Top Calming Aids for Dogs
When it comes to doing the best for our pets, that includes everything – such as when they get scared or anxious. Especially for dogs that may have separation anxiety, don’t like being in cars/travelling, or they have an overall anxiety issue, owners know how difficult it can be to find a solution that works for their furry family member.
The products and tips below will hopefully help get your dog (and you) some much needed rest and calmness back into the day. All supplements and calming aids that we have listed here are reviewed to be safe for dogs of most ages and are naturally derived. However, we highly recommend checking with a vet before administering any new aid for your dog, including natural calming aids.
Our Top Picks
What to look for in calming aids for dogs
When looking for calming aids, keep these important factors in mind:
Validity – Not all calming aid products for pets are legitimate and with it still being a more unregulated section of pet supplies, it can be harmful to grab the first thing you see and hope for the best. Do some research into a product that you’re interested in to make sure that it is a valid, tested, and safe product for your dog.
Price vs product – This can tie into the validity section above as well. Higher price does not mean higher quality in all cases, especially when it comes to calming aid products or other pet related items that may not be vet-recommended, tested, or otherwise safe for your pet.
Calming uses – Not all pet calming aids products or techniques are an all-in-one fix for your dog’s anxiety, especially depending on what specific kind of anxiety you’re trying to ease. Separation anxiety for example would need to use different techniques along with a product maybe, compared to giving your dog an anti-anxiety medication before a flight or drive. Be sure to pinpoint your specific needs.
Ingredients – It’s important to do your own research into what ingredients are best for your dog, and which are safe. There are multiple resources available online as well, and if you’re not sure you can always talk to your vet before giving your pup anything you’re unsure of.
Anxitane Chewable Tablets
Vet recommended and small sized, these tablets for both dogs and cats are a great dose of L-Theanine that allow for natural and easy relaxation for your pet, whether it’s short-term like a trip to the vet, groomer, or travel – they also can be used long-term if your pet suffers from everyday anxiety, is skittish, or has separation anxiety.
There are no known interactions to other therapeutic medications as of this writing, and the tablets are easily chewable. Some pets may not like the taste, though reviews seem to show that isn’t much of an issue with most. These specific tablets for dogs and cats are for pets up to 22lbs, though the brand does have other supplements that are for larger breed dogs such as Saint Bernard’s or a Pyrenees.
Pros
- Vet recommended.
- Can be given short-term or long-term.
- Works for both dogs and cats.
Cons
- Not all pets will like the taste.
VetriScience Chewable Tablets
If you’re looking for calming aids that work sooner than later, these peanut butter flavoured bites from VetriScience have you covered. Depending on your dogs breed and size, these can take only 30 minutes to start working and last for up to 4 hours. They feature extensively researched ingredients that promote relaxation and improved cognition.
VetriScience says that you can safely double or triple the dosage if your dog is at extremely heightened stress, and the bag is a great price for the amount you receive, at 120 bites for around $60-65. These are to manage everyday stresses more than one-off situations, but they work just as well for either. If your dog has separation anxiety or tends to get hyperactive with guests around, with some training and these as an added supplement, they can help to curb your dogs everyday anxiousness.
Pros
- Good price for amount.
- Generally works within 30mins.
- Peanut butter flavoured.
Cons
- May take longer than 30mins depending on your dogs breed/size/metabolism.
NaturVet Quiet Moments
These calming bites by NaturVet have Thiamin and L-Tryptophan to help with stress and tension. These are great for vet or groomer visits, fireworks, thunderstorms, and can also help curb separation anxiety along with other training.
Added ginger helps any potential stomach upset, which is especially great for sensitive stomachs. They are safe for dogs over the age of 12 weeks, and NaturVet has a 100% back money-guarantee in case they don’t work at all for your dog. These bites may take a few weeks to work if you’re trying to curb separation anxiety, but for short trips or sporadic storms, they are reviewed to work fantastically.
Pros
- Good price.
- Money-back guarantee if they don’t work.
