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Best Dog Calming Aids & Anxiety Medications
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Like us, dogs can experience anxiety and stress for many reasons. If you have experienced anxiety before, you can understand how bad and fearful your pooch is feeling right now. But, with the best dog calming aid you can soothe your dog’s anxiety and help him become calm and carefree again!
While calming supplements are very effective you will have better chances of helping your dog by figuring out what is making him anxious in the first place. Fear, separation, and aging are some of the most common causes of anxiety in dogs.
Unfortunately, it is fairly common to treat dog anxiety with prescription drugs that while effective can make your dog drowsy and sluggish. On the other hand, most calming supplements for dogs are made from natural ingredients that won’t ease your dog’s fear by making him sleep all day.
If you are looking for a more natural and healthier way to keep your pooch calm and happy, you are in the right place!
In this article, we will tell you what are our favorite calming aids for dogs and help you find the best one for your pup! Continue reading to learn more.
Best Dog Calming Treatments & Supplements
1. VetriScience Laboratories – Composure
aids on the market. This formula contains several ingredients all of which are recognized to support calmer and more relaxed behavior.
This formula includes ingredients such as colostrum, thiamine, and l-theanine which are packed into flavored bite-sized chews. The chicken liver favor is a real hit amongst dogs, and you won’t have trouble administering this anxiety aid to your pooch.
The great thing about Composure is that it starts working within 30 minutes and will keep your pooch calm for the next four hours. This makes it an ideal choice if you already know which situations make your dog anxious and can administer the calming treatment beforehand.
This product is safe for daily use over a longer term for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Keep in mind that these chews may cause diarrhea in which case you should stop using them for some time.
Pros
- Start working within 30 minutes
- Come in delicious chicken liver flavor
- Can be used daily and over a longer period
- Made from natural ingredients
Cons
- May cause diarrhea
2. Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs
Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs is a great option if you are looking for a natural calming aid for dogs that contains organic ingredients. These chews are made to help dogs with anxious, nervous, or aggressive behavior feel calm.
Featuring Suntheanine – a pure form of L-theanine – these chews will help your dog become relaxed without making him drowsy. The organic ginger root, L-tryptophan, and organic passionflower minimize aggressive and hyper behavior, while the valerian root supports calm.
It takes less than 30 minutes for this calming treat to start working and once it does, it stays effective for four to six hours. You can use this formula daily if your pooch has separation anxiety or is hyperactive.
The great thing about these chews is the turkey flavor which is a real hit with dogs, even picky eaters! On the downside, some dogs developed foul gas, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating them.
Pros
- Natural formula with organic ingredients
- Helps with anxiety and stress
- Works for hyperactive and/or aggressive dogs
- Tasty turkey flavor
Cons
- Can cause stomach upset
3. Premium Care Calming Treats for Dogs
The Premium Care Calming Treats for Dogs are designed to relieve stress, anxiousness, and other types of nervous behavior. And since it contains organic chamomile this formula also relaxes aggressive and hyperactive dogs.
This natural formula features ingredients such as organic passionflower, valerian root, organic ginger root, organic hemp, and l-tryptophan that have proven calming effects.
Featuring 120 duck flavored chewable tablets, this formula is a great option if you have a large dog who needs to take calming supplements on a regular basis.
Once administered, it takes up to 30 minutes for this calming aid to start working. This makes it ideal if you know that your pooch is going to be exposed to a stressful situation like a vet visit, thunderstorm, or a car ride.
Due to its natural formulation, you can use these chews daily and for a longer period of time if your pooch needs consistent aid for anxiety or stress. However, a few owners reported that their dogs didn’t calm down after eating these treats.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Soothes stress and anxiety
- Calms aggressive and hyperactive dogs
- Fast-acting and easily administered
Cons
- Can cause diarrhea
4. Nexpaw Calming Treats for Dogs
The Nexpaw Calming Treats for Dogs are completely natural and safe to use on dogs who suffer from stress and anxiety. This formula is a great choice if you need some help managing your dog’s stress during car rides, fireworks, and thunderstorms.
Featuring chamomile, passionflower, melatonin, thiamine, and L-tryptophan, this herbal formula is a great alternative if you don’t want to give your dog strong pills. Furthermore, it won’t make your pooch drowsy or sluggish which are common side effects of meds.
