{"id":3034,"date":"2024-10-01T23:20:24","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T21:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/product\/uncategorized\/stress-protocol\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T23:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:48:07","slug":"stress-protocol","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/product\/behavior\/stress-protocol\/","title":{"rendered":"Conduct protocol"},"content":{"rendered":"
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QUICK SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>\n

This protocol helps with:<\/strong> anxiety, aggression, overstimulation, separation anxiety and chronic stress in dogs and cats. Behavioral problems often have a physical cause: an overactive nervous system, a disturbed gut-brain axis or a shortage of neurotransmitter precursors. This protocol addresses that cause. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Why a protocol and not just behavioral training?<\/h2>\n

Behavioural training is valuable, but has limited effect if the animal’s nervous system cannot calm itself down due to a biochemical deficiency or imbalance. Serotonin, GABA, dopamine and cortisol are the neurochemical building blocks of behaviour. If these are out of balance due to deficiencies in precursors, an overactive HPA axis or a disturbed microbiome, the animal is physiologically unable to learn to relax.
\nThe gut-brain axis<\/a> is a key concept here: 90% of the serotonin in the body is produced in the gut. An imbalance in the microbiome produces fewer serotonin precursors and more pro-inflammatory substances that affect brain function. As a result, many behavioural problems in dogs and cats have an intestinal component that is rarely included in the standard behavioural approach.
\nThe Behavioural Protocol supports the nervous system, stress hormone balance and gut health at the same time. Combined with behavioral training, this gives the best results. <\/p>\n

How does the Conduct Protocol work?<\/h2>\n

The protocol works on three layers simultaneously: direct neurotransmitter support for rapid effect, HPA-axis repair for lasting effect, and gut health as the underlying foundation. The first layer is noticeable within days, the second within weeks, the third within months. <\/p>\n

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1<\/div>\n
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Layer 1: Direct Nervous System Support<\/div>\n
Serotonin, GABA and magnesium for instant calming<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Relax Support provides L-theanine<\/a> for direct alpha brainwave modulation, L-tryptophan<\/a> as a serotonin precursor, and magnesium as a nervous system cofactor. CBD oil modulates the endocannabinoid system for anxiety and pain regulation. Myco Adaptogen Complex provides Reishi for calming via histamine inhibition and Lion’s Mane for NGF stimulation. This layer is noticeable within days to a week. <\/p>\n

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Start now<\/div>\n
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\u2192<\/span> Relax Support<\/div>\n
\u2192<\/span> CBD oil<\/div>\n
\u2192<\/span> Myco Adaptogen Complex<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2<\/div>\n
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Layer 2: HPA axis recovery weeks 2 to 8<\/div>\n
Normalizing cortisol, building stress resistance<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Adaptogen Complex restores the HPA axis via ashwagandha (cortisol modulation and GABA activation) and rhodiola (energy recovery and resilience). This takes two to four weeks to give full effect but provides more lasting stress resistance than direct sedatives. Liposomal Vitamin B-Complex supplements the B vitamins that the nervous system uses extra in case of chronic stress. <\/p>\n

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Add week 1-2<\/div>\n
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\u2192<\/span> Adaptogen Complex<\/div>\n
\u2192<\/span> Liposomal Vitamin B-Complex (optional)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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3<\/div>\n
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Layer 3: Gut health as a basis continuous<\/div>\n
Support gut-brain axis, optimize serotonin production in the gut<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Animals with chronic stress complaints actually also have intestinal complaints by definition because the stress causes dysbiosis via the gut-brain axis. This in turn worsens the behavioral complaints in a vicious circle. A first step in this is intestinal support with prebiotics. Prebiotic Fibers feeds the bacteria that produce serotonin, dopamine and GABA directly and indirectly. To really tackle a chronic behavioral problem at the base, a bowel protocol is absolutely recommended. <\/p>\n

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Supplementary for intestinal complaints<\/div>\n
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\u2192<\/span> Prebiotic Fibers (optional)<\/div>\n
\u2192<\/span>Intestinal protocol<\/a> (optional)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When do you see results?<\/h2>\n

Behavioural change takes time. From a systems biology point of view, the HPA axis recovers more slowly than neurotransmitters respond. Expect a first wave of effect via the direct nervous system support, followed by a deeper stabilization via adaptogens and gut health. <\/p>\n

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Day 1-7<\/div>\n

L-theanine and CBD are active. First signs of more rest and less overreaction to stress stimuli. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Week 2-4<\/div>\n

Adaptogens are active. Calmer basic level, better sleep, less overstimulation. Increased learning capacity for behavioral training. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Month 1-2<\/div>\n

HPA axis restored. Significantly calmer behavior. Less anxious reactions. Better interaction with environment and owner. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Month 2+<\/div>\n

Structurally more balanced animal. Behavioral training more effective. Adjust or reduce the protocol in consultation based on results. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Don’t see any improvement after six weeks? Schedule an intake with integrative veterinarian Stefan Veenstra<\/a>. Severe fear or aggression always requires a combined approach with a behavioural therapist. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n
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Can I combine this protocol with medication for anxiety or aggression from the vet?<\/h3>\n