- Easy on sensitive stomachs.
Cons
- May take some time to work.
Zesty Paws Bites
Zesty Paws Calming Bites are a more well-known brand and highly rated. They contain Premium L-Theanine among other natural and important ingredients that help to curb anxiety and calm down your pup. They can help with hyperactivity, are safe for dogs of all ages, and can possibly help when your dog is scared during storms or fireworks.
Dogs love the peanut butter flavour taste and you should have no problem giving them to your pet. Sensoril Ashwagandha blended with the L-Theanine work together to support relaxation, focus, calmness, and clarity for your canine friend. Be sure to check the serving size for your dog and never give them a huge dose all at once, or too many times during a day, especially if they are a smaller breed.
Pros
- Peanut butter flavour for ease of use.
- Good for all life stages.
Cons
- Pricier than other calming aids.
Thundershirt
Not a supplement calming aid, but a calming help none the less, especially if you have a dog that is scared of storms or louder noises during holidays such as fireworks. The Thundershirt is a snug shirt that is easily put on or taken off your dog that applies mild pressure, much like swaddling a baby or using a light weighted blanket yourself.
It’s made from fur resistant durable material and is machine washable. It comes in XXS to XXL that should fit most dog breeds from the smallest to largest. To put the Thundershirt on your dog, you simply wrap the neck area straps around, and then the ones around their belly. Adjust as needed to ensure that it’s snug but not too tight.
Pros
- Comes in multiple sizes to fit most breeds.
- Machine washable.
- Easy to put on/take off.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like wearing it.
Our Methodology
For this article we took into account reviews from pet owners, trusted review sources, and our own personal experience as pet owners to ensure that the products and techniques in this article are up to date information and should work best for most dogs. Every dog is different, and every calming aid may not work for every one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to calm a dog down from anxiety, hyperactivity, etc.?
Depending on the type of anxiety your dog may be struggling with, there are different options and techniques available to help calm their anxieties. If it’s anxiety with travelling such as flying or being in the car, a simple vet-recommended or prescribed anti-anxiety calming pill may be all they need.
Separation anxiety for example, generally needs extra training, positive reinforcement, patience, and other techniques alongside medication if it’s bad enough. A hyperactive dog may simply need more playtime, walks, or mental stimulation such as treat toys that make them think or work for it to tire them out. Always take into account your own energy as well around your dog – they easily pick up on our moods and energy we’re putting out, if you’re anxious they’re going to be as well.
How do different anxiety calm aids work?
Some anxiety calming aids that are supplements contain melatonin or other ingredients meant to help take the edge off of anxiety, much like medication or certain drinks/foods can do for us as humans.
Others are like the Thunder Shirt or other such clothes/weighted blankets/heartbeat teddy bears for puppies that can help with comfort and take anxiety away.
How to calm down a dog during a storm / at night /in a car?
During thunderstorms a lot of dogs can get scared, same as fireworks. There are some tired and true methods that may work for you and your dog:
- Give them somewhere safe to go, such as a crate or area where they feel secure
- Drown out/diminish the thunder/fireworks sounds with a calmer TV show in the background, radio, or white noise
- Try a Thunder Shirt! These are a snug shirt that wraps around your dog and applies pressure, much like swaddling a baby or using a weighted blanket. It can help calm your dogs nerves.
- Be calm yourself. Dogs easily pick up their owners energy and if you’re nervous, they will be as well.
Are Zesty Paws Calming Bites safe?
According to several sources, the Zesty Paws Calming Bites should be alright in smaller doses, as it is melatonin. If you’re unsure but do want to try them, be sure to check in with your vet first and go from there to try a smaller dose.
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Updated date
May 19th, 2023
About the author
Nikki Lyka
Nikki Lyka is a reviewer and writer at Rank-It.ca that’s written about a variety of subjects from the best fantasy novels to travel guides and blogs. When she isn’t researching and typing up a storm, she’s generally found winding down with tea, video games, practicing aerial hoop, photography, and reading good horror novels.
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