[Brightelf]

Does anyone have any ideas or solutions for feeding to support a dog going through stress? Nutrients that help a dog recover easily or to maintain good health and immunity during stress such as a big move, boarding, kenneling, a death in the pack, or living in a difficult situation?

We are looking to move within a year to a rural area, the priority being free greenspace to run Grimm offlead more often. We are currently living in a highrise in the European equivilent of downtown Manhattan. Not easy on Grimm.. because no matter how many hours we walk per day, more of it needs to be free off-lead running for Grimm. (I found an off-lead nature park 15 minutes away... but I can only go there once per day with Grimm, giving him an hour off lead running free, maybe 2 ) We want better for Grimm. Hence, us moving to a woodsy area. Until then-- what foods/nutrients help strengthen a dog's ability to combat stress?

 

[djpohn]

Patti,

Raw feeding is a great way to help his system deal with everything. I would suggest finding a source of bones for him to chew on - my guys love beef rib bones and neck bones. Just stay away from the hard leg bones. You could use goat or lamb bones too if you can find them.

Chewing relieves stress and releases endorphins - calming the dog down. This is one of the benefits of raw feeding, they dog has to work for him food and use more effort in eating it. One of the reasons I feed once a day is I can give the dogs a big enough meal to satisfy them. When I get really big pieces, I will let them gorge and then fast them the next day.
I would suggest seeing if you can get a DAP dispenser over there. It releases a pheromone that calms dogs down "naturally".

You also might want to play some search games with Grimm inside or even outside if you have a park where he uses him mind to search for food or toys. This is a great way to tire a dog out because often physical exercise only works the body not the mind.

 

[Brightelf]

Thanks, GS Mom! Those are great ideas. I don't know if I can get a rib bone, but I can try.

I know he would love that!