up stress—without killing off your dog’s good bacteria.

At Maev, we partnered with external experts and world-class veterinary nutritionists to hand select the perfect blend of nature’s best stress relievers. Our proprietary Anxiety & Mental Health formula includes:

• Chamomile, a naturally mild sedative that relaxes muscles and relieves anxious tension. It also works within your dog’s gut to ease indigestion, gas, and inflammation that may be causing discomfort.
• Thiamine B1 (or Vitamin B), an essential vitamin that’s hard to fulfill through food alone and impossible for dogs to naturally produce themselves. Thiamine catalyzes their metabolism, breaks down carbs, and soothes the nervous system. Also: supports brain function, prevents confusion, and combats fatigue. Pretty important.

How long should my dog take Maev’s Anxiety & Mental Health supplements?

Stress and anxiety, just like any other facet of mental health (in humans and dogs alike), requires maintenance. While our supplements can act as a quick countermeasure against surprise stress, they’re most impactful when integrated into your dog’s daily routine. Sustaining this habit now will help prevent your dog’s system from having to work in overdrive later to alleviate stress buildup.

Just think about it like this: When you take your vitamins in the morning, so should they. Find a method that works for your home—whether that’s giving their supplements in a snackable bar form or “hiding” it in their dinner bowls.

Either way, they’ll get their full nutritional value (without being any the wiser) and you’ll have the peace of mind to keep your own stress at bay.