Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs: How Gut Health Could Hold the Key

Separation anxiety is one of the most distressing behavioural issues affecting dogs and their owners today. If you've ever come home to find your beloved companion has destroyed furniture, soiled indoors, or exhibited signs of extreme stress during your absence, you're not alone. Studies indicate that approximately 80% of dogs struggle with being left alone, yet around half of these affected dogs display no clear symptoms, making it remarkably easy for owners to overlook the problem (2).

But what if the solution to this emotional distress wasn't just about training techniques or medication? Recent research suggests that the key to managing separation anxiety might lie in an unexpected place: your dog's gut.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety occurs when dogs become excessively distressed upon being separated from their owners or primary caregivers (2). Unlike normal attachment behaviours, separation anxiety manifests as extreme panic and distress that can significantly impact a dog's quality of life.

Common signs include (3):

• Excessive barking, howling, or whining when left alone
• Destructive behaviour, particularly around exit points like doors and windows
• House soiling, even in fully housetrained dogs
• Pacing, trembling, or excessive drooling
• Attempts to escape, potentially causing self-injury
• Depression or lethargy before you leave

These behaviours typically begin within 30 minutes of the owner's departure and can persist throughout the separation period. For many owners, the distress their dog experiences is heartbreaking, and traditional management strategies often provide only partial relief.

The Gut-Brain Connection: A Revolutionary Perspective

Scientists have discovered what they call the "gut-brain axis"—a bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. This connection means that the health of your dog's gut can directly influence their emotional state, stress responses, and behaviour.

The gut contains millions of nerve cells and produces numerous neurotransmitters, including serotonin (often called the "happy hormone") and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps regulate anxiety (5). In fact, approximately 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut (4). When the gut microbiome—the community of bacteria living in the digestive system—is imbalanced, it can affect the production of these crucial mood-regulating chemicals.

This is where CaniNectar enters the picture.

How CaniNectar Supports Gut Health and Behaviour

CaniNectar is a natural supplement made from malted barley using ancient, artisan barley varieties valued in Europe for over 800 years. Its patented production process preserves essential enzymes that support digestive health and, consequently, emotional wellbeing.

The Gut-Brain-Behaviour Triangle

An exploratory analysis of CaniNectar conducted in autumn 2023 examined the supplement's effects on working dogs, revealing compelling findings. The research focused on UK Border Force (UKBF) dogs with similar environments and diets, which enabled more consistent observable patterns across the sample.

The study found several noteworthy trends following CaniNectar supplementation.

Improvements in Beneficial Gut Bacteria

The research observed a trend towards increase in 'good' genera in post samples (including Blautia, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus), with the effect being stronger for the older age group (5 years plus) (1). These beneficial bacteria play important roles in digestive health and overall wellbeing.

Reductions in Potentially Harmful Bacteria

There was also a "trend towards decrease in 'bad' genera in post samples" (including bacteria such as Campylobacter, Streptococcus, and Treponema), again with the effect being stronger for older dogs (1). Notably, "almost all dogs saw a drop in Campylobacter, Streptococcus and Treponema" (1).

Age-Related Benefits

Particularly interesting was the finding that "older dogs are more likely to see better dropping ratings (by 2.3x) and appetite ratings (by 4.2x) than the 2-5 years age group" (1). This suggests that older dogs may benefit more from CaniNectar supplementation, though the researcher cautioned that the findings are presented as "indicative potential patterns that can hopefully help inform future studies" (1).

The Case of Willow

One dog in the study, Willow, stood out as the "most improved dog based on Handler ratings for all but one category, and Willow also saw a substantial increase in 'good genera' and a substantial decrease in 'bad genera'" (1). This correlation between improved gut microbiome composition and better behavioural outcomes provides encouraging evidence for the gut-brain connection.

Convergence Towards Optimal Ranges

The study also examined volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—metabolic byproducts that can indicate gut health. There was a "trend towards decrease in both bad genera and VOCs with notable convergence towards a slightly lower zone, which may suggest potentially optimal ranges" (1). This convergence pattern is particularly intriguing as it suggests that CaniNectar may help rebalance the gut environment towards a healthier state.

