If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering if medication is the answer for your anxious or reactive dog, you’re not alone. But before you go down that path, there’s a lot you can do to help your dog feel better, naturally and kindly.
When we live with a dog who’s constantly anxious, hyperactive, or struggling with their environment, it’s easy to feel lost. It’s natural to want relief—for them and for ourselves. Medication might seem like the fastest solution.
And let me start by saying this clearly:
I’m not against medication. I believe it absolutely has a time and place. Some dogs truly need it to feel safe in their world, and I support responsible use of medication when it’s the best choice.
But I also believe this:
Not all dogs need it. And it’s not fair—or ethical—to medicate a dog just to make our lives easier without first exploring what might be missing from their lives.
There Are Steps to Take Before Medication
If you’re considering medication, I invite you to pause and ask:
– What have I already tried to help my dog feel better?
– Am I supporting my dog’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being in every way I can?
Here are 5 foundational things to examine first:
1. Physical Exercise: Is My Dog’s Body Tired Enough?
Every dog is different. A 10-minute walk may be enough for a senior Chihuahua, but it won’t cut it for a young herding breed.
Ask yourself:
- Does my dog get regular, age-appropriate physical activity?
- Does this activity match my dog’s breed, energy level, and individual needs?
Without the right kind of movement, many behavior problems start to appear.
2. Mental Stimulation: Is My Dog’s Brain Getting a Workout Too?
A tired body isn’t enough, your dog’s mind needs exercise too.
Enrichment games, sniffing activities, training games, and puzzle toys can help reduce anxiety and prevent boredom-based behaviors. We need to keep changing those activities to avoid falling into a routine and not being challenging enough.
Ask yourself:
- Am I giving my dog opportunities to think and solve problems each day?
- Is the mental stimulation I’m offering the right fit for my dog?
3. Diet: Is My Dog Getting Nourished from the Inside Out?
Food affects behavior more than we often realize.
A processed, kibble-heavy diet—even the expensive stuff—can lead to inflammation, gut issues, and poor emotional health.
Consider:
- Switching to a fresh, whole-food diet
- Adding real food toppers to kibble
- Incorporating a high-quality probiotic to promote gut health
Why the gut matters:
Your dog’s brain and gut are deeply connected. A healthy gut can improve mood, stress response, and even sleep.
4. Safety at Home: Can My Dog Truly Relax?
If your dog doesn’t feel safe at home, it’s nearly impossible for them to feel calm anywhere else.
Ask yourself:
- Can my dog fully rest at home without being constantly on alert?
- What noise, tension, or chaos might be affecting my dog’s peace?
Sometimes just removing a few daily stressors can dramatically improve how your dog feels.
5. Stressors & Triggers: What Can I Minimize or Eliminate?
Your dog’s environment plays a huge role in their emotional state.
Look around and ask:
- What triggers can I reduce (even temporarily)?
- Can I give my dog more space or time to process challenging situations?
We don’t have to throw our dogs into stressful environments just to “teach” them to deal with it. Gentle, well-thought-out training works better and is much kinder.
When Medication Is the Right Call
If you’ve addressed the above and your dog is still struggling, medication might be the next step. And that’s okay.
But it should never be a shortcut.
Instead, it should be part of a larger plan, designed in partnership with a qualified veterinary behaviorist and supported by a positive, science-based training plan.
Medication doesn’t replace training or lifestyle adjustments, it helps make them more effective.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
I know how overwhelming this all can feel. If you’re unsure where to start or what your dog needs most, I’m here to help.
🧡 I offer free 30-minute consultations so we can talk about your dog, your life, and your goals.
Let’s take a kind, thoughtful, and effective approach together.
📧 Email me at marly@mydogsessence.com to book your free consultation.
Let’s help your dog feel better and help you feel confident and supported too.
Dog Training 