7 best calming aids for dogs, according to vets

Dogs, like humans, can develop anxiety. Sometimes, it’s situational — loud noises, such as thunder or fireworks, can stress out our furry friends. Other dogs are anxious more frequently, perhaps because of a previous traumatic experience.

We want our pups to be happy and healthy, physically and mentally. The best high-quality calming aids may help your dog feel less anxious and have limited potential side effects. The catch? You’ll need to find the right fit for your pup.

Don’t worry though, we’ve compiled a list of the best calming aids for dogs, helping to shorten your research time and improve your furry friend’s quality of life.

VetriScience teams up with the best dog veterinarians and nutritionists, making it a respected brand by vets around the country. These calming soft chews live up to the brand’s reputation — we love the simple and safe active ingredients list. The ingredients (such as L-theanine and colostrum) have been clinically suggested to promote feelings of calmness.

Many find that the chews work best during the day and for situational anxiety issues, like car rides. You won’t have to worry about drowsiness since these chews don’t have any ingredients that would cause drowsiness.

Looking for the right calming supplement for your dog? Native Pet doesn’t do long, confusing ingredient lists. Instead, the product offers natural formulations that are free of fillers and preservatives. These air-dried calming chews have eight ingredients, including soothing melatonin and L-theanine for an ultra-effective solution. The real chicken in the formula helps the treat to smell great and pups will be excited to take the treat.

One word of caution about the melatonin, though. This compound induces sleep but doesn’t help with anxiety. We don’t recommend giving these treats to your dog during the day, particularly before you want to play. Instead, give them to your pet before you need them to exhibit calmer behavior — like before a thunderstorm.

Sometimes, our tummies hurt during times of stress. Dogs are no exception. That’s why it’s a good idea to have something tummy-sensitive in your calm dog arsenal. Premium Care’s Calming Chews are soothing for situational-induced stressors without causing GI flare-ups, minimizing your pet’s risk of anxiety poops and vomiting.

If you’re hesitant to spring for these chews, we have good news: You can buy them, let your pup try them, and return them if they don’t work. Premium Care offers a 100% money-back guarantee.

These calming chews from Zesty Paws come in a fun orange container. But though the package is bright and cheery, the formula is soothing. Chamomile and L-theanine top the list, along with ashwagandha and other natural ingredients.

Having a designated place your dog can call its own is one way to soothe an anxious dog. This luxurious dog bed has the bonus of being one of our favorite chew-proof choices. Like other memory foam beds, it’s pricey — but balances a durable exterior with a supportive and comfortable insert. If your anxious pup is also older or suffers from an underlying medical condition, it may be a good option (and worth the splurge).

Dogs often chew when they’re stressed, and anyone who has parented a super chewer knows how quickly you can go through toys. Like other Kong products, the Kong Extreme is one of the few truly indestructible dog toys we’ve put on a list, though you should always supervise your dog to make sure they don’t ingest any small pieces that might break off. Fill it with a middle of your choice: Either one of the treats on this list or a puree of your dog’s favorite filling.

Many pet parents have tested Sentry calming collars on dogs and cats and found them to be effective for both. Our veterinary advisors are fans, too. “The calming collars may help a dog or cat that has mild anxiety around other pets or is being introduced into a new home,” Dr. Michelle Diener says. “These collars would not be worth trying on a dog or cat that has severe anxiety.”

Dr. Irish helped us formulate this list. She took a close look at the calming supplements on our list to ensure they’re safe and effective for your pup to use. Calming supplements alone may not be enough to soothe your anxious pet. That’s why we also suggested other products: such as a comfortable bed, a challenging toy, and a calming collar. Dr. Irish also recommends calming probiotics like Purina ProPlan’s Calming Care.

👉 Your veterinarian can help you make a plan for soothing your anxious dog. Severe anxiety may require anxiety medications or behavioral training. 

Calming treats, supplements, and other aids may help dogs who experience:

• Separation anxiety
• Situational anxiety
• Sleep issues

Daily supplements may be necessary for dogs with persistent anxiety You may not need to supplement daily for dogs with situational anxiety. Instead, you might try a supplement 1 to 2 hours before the anxiety-causing event. Calming supplements are generally most effective in dogs with mild general and situational anxiety.

Calming supplements usually work best if they have a variety of ingredients that can work in conjunction to reduce anxiety.

• Valerian root. Many researchers believe valerian root increases the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA provides a calming effect on the brain, allowing your pup to relax. The supplement has a sedative effect, so expect your dog to become a little drowsy.
• Melatonin. Melatonin can also increase the functioning of GABA in the brain and reduce the feeling of fear. Melatonin is generally considered safe by vets, but there aren’t many canine-specific studies. As always, consult your vet before giving your dog melatonin-based supplements. Watch out for ones with xylitol as an ingredient.
• L-theanine. L-theanine works by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which produces a calming effect. It’s the main ingredient in most calming supplements for dogs and can be used for a variety of anxious conditions. Give your dog a supplement about one hour before an anticipated anxious event.
• L-tryptophan. Low levels of L-tryptophan in the body have been associated with anxiety, mood disorders, and depressive symptoms. So it makes sense that if you provide extra tryptophan in the body, feelings of anxiety may be reduced. Tryptophan also increases the amount of serotonin, the happy hormone, in your pup’s brain.
• Chamomile. Chamomile is an herbal extract with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and muscle-relaxing properties. It can help with relaxation though it has mildly sedative properties, thus helping to relieve anxiety. It can also decrease anxiety-related gastrointestinal disturbances, such as gas, pain, and bloating.
• Hemp oil. Hemp oil and CBD oil are incredibly popular among dog owners these days. While there’s anecdotal evidence that CBD is effective, there’s still a lot of research to do. Scientific findings have yet to prove the oil’s consistent efficacy and safety profile.

👉 If you do try CBD oil with your dog, make sure it’s manufactured specifically for dogs and follow the label instructions precisely to avoid adverse reactions. Dr. Irish also recommends looking for companies that readily provide laboratory data ensuring their products do not contain THC, the compound found in marijuana that leads to changes in consciousness and perception. ElleVet Sciences would be a good option to consider for many.

• Passionflower. Passionflower is a natural herbal supplement that’s considered to be a mood enhancer. It can produce a calming effect in your pup but is best if given before a trigger sets them off.
• Colostrum. Colostrum is a milk protein that is derived from the first milk produced by a lactating female. The colostrum used in supplements is typically obtained from cows. There’s also evidence that certain milk proteins may help with anxiety as well.