Understanding Anxiety in Dogs and Cats Post-COVID: How Proflax Can Help
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting effect not only on humans but also on our beloved pets. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in anxiety-related behaviours in cats and dogs. Whether due to changes in their routines, more time spent at home, or a shift in household dynamics, pets have had to adapt to a stressful and uncertain environment. Unfortunately, these adjustments have led to more pets experiencing anxiety than ever before. In this post, we’ll explore how the pandemic affected our pets’ mental health and how Proflax Natural Supplements can provide relief—with specific solutions for dogs and a unique product tailored for cats.
How COVID-19 Has Affected Pets' Mental Health
Cats and dogs are deeply sensitive to their surroundings and to changes in the emotional states of their owners. During the pandemic, many pets experienced anxiety from sudden disruptions in their day-to-day lives. Dogs, in particular, felt the strain of lockdowns and isolation, which manifested in behavioral problems such as barking, separation anxiety, or destructive chewing. Cats, being more territorial, often responded by becoming withdrawn or exhibiting behavioral changes like excessive grooming or litter box issues.
Unfortunately, the effects of these stressors can still be felt long after restrictions have eased. Many pets are still grappling with heightened levels of anxiety, and without intervention, these behaviors can become chronic, affecting their overall well-being.
Signs of Anxiety in Pets
Recognising anxiety in pets is key to managing it. Symptoms vary, but common signs of anxiety include:
- Excessive barking or meowing
- Destructive behaviour (chewing, scratching)
- Restlessness or pacing
- Increased panting or drooling
- Aggression or fearful reactions
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Excessive grooming or licking
- Hiding or seeking isolation
If your pet is showing these signs, it may be a sign that they are struggling with anxiety and need additional support.
Why Proflax’s Natural Approach Is the Answer
At Proflax, we understand that pets are under more stress than ever. That’s why we offer natural supplements designed to provide safe, effective, and holistic support for anxiety relief. While many pharmaceutical medications exist for treating anxiety, they often come with undesirable side effects and long-term risks. Some common anti-anxiety drugs can lead to toxic buildup in your pet’s liver, kidneys, or digestive system, especially with prolonged use. These medications can also suppress your pet's natural ability to cope with stress, which can lead to dependency and worsen their anxiety over time.
Natural solutions like our Proflax products, on the other hand, work to gently support your pet’s body and nervous system, without the risks associated with pharmaceuticals. Our products use natural ingredients that not only calm anxiety but also support overall health and well-being.
Proflax for Cats: Feline Fine
Cats have unique needs when it comes to supplements, which is why we’ve created Feline Fine—the perfect blend of natural ingredients specifically tailored for cats. This supplement helps ease anxiety while supporting overall health.
Key Benefits:
- Soothes anxiety without sedating
- Promotes healthy skin, coat, and digestion
- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids and calming herbs
Please note that Proflax Omega Calm, Calm & Collected, and Calming Superchews are for dogs only. Cats should only use Feline Fine.
Proflax Omega Calm – For High levels of Anxiety in Dogs
One of our most popular products, Proflax Omega Calm is a powerful supplement for dogs with high levels of anxiety. This 100% natural supplement combines high-quality Atlantic salmon oil with calming herbs such as Withania, Valerian, Lemon Balm and Passionflower. These herbs are well known for their ability to help modulate stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that mask symptoms, Proflax Omega Calm works by supporting your dogs nervous system, helping them cope with stress in a natural and sustainable way.
Key Benefits of Proflax Omega Calm:
- Reduces anxiety and calms stress responses
- Supports a healthy nervous system
- Promotes relaxation without drowsiness
- Contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and cognitive function
Omega Calm is ideal for dogs who are particularly sensitive to noise, such as fireworks or thunder, or who experience separation anxiety, are barkers or chewers. It’s also perfect for calming dogs during stressful events like vet visits or car journeys.
Proflax Calm & Collected – A Subtle, Daily Support
If your dog experiences low-level anxiety or struggles to maintain focus, Proflax Calm & Collected may be the perfect option. This flaxseed oil-based product contains herbs like Chamomile, Skullcap, and Withania, which work together to provide non-drowsy, long-term support. It is particularly helpful for dogs who need assistance with focus during training or who show signs of low-grade anxiety on a regular basis.
Key Benefits of Proflax Calm & Collected:
- Calms and relaxes without drowsiness
- Aids focus and concentration, perfect for training
- Supports a balanced nervous system
Proflax Calming Superchews – Instant Relief
For immediate relief during stressful situations, our Proflax Calming Superchews are ideal. These treats are infused with 20% Omega Calm oil and enriched with additional calming active ingredients L-Tryptophan and Lemon Balm, which help to very quickly calm your pet’s anxiety. Whether it's fireworks, a vet visit, or a car ride, these chews provide instant calming support when your pet needs it most. These chews work in 20-30 minutes.
Key Benefits of Proflax Calming Superchews:
- Provides instant calming support
- Easy to feed – perfect for stressful situations
- Contains L-Tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin for improved mood
The Power of Adaptogens: How Proflax Helps Your Pet’s Stress Response
Adaptogens are a key component of many of our products, as they help the body respond better to stress. Adaptogenic herbs, such as Withania (Ashwagandha), Valerian, and Passionflower, help to modulate the stress response, ensuring that your pet can remain calm without becoming overly sedated. These herbs also support the nervous system, help maintain cognitive function, and strengthen your pet’s overall immunity.
Adaptogens are known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress by regulating hormone levels and balancing the immune system. This makes them an ideal choice for pets experiencing anxiety caused by external stressors, such as loud noises, new environments, or separation.
Why Natural Works Better: The Risks of Pharmaceuticals
While pharmaceutical medications may offer immediate relief for anxiety, they often come with serious risks and side effects. Many anxiety medications prescribed for pets have toxic elements, which can negatively affect their liver, kidneys, gut-health or gastrointestinal system when used long-term. Additionally, these drugs can create dependency, meaning your pet may need increasing doses to achieve the same effect, which further exacerbates the potential for harm.
In contrast, natural supplements like Proflax products provide a safer, non-toxic way to support your pet's emotional well-being. By working with your pet’s body to naturally regulate its stress response, our products help to alleviate anxiety without the harmful side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Pet Anxiety
The global pandemic has had a profound effect on both humans and animals, with an increasing number of pets showing signs of anxiety due to changes in their environment and routines. The stress of lockdowns, isolation, and increased household noise has left many pets feeling more nervous and unsettled than before. Understanding the root causes of pet anxiety and its symptoms is essential for pet owners who want to help their animals feel more at ease.
Fortunately, there are effective, natural ways to manage and reduce anxiety in pets. Offering a stable routine, providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and incorporating a balanced diet are all key factors in promoting emotional wellbeing. Additionally, incorporating natural supplements, such as adaptogens, can help to modulate the body’s stress response and offer support without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical medications.