Does your dog get anxious when you leave the house, or maybe during thunderstorms? You’re not alone! Many dog owners struggle to keep their furry friends calm and happy. It can be tough to see your dog stressed, and even tougher to figure out what will actually help them relax.
Choosing the right calming solution for your dog can feel like a puzzle. There are so many products out there – treats, sprays, diffusers, even special vests! How do you know which one is safe, effective, and best for your dog’s unique needs? The wrong choice might not help at all, or worse, could make things more difficult.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to guide you. We’ll break down the different types of dog calming options available. You’ll learn what to look for, how to use them, and how to choose the best fit for your beloved pet. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident in helping your dog find their inner peace.
Our Top 5 Dog Calming Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Calming Detailed Reviews
1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care – Calming Dog Supplements – 30 ct. Boxes
Rating: 8.6/10
Is your furry friend feeling a little stressed? Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care is here to help! This special dog supplement comes in handy 30-count boxes. It’s designed to help dogs feel more relaxed and happy, especially when they face new or scary situations.
What We Like:
- It’s the #1 dog probiotic brand recommended by veterinarians to support calm behavior.
- This powder supplement helps dogs with anxious behaviors like barking too much, jumping around, or pacing.
- Purina Calming Care helps dogs deal with things that make them nervous, such as being alone, meeting new people, loud noises, or changes at home.
- The dog probiotics powder supports a healthy heart rate during stressful times.
- It helps your dog feel happier and supports a strong immune system.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product comes in boxes, so for long-term use, you might need to buy multiple boxes.
- While it helps with stress, it’s important to remember this is a supplement and not a replacement for proper training or addressing the root cause of anxiety.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care offers a supportive way to help your dog manage stress. It’s a great tool to help your canine companion feel more at ease.
2. BARK&SPARK Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs – Hemp Chew + Melatonin – Anxiety Relief – Sleep Aid – Relaxing Treats – Stress Relief During Fireworks
Rating: 9.1/10
Is your furry friend struggling with stress? The BARK&SPARK Advanced Calming Chews are designed to bring peace to your pup during loud noises, travel, or when you’re away. These tasty treats combine hemp oil and melatonin to help your dog relax and sleep better. They are made in the USA and are safe for dogs of all ages and sizes.
What We Like:
- Effectively calms dogs during stressful events like fireworks and storms.
- Supports a balanced mood and can help reduce hyperactivity and aggression.
- Suitable for all dog breeds and sizes, from puppies to seniors.
- Dogs find them delicious, making them a preferred alternative to pills.
- Promotes restful sleep without causing drowsiness.
- Made with a safe, natural formula and manufactured in the USA.
- Comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee for worry-free purchasing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Consistent daily use is recommended for best results, which requires a routine.
These calming chews offer a simple and tasty way to help your dog manage anxiety. They are a great option for providing your canine companion with much-needed tranquility.
3. MAEV Human-Grade Anxiety & Calming Supplement Bars
Rating: 8.9/10
Does your dog get stressed during car rides or loud fireworks? The MAEV Human-Grade Anxiety & Calming Supplement Bars are here to help. These tasty treats offer natural support to keep your furry friend feeling calm and relaxed. They are made with good ingredients, so you can feel good about giving them to your dog.
What We Like:
- Promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for stressful situations like travel or thunderstorms.
- Includes bovine colostrum and L-theanine, which help with balanced energy, composure, and even cognitive function during training.
- Made with human-grade ingredients, meaning no fillers or artificial stuff – just wholesome goodness.
- The bite-sized bars are super convenient to take anywhere and your dog will love the taste.
- Proudly crafted in the USA with high quality standards, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The effectiveness can vary from dog to dog, so it might take some trial and error to find the right dosage.
- While natural, some owners might prefer to consult with their veterinarian before introducing new supplements.
Overall, the MAEV Human-Grade Anxiety & Calming Supplement Bars offer a natural and convenient way to support your dog’s well-being during stressful times. They are a great option for pet parents seeking a trustworthy solution.
