There are many products marketed to reduce fear and anxiety and provide generalized calming effects in dogs, and you may find the array of options dizzying. While some pet parents swear by certain dog calming products and report them to be useful in dogs with mild to moderate anxiety, few products have been tested and proven through scientific research to reduce anxiety in pets.
It is highly recommended to work with your vet first to determine the best option, based on your dog’s individual health and needs. Understanding the science behind these aids can help you make an informed decision for your furry companion. Here are the facts about some popular dog calming products and options when it comes to choosing the best calming aid for your dog to help ease their anxiety.
Calming Supplements for Dogs
Calming behavioral supplements for dogs may include calming treats, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and specialized calming diets. These products often target the biological pathways associated with stress.
Probiotics and the Gut-Brain Axis
The gut microbiome, which consists of diverse populations of intestinal bacteria, has been associated with several behavioral problems in dogs, including fear- and anxiety-related disorders. This connection is known as the gut-brain axis. According to a blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at the Purina Pet Care Center, the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BL999 reduced anxious behaviors such as excessive vocalization, jumping, pacing, and spinning in a small population of Labrador Retrievers.
You can find Bifidobacterium longum BL999 in specialized veterinary supplements like Purina Pro Plan Calming Care. It typically comes in individual packets of powder mixed daily with food. Pet owners should note that it can take up to six weeks to see a noticeable effect on behavior.
Alpha-Casozepine
Alpha-casozepine is a lactose-free derivative of a protein found in cows’ milk. Research suggests that this derivative helps reduce anxiety in dogs by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that produces a calming effect. It has been shown to potentially reduce fear of strangers. While sometimes used for situational stress like fireworks or vet visits, there is limited evidence of its immediate short-term effectiveness.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that regulates the body’s natural wake/sleep cycle. In dogs, melatonin supplements are used to reduce situational fear during thunderstorms or fireworks, and to help restless dogs sleep overnight.
New research suggests promising data regarding melatonin’s ability to help with the physical manifestations of stress. However, it is vital to ensure any melatonin product used does not contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Always choose a supplement specifically formulated for pets to avoid dangerous additives found in human versions.
L-Tryptophan and Herbal Options
L-tryptophan is a building block for serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and emotion. Some veterinary calming diets incorporate L-tryptophan to help dogs cope with stress.
Other herbal options include:
- Valerian: A plant that may ease anxiety and help pets sleep. Some diffusers containing valerian have been reported to reduce the intensity of anxiety-related behaviors over time.
- Magnolia Officinalis and Phellodendron Amurense: These plant extracts have shown anti-anxiety effects in studies, specifically helping to reduce fear-related signs during loud noises like thunderstorms.
Dog Pheromones for Anxiety
Pheromones are chemical signals detected by the vomeronasal organ. When female dogs nurse puppies, they release a “dog-appeasing pheromone” (DAP) that has a natural calming effect. Synthetic versions of DAP are available in collars, sprays, and diffusers.
Scientific evidence supports the use of DAP to reduce anxiety during car travel, boarding, moving to a new home, or separation anxiety. When using sprays, it is important to wait at least 15 minutes for the alcohol base to dissipate before introducing the dog to the area.
Dog Anxiety Vests and Wraps
Pressure vests, such as the ThunderShirt, apply gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso—similar to a hug. While scientific research on their efficacy is inconclusive, many pet parents report positive results during thunderstorms and fireworks.
These vests should fit snugly but not be restrictive; you should be able to fit two fingers easily underneath the fabric. Never leave a pet unsupervised while they are wearing a pressure vest, and never force a dog to wear one if they show signs of increased distress or discomfort.
Interactive Dog Toys and Puzzles
Food toys and dog puzzles serve as a vital distraction. By engaging a dog’s brain in foraging or licking, these tools give the dog something to do other than worry about a stressor.
Treat-dispensing toys are most effective when you can identify a trigger (like an approaching storm) and provide the toy in a quiet, safe space before the anxiety escalates. Repeatedly pairing a positive experience like a high-value treat with a negative trigger can help create a positive association over time. However, if a dog’s anxiety is already too high, they may lose interest in food entirely.
Choosing the Right Product Safely
While the market for non-medicated calming products is growing, there is a lack of standardized monitoring for pet behavioral supplements compared to human medications. This can lead to variations in quality and purity between batches.
When selecting a supplement, look for the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal. This seal ensures the manufacturer uses high-quality ingredients and follows strict labeling standards. It is also important to be aware of the “placebo effect,” where a pet parent’s perception of improvement might delay seeking professional veterinary help or medical intervention that the dog truly needs.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Before starting any new regimen, discuss treatment options with your veterinarian or a certified veterinary behaviorist. They can rule out underlying physical medical conditions—such as pain or metabolic issues—that might be causing or worsening your dog’s anxious behavior. Calming products are rarely effective if an underlying medical disorder remains untreated.
References
- Andersen L, et al. A systematic review of peri-operative melatonin. Anaesthesia. 2014.
- Beata C, et al. Effects of alpha-casozepine (Zylkene) on anxiety disorders in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2007.
- Buckley L. Are pressure vests beneficial at reducing stress in anxious and fearful dogs? Veterinary Evidence. 2018.
- Landsberg G, et al. Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear. Veterinary Record. 2015.
- Purina Pet Care Center. Bifidobacterium longum BL999 and canine anxiety management. DVM360. 2018.