Lulu

STRESS LESS

Calm supplements for stress support

Stress is not just a human problem. Our dogs experience stress too, and its effects on their health can be just as profound as it is in us. When a dog is stressed, their body releases cortisol – the primary stress hormone. In short bursts, cortisol serves a vital purpose, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. But when stress becomes chronic and cortisol levels remain elevated over extended periods, the consequences for health can be serious.

Chronically elevated cortisol suppresses the immune system, increases susceptibility to infections and inflammatory conditions, disrupts digestion, impairs cognitive function and can even accelerate ageing. In bull terriers, who are already prone to skin conditions and autoimmune issues, chronic stress can be a significant trigger for flare-ups and health crises.

COMMON STRESSORS

Dogs can be stressed by a wide range of environmental, social and physiological triggers. Some of the most common stressors include:

  • Thunderstorms – the combination of changes in barometric pressure, static electricity, loud thunder and flashing lightning can cause extreme anxiety in many dogs
  • Separation anxiety – being left alone, particularly for dogs who are deeply bonded with their owners. Bull terriers are known for forming very strong attachments
  • Fireworks – the unpredictable, loud explosions and flashing lights of fireworks are one of the most common triggers for canine anxiety
  • Changes in routine – moving house, new family members, changes in work schedules, travel
  • Veterinary visits – the car ride, unfamiliar environment, strange smells and handling by strangers
  • Other animals – encounters with unfamiliar dogs, cats or wildlife
  • Loud noises – construction, traffic, household appliances, shouting
  • Pain or illness – dogs in chronic pain or discomfort experience physiological stress even if they don’t show obvious signs

STRESS INDICATORS

Dogs communicate stress through body language and behaviour. Learning to recognise the signs helps you intervene early:

  • Excessive panting when not hot or exercised
  • Pacing, restlessness, inability to settle
  • Excessive yawning
  • Lip licking and drooling
  • Whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes)
  • Tucked tail, lowered body posture
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Excessive shedding
  • Loss of appetite or digestive upset
  • Destructive behaviour
  • Excessive barking or whining
  • Hiding or seeking constant physical contact
  • Sudden changes in toileting habits

NATURAL STRESS SOLUTIONS

Managing your dog’s stress naturally involves both addressing the environment and supporting the body’s ability to cope. The following supplements have been invaluable in helping Lulu manage stress and maintain calm.

Magnesium Malate (650mg)

Magnesium is often called ‘nature’s relaxant’. It plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function, and deficiency is strongly linked to anxiety, restlessness and muscle tension. The malate form is one of the most bioavailable and gentle on the digestive system. We give Lulu 650mg morning and evening. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, calms the nervous system, promotes restful sleep and helps regulate the body’s stress response. It also supports healthy heart function and energy production.

PetArk’s Calm Formula

PetArk’s Calm Formula is a veterinary-formulated powder that we add to Lulu’s food daily. It contains a blend of calming herbs and nutrients specifically designed to support the canine nervous system and promote relaxation without causing sedation. We have found it to be genuinely effective in helping Lulu maintain a calmer baseline, particularly during periods of increased stress such as storm season or when there are changes to her routine. It works gently and cumulatively – the benefits build over time with consistent daily use.

Beyond supplementation, other strategies that help manage stress include maintaining consistent daily routines, providing a safe, quiet space for your dog to retreat to, regular gentle exercise, calm and reassuring body language from you (dogs are incredibly attuned to our emotional state), and avoiding exposure to known stressors where possible.

Lix and Lulu

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lix North | Artist, Illustrator, Photographer. Owned by The Lulu Bully.

I grew up on a farm in rural New Zealand. Forever fond of my gumboots and jumping in muddy puddles, my childhood best friends were the farm working dogs (huntaways, bearded and border collies) and the family spaniels. Animals have always been an intrinsic part of my life, I spent a lot of my youth caring for farm and domestic animals, hand rearing orphaned animals and watching and assisting farm hands and vets. One of my earliest memories is the magic and awe I felt as a toddler watching my grandmother help a litter of puppies into the world. As legend has it, my first word was ‘woof’.

As an artist and photographer I seek the imperfections that make each of us, each fleeting moment, and the world around us, utterly unique. I strive to capture our points of difference, our foibles and eccentricities, our daydreams and delusions, our innate temporality - I believe that in the juxtaposition of wonderful strangeness lies an exquisite, honest beauty far greater than that built on pure symmetry, calculable balance or flawlessness. Who better as my muse than a Bull Terrier - the very embodiment of wonderful strangeness.

For fine art by Lix North visit www.lixnorth.com. For illustration, graphic art and photography visit www.lixcreative.com

Disclaimer: The content on lulubully.com is a fluid, living collection of notes, personal thoughts and experiences. I regularly edit tweak and update these blog pages as my ideas evolve. All opinions are my own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease. Thoughts expressed, information provided and products mentioned are not necessarily approved by any governing body or health professional. I am not a qualified medical, veterinarian or naturopathic practitioner, my thoughts and experiences are offered purely as a layperson. Discretion, common sense and personal responsibility should be employed when applying any of the ideas expressed here to your own personal situation.