4. Original Snuggle Puppy Toys – Heartbeat Puppy for Dogs – Pet Anxiety Relief and Calming Aid – Comfort Dog Toys for Behavioral Training
Rating: 9.4/10
The Original Snuggle Puppy Toys are designed to bring comfort and calm to your furry friend. This innovative toy mimics the feeling of a real heartbeat, helping to ease anxiety and loneliness in dogs. It’s a fantastic tool for new puppies and dogs experiencing stress.
What We Like:
- Built to Last: These toys are made for durability, whether your dog is a gentle snuggler or a playful pup.
- Safe and Hypoallergenic: Made with your pet’s health in mind, the materials are safe and the toy is machine washable for easy cleaning.
- Proven Anxiety Relief: Since 1997, millions of pets have found comfort and reduced stress with Snuggle Puppy. It’s a must-have for first-time dog owners.
- Better Sleep for All: This toy helps dogs settle down, reducing barking and whining during crate training and at night. It also eases separation anxiety and fear of loud noises.
- Easy to Use: The Real-Feel Heartbeat is ready to go with included batteries, appealing to your dog’s natural instincts.
- Pacified Pup Promise: The company guarantees your satisfaction or they’ll make it right.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the heartbeat feature is great, some dogs might need a little more encouragement to engage with the toy initially.
- The battery compartment could be more easily accessible for quicker battery changes if needed.
Overall, the Snuggle Puppy is a wonderful companion for dogs, offering significant relief from anxiety and promoting better sleep. It’s an excellent investment for your dog’s well-being.
5. Calming Collar for Dogs 4 Packs Dog Pheromone Calm Collars Relief Anxiety Stress Separation Lasts 60 Days Relieve Bad Behavior 25 Inches Size Flexible Adjustable for All Small Medium and Large Dog
Rating: 8.7/10
Is your furry friend struggling with anxiety, stress, or separation worries? The Calming Collar for Dogs 4-Pack offers a natural and effective solution. These pheromone-infused collars are designed to mimic the calming scents that mother dogs naturally produce, helping your pet feel more secure and relaxed. They are perfect for soothing nerves during thunderstorms, vet visits, travel, or any situation that causes your dog distress. Plus, they can help curb unwanted behaviors like barking and chewing.
What We Like:
- High Cost Performance: You get four individually packaged collars in a single box, offering excellent value and convenience for extended use.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Each collar releases calming pheromones for up to 60 days, providing continuous support for your dog’s well-being.
- Waterproof Design: No need to remove the collar during baths or when playing in the rain, ensuring uninterrupted comfort.
- Quickly Relieves Bad Behavior: Effectively calms fear, anxiety, and tension, helping dogs adjust to new environments and reducing problem behaviors.
- Safe and Hypoallergenic: Made from safe TPE material, these collars are non-addictive and activated by your dog’s body temperature.
- Fits All Sizes: The flexible 25-inch collar is easily adjustable and can be trimmed to fit small, medium, and large dogs perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Individual Effectiveness May Vary: While designed to be effective, results can differ from dog to dog.
- Requires Consistent Use: For best results, continuous wear is recommended, which means you’ll always need a replacement collar on hand.
This set of calming collars provides a comprehensive and budget-friendly approach to managing your dog’s anxiety. It’s a smart choice for pet parents seeking a gentle and long-term solution to behavioral issues stemming from stress.
Choosing the Best Dog Calming Products: A Guide for Worried Pups and Owners
Watching your furry friend get stressed can be tough. Loud noises, new places, or even being left alone can make some dogs anxious. Luckily, there are many products designed to help your dog feel calmer and more relaxed. This guide will help you find the right calming solution for your canine companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for dog calming products, keep these important features in mind:
- Type of Product: Calming products come in many forms. You’ll find treats, chews, diffusers, sprays, collars, and even supplements. Think about what would be easiest for your dog to use and what you prefer.
- Active Ingredients: Look for natural ingredients known for their calming effects. Many products use things like L-theanine, tryptophan, chamomile, or valerian root. These help relax the nervous system.
