Conduct protocol
Behavioural problems in dogs and cats – an integrative approach
Behavioral problems are rarely "just behavior". Stress, anxiety, restlessness or aggression are often related to a dysregulated nervous system, stress axis and gut-brain axis.
The NGD Care Behavioral Protocol supports:
- The nervous system and stimulus processing
- The stress regulation (HPA axis)
- The gut-brain axis, which strongly influences behavior
Depending on the situation, this protocol will be:
- Used independently for acute stress or anxiety
- Or combined with the intestinal protocol for chronic or long-term complaints
Suitable for anxiety, overstimulation, restlessness, fireworks stress, separation anxiety and stress-related behavior.
Do you recognize this in your animal?
Do you see one or more of these signs?
- Quickly startled by noises
- Fear of fireworks, thunderstorms, visitors or being alone
- Restless or light sleep
- Continuously following and keeping an eye on the owners
- Peeing or marking in the house
- Excessive licking or other compulsive behavior
- Easily overstimulated while walking or exercising
- Aggression or withdrawal behaviour without a clear reason
- Abdominal discomfort, itching or skin problems that start or worsen with tension
Then there is a good chance that the nervous system is out of balance.
Stress is not a behavior
Stress is a dysregulated system
Within integrative veterinary medicine, we do not see behaviour as a separate symptom.
Chronic stress affects, among other things:
- the nervous system
- The gut-brain axis
- the hormone balance (HPA axis)
- the immune system
- Inflammatory sensitivity
- the ability to recover
That is why we often see in animals with behavioral problems:
- Skin complaints
- Gastrointestinal problems
- fatigue
- pain or increased tenderness
Just training, correcting or distracting is usually not enough.
Our vision: behaviour starts from the inside out
At NGD Care, we look beyond just the behavior you see.
Behavior is controlled by the body: the nervous system, the intestines and the immune system work closely together.
If this balance is disturbed, it can manifest itself in fear, restlessness or other problem behavior.
That is why we support not only the behavior, but the physical basis that lies underneath.
Bowel protocol phases
The gut-brain axis
The key to behavior and relaxation
The intestines and the brain are constantly connected to each other. We call this communication the gut-brain axis: a two-way traffic in which signals continuously go back and forth between the abdomen and brain.
This connection takes place via several routes:
- The nervous system, particularly through the vagus nerve, which transmits signals from the gut directly to the brain
- The immune system, in which inflammatory substances from the intestine influence stimulus processing and mood
- Hormones and neurotransmitters, which determine how stress is experienced and processed
As many as 70–90% of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (rest, mood) and GABA (relaxation and inhibition of stimuli), and a large part of the dopamine balance (motivation and concentration), are produced or regulated by the microbiome in the gut.
When the intestinal flora becomes unbalanced, this can lead to:
- increased sensitivity to stress
- fear or anxiety
- Worse sleep
- Reduced concentration and learnability
- Getting overstimulated more quickly
In addition, a disturbed intestinal barrier can lead to low-grade inflammation, which keeps the nervous system in a continuous state of alertness. It is then difficult for the body to really relax.
That is why we often see gastrointestinal complaints, food sensitivities, itching or changing stools in animals with behavioural problems.
Behaviour therefore does not only arise in the head, but in the cooperation between the intestines, brain and nervous system.
An integrative approach to behavioural problems
The basis of the integrative approach always consists of:
- Nutrition
- regulation of the nervous system with the Behavioral Protocol
- restoration of the microbiome using the Gut Protocol, especially in chronic complaints
What is included in the NGD Care Behavioural Protocol?
This protocol works through multiple inputs at the same time.
Nervous system & stress regulation
Magnesium, L-theanine, tryptophan and vitamin B6 support relaxation, sleep and stress resistance.
Adaptogens that help regulate cortisol, adrenaline and serotonin and support recovery after stress.
Microbiome & gut-brain axis
Four medicinal mushrooms with an adaptogenic effect. They support the immune system, act as prebiotics and support stress regulation through the gastrointestinal tract.
In case of long-term or severe complaints, where there are indications of intestinal dysbiosis or increased intestinal permeability, we additionally recommend the NGD Care Bowel Protocol.
Regulation & Recovery
Emotional & energetic support
In addition to the standard supplements, additional support may be desirable:
to support emotional regulation and trauma integration
(Stress Support, Anxiety Support, Nerve Reset) that act directly on the limbic system through smell
Relaxation occurs when the nervous system feels safe again.
For which animals is this protocol suitable?
With the NGD Care Behavioural Protocol, we support animals with:
chronic stress
Fear and anxiety
overstimulation
Emotional instability
In case of deep moments of fear and panic (such as fireworks or thunderstorms), there is also the NGD Care Fireworks Protocol.
What owners often notice
After a few weeks, many owners notice:
- calmer behavior
- Fewer startle reactions
- Deeper sleep
- less licking or worrying
- Better recovery after stressful situations
- More relaxation at home
Behavior starts before the problem
Behavioral problems often build up gradually through a combination of stress, nutrition, experiences and environment.
Nutrition as the basis for stable behaviour
Nutrition directly affects the nervous system and the gut-brain axis.
We recommend foods that:
- is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- contains sufficient tryptophan, magnesium and B vitamins
- is free of (ultra) processed ingredients, excessive sugars and artificial additives
A safe and predictable framework is essential for mental balance.
Important pillars are:
- Clear routines
- Predictable communication
- Sufficient moments of rest
- appropriate mental and physical challenge
- socialization at the animal's pace
Over-questioning, too many stimuli or lack of clarity can activate the stress system for a long time – even with well-intentioned upbringing.
Why choose NGD Care?
- Developed from integrative veterinary medicine
- Daily practical experience with osteoarthritis patients
- Systemic structure, no separate claims
- Attention to intestines, inflammation and joint
- Transparent, substantively substantiated approach
Behavioural therapy as indispensable support
Behavioral therapy is not an alternative, but an essential addition to this protocol.
Behavioural therapy focuses on learning processes, coping and behaviour
The NGD Care Behavioral Protocol focuses on nervous system, gut and stress regulation
Together they reinforce each other.
A body that can relax better learns faster and reacts less violently.