Yes, in many cases this protocol can be used as a supplement to regular medication. Always discuss this with the prescribing veterinarian, especially when combining it with sedative medication or antidepressants. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Do I have to start all three layers at the same time?<\/h3>\n

No, you can start with layer 1 for immediate effect and add the other layers in the following weeks. In case of acute or severe complaints, we recommend starting all three layers simultaneously for the fastest and most complete result. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Does this protocol also work for fireworks or noise anxiety that only occurs occasionally?<\/h3>\n

In the case of occasional anxiety, such as around New Year’s Eve, layer 1 (direct nervous system support) is especially relevant and you can start it shortly in advance. In the case of chronic anxiety or stress, the full three-layer approach is needed for a sustainable result. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Is this protocol also suitable for cats?<\/h3>\n

Yes, anxiety, overstimulation, and stress-related behaviors also occur in cats, and the underlying neurochemical and gut-brain-axis mechanisms are similar. Dosages and product choice are adapted to the cat. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why the NGD Care Behavioral Protocol?<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/th>\nNGD Care Behavioral Protocol<\/th>\nStandard approach<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Approach<\/td>\nNeurochemical: neurotransmitters, HPA axis and gut-brain axis<\/td>\nBehavioral training or medication separately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effects<\/td>\n\u2705 Minimal, no sedation or addiction<\/td>\nPharmaceutical tranquilizers: sedation and side effects<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gut-brain axis<\/td>\n\u2705 Included as the third pillar of the protocol<\/td>\n\u274c Rarely included in behavioural approach<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scientifically substantiated<\/td>\n\u2705 Yes ashwagandha RCT dogs 2024, CBD osteoarthritis RCT<\/td>\nVariable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Developed by veterinarian<\/td>\n\u2705 Stefan Veenstra DVM<\/a><\/td>\nRarely<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Personal guidance<\/td>\n\u2705 Intake possible via Naturally Healthy Animals<\/a><\/td>\n\u274c Not available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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Is this protocol suitable for my animal?<\/p>\n

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\u2713<\/span>Fear and overstimulation<\/div>\n
\u2713<\/span>Separation anxiety<\/div>\n
\u2713<\/span>Fireworks and noise anxiety<\/div>\n
\u2713<\/span>Aggression due to fear or stress<\/div>\n
\u2713<\/span>Chronic stress due to environmental changes<\/div>\n
\u2713<\/span>Sleep problems and restlessness<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

In case of serious aggression, always call in a certified behavioural therapist. This protocol is an addition to, not a substitute for, behavioral therapy. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[trustindex no-registration=”google”]<\/div>\n
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Want to read the full scientific background?<\/p>\n

Stefan Veenstra DVM explains how the gut-brain axis works and why neurochemical and gut balance is the basis for behavioral change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Read the blog<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Supplements in this protocol<\/p>\n

\u2192<\/span> Relax Support<\/a>
\n\u2192<\/span> CBD Oil<\/a>
\n\u2192<\/span> Myco Adaptogen Complex<\/a>
\n\u2192<\/span> Adaptogen Complex<\/a>
\n\u2192<\/span> Liposomal Vitamin B Complex (optional)<\/a><\/div>\n
\u2192<\/span> Prebiotic Fibers (optional)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SV<\/div>\n

Developed and clinically substantiated by Stefan Veenstra DVM<\/strong>, integrative veterinarian. Stefan is the founder of NGD Care<\/a>, NGD Care Academy<\/a> and Integrative Veterinary Center Natural Healthy Animals<\/a>. Read more about Stefan \u2192<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This protocol is educational in nature and does not replace a veterinary consultation. In case of serious aggression, always call in a certified behavioural therapist. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chronic stress and anxiety in dogs and cats are not just a behavioral problem but a physical condition that affects the entire system. This protocol combines four supplements that calm the nervous system, lower cortisol, and support bowel function: medicinal mushrooms, ashwagandha and rhodiola, CBD oil, and Relax Support. <\/p>\n

Suitable for: separation anxiety, noise phobia, aggression, overstimulation, compulsive licking or biting, and stress in cats. In case of chronic complaints, advice to combine with the Bowel Protocol. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5098,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"wds_primary_product_brand":0,"wds_primary_product_cat":22,"wds_primary_merken":0,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[119,186],"product_tag":[1147,1138,505,147,139,416,138,1132,466,1060,510,506,473,1146],"merken":[],"class_list":["post-3034","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-behavior","product_cat-protocols","product_tag-adaptogens","product_tag-aromatherapy","product_tag-ashwagandha-en","product_tag-behavior","product_tag-cat","product_tag-cbd-oil","product_tag-dog","product_tag-fear","product_tag-medicinal-mushrooms","product_tag-ngd-care-protocol-en","product_tag-recreation","product_tag-rhodiola-en","product_tag-stress-en","product_tag-stress-protocol","infinite-scroll-item","sales-flash-overlay","woocommerce-text-align-center","woocommerce-image-align-center","do-quantity-buttons","wc-has-gallery","first","instock","sale","taxable","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-simple"],"meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/3034","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3034"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=3034"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=3034"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=3034"},{"taxonomy":"merken","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/merken?post=3034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}