The Best Calming Supplements For Dogs in 2022

Now that we have given you an overview of all the different calming supplements out there, we can get into the buying guide section. We will start with a list of what you should look out for, before moving onto some of the benefits of anxiety meds for dogs. We will then discuss some signs that your pooch is suffering from anxiety, before delving into the frequently asked questions section and finishing up with a round-up of our number one choice.

With so many different calming supplements for dogs available, the choice can feel somewhat overwhelming. To help simplify your decision, we will now look closer at some of main features which you should be on the lookout for.

• Natural Ingredients

Whenever you are choosing a food substance for your dog or anything that is going in their body, it is important that you check the ingredient list closely. Look for natural and organic substances, which are safe to give to your pooch. It is a bonus if there are no artificial ingredients in the treats. Watch out for products which include filler ingredients such as soya, sugars, and wheat. While these are not necessarily harmful, they are unlikely to be helpful either.

Understanding a bit more about the common ingredients will also help you to make your mind up. For example, ginger root is well-known in preventing stomach upset and nausea. Chamomile flower is another ingredient which you see commonly, and this helps to reduce feelings of stress and nervousness. As for passion flower, it is known for its medicinal qualities in keeping your dog calm during particularly stressful events. And then you have l-tryptophan, which supports your dog’s wellbeing in a variety of different ways.

Take a look at our review of Vegan Dog Treats for more options.

• Tasty Flavor

If the flavor of the treats is not pleasant, you are going to have a much harder time getting your dog to swallow them, particularly if they are in a state of extreme anxiety. Strong herbal tastes or smells tend to be off-putting. Look for flavors which dogs universally love such as duck, chicken, or pork. For a wider selection of choices, check out our dog treats guide.

• Formula

Dog anxiety medication comes in different formats including soft chews or liquids which are to be directly administered or mixed in with your dog’s food. Some dogs are perfectly happy eating the soft chews, particularly if they are flavored in a pleasant way. But if you have a fussy eater, it may be easier to mix a liquid with their meal. Find out more about safe dog chews here.

• Size

Depending on the calm supplement you choose, there are different sizes based on the number of capsules included, or how much liquid you get. If you have a larger dog and the medication dosage is based on weight, you will probably want a larger bottle. Similarly, if you plan on giving your dog these supplements on a regular basis, the more economical choice will be to buy more. Check the recommended dose of the supplement so you can get a better idea of how long they are going to last for.

• Amount of Time to Start Working

It is important to know how quickly the dog anxiety medication are going to get to work. This way, if you know a stressful situation is coming up, you can give a dose to your dog in plenty of time for it to take effect. You should also check how long the effects will last, the correct dosage, and how soon you can give your dog another supplement. Some owners use these products for long-term use, whereas others only use them for specific situations.

• Manufacturing Standards

‘Made in the USA’ is the kind of stamp of approval which many people look for in products for their dogs. You should also check out any other safety and quality tests which the treats have gone through. This will give you further reassurances that what you are giving to your dog is entirely safe for their consumption.

• Brand

Good brands take a long time to build up their reputation, so it is worth looking closer at the credentials of the company. Do they only specialize in making dog supplements? How many years have they been around for? What sort of customer support system do they offer? These are all questions which are worth asking before making your mind up.

Now, we will look in closer detail at some of the main benefits that your pooch will get from taking anxiety pills. After all, you want to know more information about what sort of advantages they can expect to receive from them.

• Natural Calming Aid

Many dog owners get some kind of results from giving their pooch calming supplements. They are designed to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and nervousness. While there are other solutions which can also prove to be effective such as exercising your pooch, having some supplements is a quick and easy way of putting your pet at ease.

• Helps in Stressful Situations

There are certain situations which are more likely to elicit feelings of anxiety in your pooch. It could be that you need to leave the house and your dog hates being separated from you. Perhaps there is a thunderstorm outside or your neighbors have decided to have an impromptu firework display. Whatever the reason, it is nice to know that you always have something to calm your dog down when these stressful situations occur.

• Reduces Hyperactive and Aggressive Behavior

Sometimes, anxiety displays itself as hyperactivity and aggression. Neither of these two qualities is desirable in your dog as they are likely to lead to the destruction of your possessions or you getting hurt. Substances included in these supplements such as thiamine and organic chamomile can be helpful in reducing these negative behaviors.

You may also like our articles on Cranberry Supplements for Dogs and CBD Oils for Dogs.

Before you give your dog calming supplements, you need to have a better idea that anxiety is what they are suffering from in the first place. While you may think that it is a rare condition, it is actually fairly common and something that you can spot in dogs if you know what you are looking for.

There are several situations when anxiety is commonly seen. Separation anxiety is up there with the most common forms of the condition as many pets hate being separated from their owners. Loud and unexpected noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms can also be times of high anxiety. Social anxiety around unfamiliar dogs or people is also normal. Some dogs are simply more genetically predisposed to anxiety than others. Or it could be a result of past traumas such as an abusive past. Another alternative is that your mutt has a specific fear or phobia.

If you want to tell if your dog is suffering from anxiety, here are a few of the most common warning signs to look out for.

• Excessive Noise-Making

If you notice that your dog is making more noise than usual, this could be a sign that they are feeling anxious. It could be that there are howling or have started barking excessively. Often, this is brought on by triggers such as loud noises, but if this continues even after you have tried to calm them down, anxiety is a likely cause.

• Spending More Time Alone

Excessive alone time is another typical sign of anxiety, whether this takes the form of hiding away or simply avoiding contact with humans and other animals. Just like humans, many dogs seek solitude as a way of coping with anxiety.

• Panting or Shaking

While it is perfectly normal if your dog pant after exercise, you should watch out for any signs that they are panting more than usual. Also, if you find them shaking or quivering without any obvious reason, anxiety may be the cause.

• Overly Aggressive Behavior

One of the most obvious signs of anxiety is that your dog suddenly starts exhibiting overly aggressive behavior which is out of character for them. Watch out for growling and sudden snapping as you could find yourself getting hurt.

• Hyperactivity

At the other end of the scale to aggression, you have hyperactivity, and some dogs display behavior such as bounding around the house to show that they are feeling anxious.

• Loss of Appetite/Refusal to Eat

If your dog suddenly loses their appetite or refuses to eat, anxiety may be the cause. Consult with your vet to see if they can give you any more information on the specific causes of the issue to ensure that this is not something which is related to diet or a stomach upset.

• Panic Attacks

One of the most severe displays of anxiety is panic attacks, which can last for as little as a few minutes or as long as several hours. Your dog can end up suffering from a range of the above conditions as a result of the panic attack.

If your dog suffers from nervous, anxious, or aggressive behavior, this is our number one pick of supplement which can help out with the issue. The ingredients are all natural and organic, so you don’t have to worry about feeding your pooch artificial substances which can be harmful to their health. These treats are ideal for a range of situations such as trips to the vet, thunderstorms, and public spaces. They can prove to be an invaluable support to dealing with your dog’s anxiety issues.