The Science Behind CaniNectar's Effectiveness

CaniNectar works through multiple mechanisms to support your dog's overall wellbeing:

Digestive Enzymes

Each serving contains naturally occurring digestive enzymes including protease, lipase, amylase, fructanase, cellulase, xylanase, beta-glucanase, and phytase. These enzymes help your dog break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently, reducing digestive discomfort that can contribute to stress and anxiety.

B Vitamins

CaniNectar is rich in essential B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12) that support energy metabolism, brain function, and the production of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation (6). B vitamins are often depleted during periods of stress, making supplementation particularly valuable for anxious dogs.

Antioxidants

Powerful antioxidants including ferulic acid and flavan-3-ols help protect cells from oxidative stress and support the immune system. Chronic anxiety can increase oxidative stress in the body, so these protective compounds play an important role in overall health (7).

Essential Minerals

Key minerals such as magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, and iron support numerous bodily functions, including nerve health, muscle function, and immune defence—all crucial for managing stress responses.

Practical Benefits for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

For dogs suffering from separation anxiety, the benefits of CaniNectar extend beyond just gut health:

Improved Emotional Regulation

By supporting a balanced gut microbiome and the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters, CaniNectar may help dogs maintain a calmer emotional state when faced with the stress of separation.

Reduced Physical Discomfort

Dogs with digestive issues often feel unwell, which can exacerbate anxiety. CaniNectar's support for improved digestion and reduced flatulence and bloating means your dog feels more comfortable overall, potentially reducing stress-related behaviours.

Better Appetite

Many anxious dogs lose their appetite or become picky eaters. The study found that older dogs were 4.2 times more likely to see better appetite ratings when supplemented with CaniNectar (1). A healthy appetite ensures your dog receives adequate nutrition to support their nervous system and stress responses.

Enhanced Coat and Skin Health

The visible improvement in coat quality and skin condition that many owners notice isn't just cosmetic—it reflects improved overall health and nutrient absorption, both of which contribute to a dog's sense of wellbeing.

Integrating CaniNectar into a Comprehensive Management Plan

It's important to note that whilst CaniNectar can be a valuable tool in managing separation anxiety, it works best as part of a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Gradual desensitisation training to help your dog become comfortable with alone time
• Environmental enrichment, such as puzzle toys and calming music
• Regular exercise to reduce excess energy and stress
• Consistent routines to provide security and predictability
• In severe cases, consultation with a veterinary behaviourist or certified dog trainer

CaniNectar's role is to support your dog's physical health and emotional resilience from the inside out, providing a foundation upon which behavioural interventions can be more effective.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The emerging understanding of the gut-brain axis opens exciting new possibilities for supporting anxious dogs through improved gut health. CaniNectar, with its natural enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, offers a scientifically-informed way to support your dog's digestive health and, potentially, their emotional wellbeing.Whilst every dog is unique and results may vary, CaniNectar represents a natural, holistic approach to supporting dogs struggling with anxiety-related behaviours.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, consider CaniNectar as part of a comprehensive management strategy. A happier gut truly can mean a happier, calmer dog—and that means a happier household for everyone.

References

1. Mager, L. (2023). Exploratory analysis of CaniNectar Autumn 2023 Study Data. Tharos Ltd.
2. RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. (n.d.). Separation anxiety in dogs. https://www.rspca-yorkhome.org.uk/helping-you/separation-anxiety
3. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Separation anxiety. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety
4. Bektaş, A., Erdal, H., Ulusoy, M., & Uzbay, I. T. (2020). Does Serotonin in the intestines make you happy?. The Turkish journal of gastroenterology : the official journal of Turkish Society of Gastroenterology, 31(10), 721–723. https://doi.org/10.5152/tjg.2020.19554
5. Probiotics.com. (n.d.). Gut-brain axis. https://www.probiotics.com/articles-library/gut-brain-axis
6. Kennedy D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8020068
7. Fedoce, A. D. G., Ferreira, F., Bota, R. G., Bonet-Costa, V., Sun, P. Y., & Davies, K. J. A. (2018). The role of oxidative stress in anxiety disorder: cause or consequence?. Free radical research, 52(7), 737–750. https://doi.org/10.1080/10715762.2018.1475733