Expert Tips: Easing Your Dog's Anxiety Issues

Help! Can I Use Flea + Calming Collars Together?"Can you put a flea and tick collar and a calming collar on a dog at the same time?" – DeniseHello Denise,In most cases, it is possible to use a flea and tick collar in combination with a calming collar on your dog, though several practical considerati

Help! Can I Use Flea + Calming Collars Together?

"Can you put a flea and tick collar and a calming collar on a dog at the same time?" – Denise

Hello Denise,

In most cases, it is possible to use a flea and tick collar in combination with a calming collar on your dog, though several practical considerations come into play. These parasite-preventing collars typically include active compounds like imidacloprid or flumethrin, which distribute through the skin's natural oil layer to effectively target external parasites. On the other hand, calming collars often incorporate synthetic pheromones that mimic those produced by nursing mother dogs or essential oil mixtures such as lavender and chamomile for soothing effects. Importantly, there are no documented pharmacological interactions between these components, meaning they do not interfere with each other on a systemic level from a safety perspective. The primary issues tend to be localized and related to physical comfort rather than any chemical conflicts.

Having two collars around the neck can generate additional friction, retain moisture, and form pressure spots, particularly for dogs that are highly active or playful. With prolonged use, this setup might result in skin irritation, loss of fur in patches, or even localized inflammation, especially if essential oils are part of the calming collar, as certain dogs may develop sensitivities through direct contact. Furthermore, flea and tick collars frequently emit a distinct chemical odor that could mask or disrupt the subtle scents released by aromatherapy-based calming products. Since these calming items depend on steady fragrance delivery to positively influence a dog's behavior via their sense of smell, a dominant competing aroma might diminish the collar's effectiveness. This is akin to attempting to appreciate a delicate lavender aroma in a space overwhelmed by the sharp scent of a powerful cleaning agent.

If your dog, like Flash, has delicate skin or genuinely requires anxiety support, opting for a more strategic pairing could enhance comfort and efficacy. For instance, consider an oral medication or topical application for parasite control combined with the calming collar, or stick with the flea collar while selecting a contact-free calming solution such as a plug-in diffuser for the home. Such alternatives prioritize skin integrity, maintain the behavioral benefits, and place your dog's overall comfort and welfare at the forefront of your choices.

Warmest regards,
_Dr. Paola_

I Need Help With My Dogs Anxiety!

"I need help regarding my dog’s anxiety… I have a 15-month-old Yorkie, Bailey, that literally shakes and cries when out and about, riding in the car, stroller, etc. On daily walks, she lunges and barks at anyone walking by and, of course, other dogs. I believe out of fear. If a neighborhood dog barks from within their house when we go by, she turns around and heads for home. I spoke to her vet about CBD, and she mentioned a company called Ellevet. I hate to put her on daily meds, but I cannot take her anywhere, and I’m feeling trapped at home as she runs to sit at the door when she sees me getting ready to go anywhere. My previous Yorkie loved to go everywhere, loved car rides, etc." – Diane

Hello Diane,

The symptoms you're observing in Bailey—such as trembling, vocalizing in distress, pulling away when hearing distant barks, and reactive lunging during outings—strongly indicate fear-driven anxiety. At just 15 months old, she remains in the process of emotional development, and small breeds like Yorkies often carry a genetic tendency toward increased alertness and sensitivity. Her lunging and barking aren't acts of defiance but rather instinctive efforts to establish distance from perceived dangers. The way she pivots back toward home upon hearing a bark from inside a neighbor's property further underscores her underlying sense of insecurity in those environments. Her body's stress response is treating the outside world as full of uncertainties, which creates a persistent state of hypervigilance that's draining for her and challenging for you as her owner.

For pups like Bailey displaying these patterns, the cornerstone of intervention involves systematic desensitization paired with counterconditioning techniques. This approach entails introducing her to anxiety triggers from a safe, sub-threshold distance where she can observe them without escalating into panic, while simultaneously offering highly rewarding treats or rewards she adores. Gradually, her mind starts rewiring those once-frightening stimuli to connect with positive experiences instead. It's much like slowly dimming up the intensity of a light source rather than blasting it on suddenly. Equally crucial is proactive management: schedule walks for quieter periods of the day, maintain ample space from other dogs and people, and steer clear of compelling unwanted encounters. When it comes to car travel, start small by having her relax in a stationary vehicle with treats for staying composed, then build up to brief trips as she gains confidence.

As for CBD options, while veterinary studies are ongoing, the existing data does not yet offer robust, reliable proof of its efficacy in alleviating canine anxiety across the board, and the market's product standards can be inconsistent. Some animals might experience minor relief from specific stressors, but it's not positioned as a frontline solution for pronounced fear responses, so it shouldn't supplant structured behavioral work. Should Bailey's fears be severely curtailing her daily enjoyment and mobility, proven pharmaceutical aids like fluoxetine or sertraline—prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian—can provide safe, short-term support. These aren't about knocking her out with sedation; rather, they function like turning down the gain on an overly loud alarm, enabling her to engage with new situations more calmly and absorb positive learning without being overwhelmed. I truly hope these suggestions bring some relief to your situation!

Kind regards,
Dr. Paola

Are Bark Collars Inhumane?

"My dog Honey is 9 months old. She barks incessantly. Usually early evening. Or when a leaf falls 🤪. Is it inhumane to use a bark collar?" – Shirley

Dear Shirley,

At nine months of age, Honey is navigating what experts in animal behavior term the adolescent stage, comparable to a human teen experimenting with their independence and responding dramatically to minor environmental cues. Vocalizing at rustling leaves, distant noises, or subtle yard movements is typical during this period, as the sections of the brain governing self-regulation and impulse management continue to develop fully. In young dogs, this surge in barking often stems from bursts of excitement, protective instincts, or insufficient channels for releasing pent-up physical and mental energy—particularly noticeable in the late afternoon or early evening when natural energy peaks tend to occur.

Contemporary approaches in behavioral veterinary care largely advise against bark collars, especially models using electric shocks, as they merely mask the symptom without resolving the root cause of the vocalization. From an animal welfare standpoint, such devices risk heightening overall stress levels or fostering negative links to harmless surroundings. Picture receiving an uncomfortable jolt every time you expressed yourself verbally, without any context or guidance—the resulting bewilderment could amplify anxiety. A far superior path involves positive reinforcement-based training methods, strategic environmental adjustments, and targeted enrichment activities. You can teach her a specific "quiet" command, lavishly praise moments of silence, ramp up physical exercise ahead of those peak barking hours, and introduce engaging challenges like puzzle feeders or scent-tracking games to redirect her focus productively.

If the persistent barking starts to feel unmanageable, partnering with a certified trainer who specializes in force-free, reward-oriented techniques can make a world of difference, capitalizing on Honey's youth and plasticity at this formative age. The objective isn't to eliminate her ability to bark entirely—after all, it's a vital means of expression for dogs—but to guide her toward discerning suitable times for it and recognizing the rewards of composure. Through steady, patient direction and sufficient opportunities to expend her vitality, the majority of dogs in this developmental phase naturally cultivate stronger impulse control as their neurological systems mature and they internalize the norms of harmonious living alongside people. Wishing you all the best in this journey!

Dr. Paola