This formula contains 120 chews that are administered according to your dog’s weight, which makes them a great option if you have a large dog who needs consistent calming aid. You will be pleased to know that it takes less than 30 minutes for these chews to kick in, which makes them ideal for predictable stressful situations.
Dogs love the taste of these chews and think of them as delicious treats! On the downside, these treats didn’t work for all dogs. However, this product is covered with a guarantee and you can return them if they don’t work for you.
Pros
- Natural alternative for harsh meds
- Fast-acting
- Tasty and easy to administer
- Can be used regularly
Cons
- Can cause vomiting
5. PlanoPaws Calming Treats for Dogs
The PlanoPaws Calming Treats for Dogs are designed to treat your dog’s anxiety in a completely natural way. Formulated to promote comfort and relaxation, these calming aid chews can be used for motion sickness, travel, thunderstorms, anxiety, and to soothe aggressive and hyperactive behavior.
This formula features valerian root, chamomile, organic passionflower, organic ginger root, and L-tryptophan which are all-natural ingredients that are recognized for their calming properties. Furthermore, these chews don’t contain any soy, wheat, corn, or sugars which are ingredients you don’t want to give to your dog in any way.
The PlanoPaws contain 120 chicken flavored treats that are easy to administer thanks to their delicious flavor. And due to the natural formulation, you can give them to your pooch on a regular basis without worrying about any side effects.
Once administered it takes up to 30 minutes for this anxiety treatment to kick in and it can last up to 8 hours straight, which makes it ideal for long car trips. On the other hand, a few owners reported that these treats didn’t have any effect on their dogs.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Fast-acting and long-lasting effect
- Delicious chicken flavor
- Can be used regularly
Cons
- Not for picky eaters
6. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs
The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs can be used in any stressful situation and is recommended for dogs older than 12 weeks. It comes with 70 soft chews which will last you more than a month if you have a small dog.
This calming supplement features melatonin which supports a relaxed state of mind and will keep your pooch relaxed in stressful situations. Thiamin and L-tryptophan are included to relieve stress and tension, and ginger supports sensitive stomachs and reduces motion sickness.
For the best results, you should give your pooch NaturVet Calming Aid 30 minutes before a stressful event. And while it may be a bit hard to predict when your pooch is going to get anxious, these treats are great for predictable events such as car rides, grooming, or vet visits.
The thing we loved about these chews is that they keep the dogs calm without making them drowsy, sluggish, or affecting them in any bad way. On the other hand, a few dogs developed diarrhea after eating these calming chews.
Pros
- Starts working within 30 minutes
- Made from natural ingredients
- Great for predictable stressful events
- Soft and delicious
Cons
- Can cause stomach problems
7. Moe’s Organic Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs
Moe’s Organic Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs are designed to help you soothe your dog’s anxiety naturally without any meds and side effects. Besides helping your pooch stay calm in stressful situations these treats also help with hyperactive and aggressive behavior.
The organic hemp and chamomile are renowned for their calming abilities and will help your dog to stay relaxed during car rides, vet visits, or thunderstorms. Furthermore, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, and valerian roots support calm and relaxed behavior without making your dog drowsy.
Besides working as, a calming aid, this product also supports joint health which makes it a great choice if you have an older anxious pooch.
The package contains 120 soft chews and is a more budget-friendly choice if you have a large dog that needs regular calming treats. For the best results give your dog these chicken-flavored calming chews 30 minutes before a stressful event.
Note, while this calming chews work for a majority of dogs, a few customers noted that they didn’t help calm their hyperactive dogs.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Can be used daily for a longer period of time
- Supports joints and skin
- Delicious chicken flavor
Cons
- May not work on all dogs
8. Pawlife Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs
The Pawlife Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs features natural ingredients to help your dog stay calm during stressful situations. Due to their formulations, these calming treats help relieve anxiety but can also be used to calm hyperactive dogs.
The mix of ingredients such as hemp, organic chamomile, valerian root, organic passionflower, and L-tryptophan naturally soothe nerves and help dogs stay calm and relaxed. Pawlife also added organic ginger root to the formula to make it easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Unlike other calming anxiety medications, these treats also contain glucosamine which supports joint health and mobility. Thus, making these calming treats a good option as a joint supplement for large breeds and senior dogs.