- Ease of Use: Some products are simple to give, like a treat. Others, like diffusers, require a bit more setup. Choose something that fits your lifestyle.
- Duration of Effect: How long does the calming effect last? Some products offer quick relief for a short time, while others provide longer-lasting support.
- Safety and Purity: Always check that the product is made with safe, high-quality ingredients. Avoid products with artificial colors, flavors, or unnecessary fillers.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The “stuff” inside calming products matters a lot. Here are some key ingredients and materials to look for:
- L-Theanine: This is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It’s known to promote relaxation without making your dog drowsy.
- Tryptophan: This is another amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical.
- Chamomile: This herb has been used for centuries to calm nerves and aid sleep.
- Valerian Root: This natural sedative can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep in dogs.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Derived from hemp, CBD is gaining popularity for its potential to ease anxiety and stress. Make sure it’s from a reputable source and has been tested.
- Pheromones: Some diffusers and sprays release synthetic pheromones that mimic those released by a mother dog. These can create a sense of security for puppies and adult dogs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all calming products are created equal. Here’s what makes a difference:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Products made with pure, natural, and well-researched ingredients will generally be more effective and safer.
- Reputable Brands: Brands that have good reviews, transparent sourcing, and veterinary backing often offer higher quality products.
- Third-Party Testing: For supplements and CBD products, look for brands that have their products tested by independent labs. This confirms the ingredient amounts and checks for contaminants.
- Artificial Additives: Products with lots of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers can be less effective and potentially harmful.
- Low Concentration of Active Ingredients: If a product has very little of the key calming ingredients, it likely won’t work well.
User Experience and Use Cases
How people use these products and their experiences are very telling.
- Travel Anxiety: Many owners use calming treats or sprays before car rides or flights. Dogs often feel less stressed and more settled.
- Separation Anxiety: Diffusers or collars that release calming pheromones can help dogs feel less anxious when left alone.
- Noise Phobias: During thunderstorms or fireworks, owners turn to calming chews or supplements to help their dogs cope.
- Vet Visits and Grooming: Giving a calming treat before an appointment can make the experience smoother for both the dog and the professional.
- New Environments: When introducing a dog to a new home or visiting a friend’s house, calming aids can help them adjust more easily.
Owners often report that their dogs are more relaxed, sleep better, and are less reactive to triggers when using effective calming products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Calming Products
Q: What are the main key features to look for in dog calming products?
A: You should look for the type of product (treats, diffusers, etc.), the active ingredients, how easy it is to use, how long the calming effect lasts, and if it’s safe and pure.
Q: What are some important materials or ingredients that help dogs calm down?
A: Important ingredients include L-theanine, tryptophan, chamomile, valerian root, CBD, and pheromones.
Q: What factors can make a dog calming product better or worse in quality?
A: High-quality, natural ingredients and products from reputable brands with third-party testing improve quality. Artificial additives and low amounts of active ingredients reduce quality.
Q: How do users typically use dog calming products?
A: Users give them to dogs for travel anxiety, separation anxiety, fear of noises like thunderstorms, vet visits, grooming, and adjusting to new places.
Q: Are there different types of dog calming products?
A: Yes, there are calming treats, chews, diffusers, sprays, collars, and supplements.
Q: Is it safe to give my dog calming products regularly?
A: Most natural calming products are safe for regular use, but it’s always best to follow the product’s instructions and talk to your veterinarian.
Q: How quickly do dog calming products usually work?
A: Some products, like treats, can start working within 30 minutes to an hour. Others, like supplements or diffusers, might take a few days to show their full effect.
Q: Can calming products make my dog sleepy?
A: Some natural ingredients might make a dog a little drowsy, but many calming products are designed to reduce anxiety without causing excessive sleepiness.
Q: My dog is very anxious. Will one calming product be enough?
A: Sometimes, a combination of products or a more potent solution might be needed for severe anxiety. Consulting your vet is a good idea.
Q: Where can I find reliable information about dog calming products?
A: Look for reviews from trusted pet websites, ask your veterinarian for recommendations, and check the product’s website for ingredient transparency and testing information.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!