Q and A: GABA and Dogs

Q and A: GABA and Dogs
What is GABA?
The Cleveland Clinic is an authority on this subject. “Gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain. It
slows down the brain by blocking specific signals in the central nervous
system (brain and spinal cord).” Scientists best describe GABA as “a non-
protein amino acid neurotransmitter.”

Why is the world beginning to turn its attention to GABA?
GABA is recognized for producing a calming effect. It is believed to play a
major role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with stress,
anxiety and fear.

How exactly does gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) work?
Inhibitory neurotransmitters prevent or block chemical messages and
decrease the stimulation of nerve cells in your dog’s brain. That said, GABA
is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous
system.

These chemical messengers carry messages from one nerve cell in the brain
to the next. A synapse is a tiny amount of fluid-filled space between each
nerve cell. Neurotransmitters are able to carry their message across this
synapse and then land on and bind to specific receptors on the next nerve
cell.

By binding to these receptors. GABA then helps decrease the responsiveness
of the nerve cell, explaining why they are considered an inhibitory
neurotransmitter.
In summary, GABA minimizes the ability of a nerve cell to receive, create or
send chemical messages to other nerve cells. That helps explain its
effectiveness.
What are the health benefits of slowing certain bran functions
through the ingestion of GABA?
1. A reduction in stress
2. A reduction in anxiety
3. An improvement in sleep
It is also believed that increasing GABA levels may help treat high blood
pressure, diabetes and insomnia.

Based on these GABA-related benefits, how might a dog’s behavior
change?
By helping maintain normal emotional balance, a dog is less likely to engage
in destructive behavior and other actions indicative of an animal that is
experiencing stress and/or anxiety.

Dogs often appear more relaxed as a result of properly ingesting GABA. That
may become evident on car rides and when the dog is around strangers or
placed in other challenging situations. Many become more capable of
enjoying better sleep patterns.

Do certain dog supplements contain GABA?
Yes. Yet, it is critical that it be included in a well formulated chew that
includes other equally important calm-inducing ingredients.

ABOUT VITAIL CALMING SUPPLEMENTS: These vet-recommended, third
party tested chews have been carefully formulated with amino acids and
herbs to help support calmness and relaxation. Ingredients include GABA, L-
Theanine, L-Glycine and Ashwagandha. Crafted to help your pup maintain
emotional balance during stressful situations, these chews are best taken
daily.

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