Marvellous Magnesium - A Natural Way to Help Dogs Manage Anxiety – Without Losing Their Spark
Anxiety in dogs can show up in many forms – from trembling during fireworks to pacing when left alone, to being unsettled in the car or struggling with unfamiliar household noises. For some dogs, especially rescues, these feelings are brand new and overwhelming.
It could be a high-energy working or competition dog - the Spaniels and Collies who live to work – can get so wound up with excitement or anticipation that they can’t think straight, let alone focus on the job. Anxiety can turn everyday moments into challenges – for both of you.
While there are times when prescription medication is needed, many owners look for natural ways to take the edge off their dog’s
anxiety without sedating them or affecting their ability to work, train, or compete. That’s where magnesium can help.
The Science Bit – How Magnesium Supports Calm
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in hundreds of processes in the body, including nerve function, muscle relaxation, and the regulation of the stress response.
When a dog feels anxious, their body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This ramps up their nervous system, making them more alert – and sometimes, more reactive. Magnesium helps by:
- Regulating nerve signals – keeping the nervous system from becoming over-excited.
- Supporting muscle relaxation – preventing the tense, jittery feeling anxiety can bring.
- Balancing stress hormones – helping the body return to a calmer state more quickly.
Unlike sedatives, magnesium doesn’t “switch off” a dog’s personality or slow them down. Instead, it works subtly in the background, reducing the intensity of anxious responses so your dog can think, learn, and focus.
Not a Drug – Just a Natural Nutrient
Magnesium isn’t a pharmaceutical – it’s a mineral found naturally in the diet. However, modern pet diets (and even some high-quality foods) don’t always provide optimal levels for dogs under stress. Extra magnesium can help fill that gap.
Because it’s not a sedative, it won’t affect your dog’s enthusiasm for agility, obedience, flyball, or working tasks. Think of it as turning down the volume on their anxiety, not muting the sound entirely.
When Can Magnesium Help?
Magnesium can be useful in many anxiety-linked situations, including:
- Separation anxiety – helping dogs settle when you leave the house.
- Travel stress – easing restlessness on journeys.
- Noise sensitivity – fireworks, thunderstorms, or noisy household appliances.
- Rescue and rehomed dogs – adjusting to unfamiliar sounds, sights, and routines.
- Performance nerves – staying composed and focused in competition or training environments.
The Training Advantage
An important point: magnesium doesn’t “cure” anxiety on its own. What it can do is reduce the reactivity enough to make training more effective.
A dog in full panic mode can’t learn – their brain is in survival mode. But if the intensity of that reaction is softened, they’re better able to respond to positive training methods, build confidence, and develop coping skills over time.
For example, a noise-sensitive dog might still notice a distant bang, but instead of bolting behind the sofa, they might just flick an ear and look to you for guidance. That’s your training window.
Our Reactions Matter, Too
Dogs are expert at reading our emotions. If we flap and fuss when a storm rolls in or fireworks start, they’ll pick up on it. In their minds, if you’re worried, there must be a reason to panic.
A calm, matter-of-fact approach – combined with something like magnesium to help them manage their own stress – can go a long
way. Pair that with gradual desensitisation, and you’re setting your dog up for success.
A Balanced Approach
Magnesium isn’t a magic wand, but for many dogs it’s a valuable tool in the anxiety-management toolkit. Used alongside good training, environmental management, and a calm handler, it can help your dog feel more secure without losing the spark that makes them who they are.
If some of this story sounds familiar perhaps magnesium could help your dog. Have a look and read more about our Ace Canine Settlers. With the right support, anxious moments can become much more manageable – and you and your dog can face challenges with confidence.
SETTLERS CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Amazing Supplement Having a very anxious dog is not fun as those who have/have had, will appreciate. There’s a lot of thinking outside the box needed to get them through a stress free day. I’ve tried everything going for Jimmy (greyhound) with no impact whatsoever. He became so withdrawn, even a walk was too much for him to process. He has a buddy in his greyhound sister who is confident, but she’s not enough to get him out and about. So with little expectation I thought I’d try this new supplement and what a difference it has made. He’s not fixed by any means but he now enjoys a short walk out where he can reintroduce himself back on the doggy internet of sniffs and leaving his own mark, and he actually goes to the gates in anticipation of his new daily walk. He has so far managed a circuit of 2 miles walking to the local country store where his favourite dry sausages come from, his “sweetie shop”. Still having an occasional freeze but Settlers have just made his little world slightly bigger and a lot more interesting. Thank You Ace Canine from Jimmy, Inky and me 😊
Improved Focus on the agility start line! Settlers has definitely helped my spaniel cope in agility. He can hold his wait better & focuses more during the run without losing any speed. Definitely worth trying if you have a dog that struggles with the arousal of big competitions.
The only supplement that has ever worked I've tried many supplements to help my anxious dog. I don't know why or how, but the settlers are the only supplement that actually makes a difference. I will not be without them now as they make such a difference to my dog.