Featuring 120 soft chews, this calming aid will last you a long time even if you have a large dog who needs to take them regularly. And thanks to a delicious duck flavor you won’t have trouble administering them even if your dog is a picky eater.
On the downside, some dogs may become nauseous and end up vomiting after eating these treats.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Relieves anxiety and stress
- Supports joint health and mobility
- Flavored and easy to administer
Cons
- Can cause vomiting
9. Paws of Kerry Calming Treats for Dogs
The Paws of Kerry Calming Treats for Dogs use a blend of natural ingredients that promote calm disposition in anxious and aggressive dogs. You can use these treats to soothe your dog’s separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or calm a hyperactive pooch.
Ingredients such as organic hemp, L-tryptophan, organic chamomile, valerian root, and organic passionflower are renowned for their calming abilities. Together they support a relaxed state of mind and promote good behavior.
These calming treats also contain ginger root which helps alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, such as upset stomach and nausea. This is very beneficial if your pooch gets stressed out during car rides.
Most dogs love taking this calming supplement thanks to its delicious duck flavor. You can use this supplement daily to treat your dog’s separation anxiety or give it periodically 30 minutes before a stressful event.
The best thing about these treats is that you can use them instead of calming prescription drugs that come with so many side effects. However, these chews have a strong smell and a few dogs didn’t want to eat them.
Pros
- Promotes calm and relaxed behavior
- Helps with motion sickness
- Can be used regularly
- Easy to administer and fast-acting
Cons
- Has a strong smell
Benefits Of Using The Best Dog Calming Aid for Anxiety Relief
Like people, dogs can become stressed or anxious in a variety of different situations. While removing your dog from a stressful situation can help, you may need to consider using calming supplements to soothe your dog’s anxiety.
The benefits of using calming aid for your dog are:
- A calming supplement can help you soothe your dog’s separation anxiety and keep him calm and relaxed while you are at work
- Many dogs get stressed out by loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. The use of calming aid can help your dog stay relaxed during these situations
- While regular vet check-ups are a must for all dogs, a few of them actually like being taken to the vet. Giving your dog a calming supplement before taking him to the vet will make him less fearful and stressed out.
Past traumas, fears, and phobias are often seen in adopted dogs who were neglected or abused. In these cases, recognizing your dog’s fear and giving him a calming supplement prior to a stressful situation will help and show your pooch that in time he can overcome his fears.
What To Look For In The Best Calming Supplements For Dogs?
Not all dog anxiety supplements are created equally, and you should look for one that will help your dog deal with his fears without any side effects.
Here’s what to look for when comparing different calming supplements for dogs:
- Ingredients: Look for calming aids that are made from natural ingredients that are proven to help soothe anxiety. Products that contain chamomile, valerian, and/or L-tryptophan are great for dogs and won’t cause drowsiness.
- Size: Calming supplements for dogs come in different sizes and types, with some having more capsules, chew tablets or liquid than others. If you have a large dog and the supplement is dosed by weight, you will need a bigger dose than a smaller dog.
- Formula: Calming aids for dogs come in a form of capsules, chewable tablets, or liquids that can be mixed with your dog’s food. In the end, it is up to you to pick the formula that will be the easiest to administer to your pooch.
Conclusion
Anxiety and stress are real problems for so many dogs! And watching your beloved pooch deal with fear and anxiety is not an easy task.
While removing the stressor and regular physical activity can help your dog to be more calm and relaxed, they aren’t always enough. If this happens, a calming supplement is your best bet, if you don’t want to expose your pooch to the side effects of prescription meds.
Luckily, you can find completely natural calming aids for dogs that help relieve anxiety and stress without making your pooch drowsy or changing his behavior, except in a good way.
For us, the VetriScience Laboratories Composure Calming Support for Dogs is the best, and a sound investment in your dog’s health. This formula contains natural ingredients that are recognized to support calmer and more relaxed behavior. Furthermore, this product is completely safe and can be used daily over a longer period of time for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety.
And if by any chance the VetriScience doesn’t work for you and your pooch, you can try any other product from our list. Each of them features natural ingredients, and delicious flavor, and will help your dog stay calm and relaxed.