A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Calming Products: Understanding Your Options

When it comes to managing fear and anxiety in dogs, the market offers a dizzying array of products promising generalized calming effects. While many pet parents attest to the usefulness of certain dog calming products for mild to moderate anxiety, it’s crucial to approach these options with informed discernment. Scientific research validating their efficacy is still evolving, making a conversation with your veterinarian paramount. They can help you navigate the available choices, ensuring the best fit for your dog’s unique health and behavioral needs.

This guide delves into the facts about popular dog calming products, exploring their ingredients, potential benefits, and considerations for choosing the most suitable calming aid for your canine companion.

Calming Supplements for Dogs

Calming behavioral supplements for dogs encompass a range of products, including calming treats, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and specialized calming diets.

Probiotics

The complex ecosystem of bacteria in a dog’s gut, known as the gut microbiome, has been increasingly linked to behavioral issues, including fear- and anxiety-related disorders, through the gut-brain axis. Research, such as a blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at the Purina Pet Care Center, found that the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BL999 demonstrated a reduction in anxious behaviors like excessive vocalization, pacing, and spinning in a small group of Labrador Retrievers. Probiotics for dogs can be found in products like Purina Pro Plan Calming Care, which comes in powder packets designed to be mixed with your dog’s food daily. It’s important to note that these supplements may take up to six weeks to show noticeable effects.

Alpha-Casozepine

Alpha-casozepine, a derivative of a milk protein, is believed to help reduce anxiety in dogs by influencing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes a calming effect in the brain. Studies suggest potential benefits in reducing anxiety and fear of strangers, though evidence for short-term situational stress relief, such as during fireworks or vet visits, is limited. Alpha-casozepine is an ingredient in products like Zylkene (Vetoquinol) and some veterinary calming diets.

Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone regulating the sleep-wake cycle, has shown promise in humans for reducing anxiety and promoting sedation. In dogs, melatonin supplements have been used for situational fears like thunderstorms and fireworks, and to aid sleep. Emerging research indicates that melatonin may help manage both behavioral and physical manifestations of stress in dogs, although more studies are needed. When choosing melatonin for your dog, ensure it’s specifically formulated for pets and free from xylitol, a sweetener highly toxic to dogs.

L-Theanine

Derived from tea plants, L-theanine is an amino acid thought to reduce anxiety and enhance mental function by modulating key neurotransmitters. Veterinary studies have indicated benefits for dogs, including reduced fear of strangers, noise phobias, and storm phobias. Products containing L-theanine, such as Solliquin (Nutramax) chews, Composure (VetriScience) chews, and Anxitane (Virbac) tablets, are typically intended for daily use and may require four to six weeks to achieve therapeutic effects.

L-Tryptophan

L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood, emotion, and anxiety. Some studies suggest a link between L-tryptophan metabolism and reduced fear in dogs. This amino acid is found in certain veterinary calming diets, though research on their efficacy has yielded mixed results.

Valerian

The valerian plant may help ease anxiety and promote sleep in pets. While some studies suggest that products like the Pet Remedy diffuser, containing valerian, can reduce the intensity of anxiety-related behaviors, it may take several weeks to observe therapeutic effects.

Magnolia Officinalis and Phellodendron Amurense

Magnolia officinalis has demonstrated an anti-anxiety effect in animal studies, while phellodendron amurense bark extract has shown neuroprotective properties against stress. Research indicates that both can help reduce fear-related signs during thunderstorms. These ingredients are found in combination products like Solliquin (Nutramax) chews.

Dog Pheromones for Anxiety

Pheromones are chemical signals detected by a specialized organ in dogs, influencing behavioral and emotional responses. Dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP), released by nursing female dogs, has a calming effect on puppies. Scientific evidence supports DAP’s effectiveness in reducing fear and anxiety in various situations, including household changes, travel, boarding, veterinary visits, and noise phobias. Synthetic DAP is available in collars, sprays, and diffusers. Adaptil spray and diffusers, as well as collars like Adaptil and Sentry Calming Collar, are designed to release pheromones over extended periods. For a more natural option, the ALZOO Dog Calming Diffuser utilizes plant-based ingredients.

Dog Anxiety Vests

Pressure vests or jackets for dogs use gentle pressure to ease fear and phobias, often associated with thunderstorms or fireworks. They are often described as feeling like a hug for dogs. While anecdotal evidence and some studies suggest potential benefits, scientific research on their efficacy remains limited and inconclusive. Some dogs may find anxiety vests uncomfortable, so it’s important not to force your dog to wear one if they show signs of distress. The ThunderShirt is a popular option among pet parents. It’s crucial to ensure a proper fit, allowing two fingers to slide easily underneath, and never leave a dog unsupervised while wearing a vest.

Interactive Dog Toys

Food toys and dog puzzles can serve as effective distractions during stressful events, promoting positive behaviors like foraging and licking. These toys offer an alternative focus for dogs, helping to prevent their anxiety from escalating. They are most effective when used in a quiet, safe space just before a predictable stressor, like thunderstorms or fireworks. By consistently pairing positive experiences, such as engaging with a food toy, with a feared stimulus, dogs can gradually form more positive associations. However, in cases of severe anxiety, a dog may lose interest in food. Look for toys that take at least 15 minutes to solve and aren’t overly frustrating. Freezing food within these toys can extend playtime. For puppies, a stuffed toy with a heartbeat and heat pack, like the Snuggle Puppy, may provide comfort when left alone.

Studies on Dog Calming Products

While research into non-medicated calming products for dogs is growing, comprehensive data on the quality, safety, and efficacy of many products is still developing. Unlike human supplements, pet behavioral supplements lack a standardized monitoring system, leading to potential variations in ingredients, purity, and effectiveness. Looking for the NASC seal from the National Animal Supplement Council can indicate the use of high-quality ingredients, but it does not guarantee product efficacy. It’s important to be aware of the placebo effect, where perceived benefits might influence owner expectations. Always discuss any supplement with your veterinarian before administering it to your dog, even if it’s available over-the-counter.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist is essential for ensuring you choose safe and effective calming products for your pet. Your vet can also identify any underlying physical health issues that might be contributing to your dog’s anxiety, as calming products are unlikely to be effective if a medical disorder is present.

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WRITTEN BY

Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

Animal Behaviorist