Support For Your Dog’s Emotional Stress

Jan 19

Nutrition is everything.

Nutrition plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of dogs, including their emotional and mental health. Being overly anxious in key situations is a common issue for many dogs and can manifest in a variety of ways, such as barking, destructive behavior, destructive chewing, and even aggression. While there are a variety of supportive options available for anxious dogs, such as behavior modification, essential oils, herbs or even veterinarian prescribed medications, proper nutrition should be at the core of any strategy to resolve your dog’s stress and anxious behaviors.

Dogs, like humans, can struggle with emotional imbalances that affect their behavior, digestion, and overall quality of life. These challenges may stem from trauma, environmental triggers, or internal imbalances—and more often than not, they are tightly linked to the health of the gut. In other blogs we’ll discuss situational trauma and emotional roots further.

Veterinarians and behavior professionals I’ve worked with often observe that dogs experiencing persistent emotional tension:

Are deficient in digestive enzymes
Operate in a sympathetic-dominant state (commonly referred to as “fight or flight”)

This means their nervous systems are stuck in survival mode—and their digestive systems are often compromised as a result.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the digestive tract and the brain. Through hormones, neurotransmitters, and nerve signals (like the vagus nerve), the gut can influence brain activity—and vice versa.

The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because of its profound influence on mood, regulation, and resilience. When the gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or poorly functioning, we often see increased signs of emotional and behavioral dysregulation.

Recognizing Emotional Stress in Dogs

Common signs that your dog may be experiencing chronic internal tension or unease include:

Pacing or restlessness
Startling at common sounds or changes
Hypervigilance (difficulty relaxing or settling)
Hiding or avoiding interaction
Over-reactivity, vocalizing, or destructive behaviors
Resistance to touch, flinching, or “sleeping with one eye open”

More Than Just Nervous Behavior

It’s not just about dogs breaking out of crates or chewing furniture. I often work with dogs who:

Tremble and cower in corners
Run from visitors or sudden noises
React aggressively when resources are involved
Flinch when touched or seem always “on edge”

These are real signs of nervous system imbalance. And while some may refer to them as behavioral issues, I see them as whole-body symptoms—often related to poor gut health, nutrient depletion, and chronic emotional overwhelm.

It’s rarely just one issue. What may appear to be “one behavior” is usually part of a larger picture that hasn’t yet been connected.

What About Prescription Medications?

Many vets and behaviorists may suggest pharmaceuticals to manage emotional reactivity. While medications can sometimes reduce symptoms, they may also come with:

Lethargy or sedation
Digestive upset
Altered personality or mood shifts
Diminished responsiveness to training
Dependency or difficulty tapering off

In my work, I support clients in working under veterinary guidance to reduce or eliminate medication when appropriate—so we can observe the dog’s true behavior and begin building authentic, long-term wellness. Of the hundreds of dogs I’ve worked with, only one ever truly required long-term medication—and that was before I had access to the natural tools I now use daily.

Why Natural Support Can Work Better

Natural modalities like nutrition, essential oils, herbs, and supplements don’t suppress symptoms—they support the body in rebalancing itself. When we address the root causes—like gut dysfunction, nutrient gaps, and nervous system dysregulation—we often see more lasting improvement without the side effects.

This is why I focus on:

Supporting gut health through diet and enzymes
Rebuilding the microbiome with probiotics and whole foods
Nourishing the nervous system with targeted nutrients
Calming with safe, species-appropriate botanicals and oils

And most importantly—tailoring each plan to the individual dog.

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics: A Natural Starting Point

Digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down food into absorbable nutrients. Dogs under stress or consuming highly processed diets often struggle to produce enough enzymes on their own.

Signs of enzyme deficiency can include:

Gas and bloating
Irregular stools
Increased agitation around mealtime
Poor muscle tone or coat condition

Probiotics restore balance to the microbiome—supporting mood regulation, immune function, and inflammation control. Certain probiotic strains even influence serotonin and GABA production—two neurotransmitters involved in emotional balance and calm behavior.

Together, enzymes and probiotics create the foundation for improved digestion and a more regulated nervous system.

Additional Nutritional Support

Several nutrients can also play a role in calming and stabilizing your dog’s system:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Reduce inflammation and support brain function
L-Tryptophan – Precursor to serotonin, supporting mood balance
B Vitamins – Support adrenal and nervous system function
Magnesium – Known for its relaxing effect on muscles and nerves

These can be incorporated through high-quality food, supplements, or both depending on your dog’s history and current needs.

Feeding for Emotional Wellness

A fresh, whole-food diet—rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and fermented foods—helps support:

A healthy microbiome
Lower inflammation
Stable blood sugar (which affects mood and energy)
Improved detoxification and immune function

Avoiding processed food with synthetic additives, low-quality fats, and poor nutrient availability is a key step in reducing chronic stress in the body.

Let’s Build a Plan for Your Dog

Your dog’s emotional wellness is tied directly to their physical well-being. If you’re seeing signs of reactivity, stress, or unexplained behavior shifts, it’s time to look deeper—not just manage symptoms.

As a holistic canine health coach, I can help you:

Choose the right enzymes and probiotics for your dog
Transition to a food plan that supports gut and brain function
Introduce safe, calming herbs and essential oils
Understand your dog’s unique constitution and symptoms

Dana’s Thoughts

Many dogs don’t need suppression—they need support. When we shift the focus from control to healing, we see dogs become more regulated, confident, and comfortable in their bodies. Natural wellness isn't a shortcut—but it creates lasting change that benefits the dog and the family long-term.

You have options—and I’d love to help you explore them.

Top 5 Things to Do Today:

Add digestive enzymes and fermented foods to your dog’s meals
Remove processed foods with synthetic additives
Incorporate a clean omega-3 supplement
Consider nutrient support with B vitamins and magnesium
Book a consultation to discuss your dog’s history and custom plan

Want to go deeper with support for your dog through all life stages?
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FDA Disclaimer:
"Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own additional research, consult your vet as needed."

Dana Brigman