The first and most obvious thing is to give your pup a tryptophan-rich diet. Some of the ingredients that are rich in this amino acid are turkey, chicken, beans, lentils, and pineapple. The other thing that must be done to complement these amino acids is to give specific carbohydrates to your dog.
Feeding dogs carbohydrates one to two hours after the protein-rich portion of their meal may also enhance serotonin levels. Carbohydrates stimulate the body to produce insulin, which not only breaks down sugars, but also helps other large (nucleic) amino acids be absorbed into muscle tissue.
Firstly by increasing, in the diet, food rich in tryptophan such as turkey, chicken, salmon, certain red meats, oats, beans, lentils, pineapple and others.
Serotonin is produced from tryptophan and is widely believed to be important in the etiology and treatment of most disorders in dogs.
Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin. Foods, including salmon, eggs, spinach, and seeds are among those that help boost serotonin naturally.
As tryptophan is found in abundance in poultry and eggs a good way to ensure that your dog is getting enough is to feed a chicken based food of suitable overall protein content rather than one based on red meat, or to supplement a standard food with egg white.
Treatments will be administered based on your dog's clinical signs and may include antinausea medications, antidiarrheals, muscle relaxants, or antiseizure medications. Your dog may remain hospitalized for several days, in order to allow the veterinary team to manage the ongoing effects of serotonin syndrome.
Dopamine is also released when dogs are expecting a reward, anticipation of reward which leads to a dog seeking out events and experiences that were rewarding in the past. If our intention is to give dogs a rewarding life, then their daily activities need to produce healthy amounts of dopamine.
Chewing naturally increases a dog's overall well-being. The repetitive action of chewing releases serotonin and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters in the brain that support mental health, and a feel-good vibe.
Increasing serotonin levels can be done naturally. The best ways to do this are eating well, getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D, exercising, taking adaptogens, and managing stress. Serotonin can also be increased synthetically with antidepressants.
There are foods available, such as Hill's® Prescription Diet® b/d® and Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare™, that have been shown to help cognitive function in older dogs, which may be the best choice for your dog.
Drinks like green tea and probiotics help to boost serotonin. Other foods containing Vitamin D are also good because Vitamin D activates tryptophan, which leads to increases in serotonin levels. Good sources of Vitamin D foods include cod liver oil, fortified orange juice, and many types of yogurt.
L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are the “building blocks” the body uses to make serotonin, and some research suggests that supplementing with these compounds may increase serotonin and improve mood. Of the two, 5-HTP can freely cross the blood-brain barrier.
Using a favourite toy or an especially tasty type of treat or food when working with a stressed, anxious, fearful or reactive dog and help to increase dopamine levels, reduce stress and push the dog to continue trying a task or behaviour.
Simple Summary. A number of studies have shown that when dogs and humans interact with each other in a positive way (for example cuddling) both partners exhibit a surge in oxytocin, a hormone which has been linked to positive emotional states.
Types of mental stimulation for dogs
Playing interactive games with your dog. Giving your dog agility training. Teaching your dog to perform a task such as closing a door or helping you put away their toys. Training your dog to respond to various commands.
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium, Diastat) or lorazepam (Ativan), can help control agitation, seizures and muscle stiffness. Serotonin-production blocking agents. If other treatments aren't working, medications such as cyproheptadine can help by blocking serotonin production.
Studies in animals and humans have revealed that serotonin is responsible for feelings of well being, calmness, relaxation, confidence and concentration.
As seen in humans, serotonin syndrome in dogs may cause: Altered mental state (confusion, depression, or hyperactivity) Difficulty walking. Trembling and seizures.
Turkey and Chicken
Light meat contains 410 milligrams per pound (raw) and dark meat contains 303 milligrams per pound. Chicken also contains high amounts of tryptophan, with light meat containing 238 milligrams per pound, and dark meat containing 256 milligrams per pound.
Though there are fewer really rich vegan sources of tryptophan, sweet potatoes contain a surprisingly hefty dose. Each cup of these mashed delicious tubers provides 92 mg (33% RDI) of tryptophan. Sweet potatoes are also excellent sources of vitamins A and B5, as well as copper and manganese.
Veggies like kelp, seaweed, and spirulina are all fantastic sources of tryptophan. These veggies contain about 3 percent of your daily tryptophan requirement. You can get your soy through soybeans, tofu, and soymilk. One cup of soy beans contain 535mg of Tryptophan.