Needless to say, it pains us to watch our dogs suffer from fear, anxiety, and stress. And now you ask, what can I give my dog to help with anxiety? A vast array of treatment methods exist, but we will dwell more on the accessible marvels of calming treats for our dogs in this post.
AT A GLANCE (SEE ON AMAZON):
- Our Top Pick: Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs
- Runner Up: VetriScience - Calming Supplement for Dogs
- Also Great: Pet Naturals - Calming Chews for Dogs
- Also Great: Hemp Calming Treats Combo
- Also Great: Breedwise Calming Bites
Anxiety and Stress Triggers
There are several reasons why your dog suffers from anxiety and stress.
For one, a noisy environment may trigger your dog to get anxious, especially when such an environment is new to him. Loud noises from thunderstorms, fireworks, and even rowdy family members can trigger anxiety in dogs.
Separation anxiety, which could happen when you take your pet with you on a long ride, coupled with loud noises of buses and more cars passing by, would definitely get your dog to suffer anxiety.
Other factors that can cause your dog to be anxious are behavioral issues like excessive licking, chewing, barking, digging, and more. When your dog suffers from any of these issues, he might also suffer from anxiety.
These triggers can cause your dogs to be uncomfortable, acts extremely aggressive, continuously barks, howls, cowers, and hides. Add to this a serious case of dog anxiety, which could escalate to an upset stomach, or worse, a behavioral issue. This whole spectrum of scared defensive actions not only burdens him but applies tremendous pressure on you too!
Or your dogs may be just naturally hyperactive that training him takes double the effort. You need to train him to relax first before you can proceed with any dog training.
Whether your dog is anxious because of any of these triggers, you will want to take steps to help your canine companion feel better. This is one of the many reasons why you need to address the issue and relax yourself too!
You find ways to relieve anxiety and calm your dogs in the most effective and safest way. And, one way of doing this is by giving them dog calming treats. But first, what are calming treats?
What are Calming Treats?
Instead of relying on prescription medications, calming treats are no-fuss everyday solutions so your dog could feel much better.
Nature blesses us with lots of gifts we now use as natural ingredients in medicines and supplements. These calming treats are formulated with ingredients like hemp oil, valerian root, ginger root, and more to keep stress and anxiety away.
Using herbs and vitamins as their active ingredients, these are non-medicinal anxiety-relief remedies you can offer your dog to help alleviate his symptoms.
Also known as calming aids, soft chews, or bites, they fall under the category of nutraceuticals. They are similar to a pack of nutritional supplements for a person and are regulated in a like manner.
These dog treats incorporate various soothing ingredients that calm, de-stress, and help canines deal with anxiety or excess energy as they make them feel less agitated before and during chaotic situations.
What are the Best Calming Treats for Dogs?
Without a doubt, there are innumerable options of dog calming treats to choose from. To ease your burden of researching, our pet experts list here the top choices for the best calming supplements that can work wonders in getting your dog to feel less anxious.
Check out below the top 5 calming treats available on Amazon.com!
Our Top Pick
Runner Up
Also Great
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Do Calming Treats for Dogs Really Work?
Typically, most dog calming treats use all-natural, active ingredients to promote a calmer, more relaxed canine. Like other oral medications, these ingredients are specially formulated to help our dogs who suffer from anxiety without being sedated. Once ingested, these dog chews work by allowing our dogs’ chemical receptors to signal that they are safe or comfortable.
The most common active ingredients of these calming treats for dogs are:
- Hemp oil – an extract derived from the cannabis plant that may help with anxiety relief
- L-tryptophan – an essential amino acid found in turkey that makes us tired and inclined to sleep
- L-theanine (also called Suntheanine) – an amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality by increasing your dog’s serotonin and dopamine levels
- Chamomile – a flowering plant that acts as a calming aid
- Melatonin – a naturally occurring hormone commonly used as a sleep aid
- Valerian root – a common ingredient in dietary supplements thought to improve relaxation.
- Passion flower – a type of plant that may lower brain activity, encouraging relaxation
- Probiotics – thought to promote digestive health, especially to dogs who get diarrhea when stressed.
If you do not know what particular ingredients there are in your dog’s treats, research them up to understand the process behind their effects.
When given in proper amounts, calming treats help reduce stress and are generally safer for our dogs than prescribed drugs as they have all-organic active ingredients with no damaging side effects.
Benefits of Using Dog Calming Treats
Calming treats work to relieve the stress and anxiety of your dogs. They are meant to help eliminate his fear and reduce his frenzied symptoms so that they would not bother your dog nor worry you.
They are instrumental in improving the immune system and promoting a healthier body. Moreover, they alleviate joint pains, thus facilitating movement and flexibility for activities, and calm down even the most aggressive and excessively frantic dogs.
Generally, changes in his mood depend on your dog’s individuality and how you give him the treatment. However, the earliest changes can be observed during the first two days, although it may take longer on dogs.
These treats are perfect for relaxation on the go as you can take these with you anywhere for whenever your dog might have an anxious or stressful moment. You can make a vet trip safer and a car ride more manageable, or keep calm despite the loud noises during a thunderstorm or fireworks.
Best of all, they are easy and safe solutions you can use preemptively. If you foresee that a storm is rolling in, you can slip your dog a calming treat or two ahead of time.
Qualities to Look for in the Best Calming Treats for Dogs
There are a few things to look for to ensure you are giving your dog an effective one.
Here are some things to consider when choosing which dog calming treats are right for your dogs.
Ingredients
It is wise to thoroughly read the packaging and know exactly what you are feeding your dog. Seek out products with ingredients that include natural substances like melatonin, hemp oil, passion flower, ginger root, valerian root, and L-tryptophan and L-theanine.
Do your best to avoid treats that include, among their ingredients, an artificial preservative, coloring, flavoring, or GMOs. If there are no ingredients listed, then chances are these brands are trying to conceal something.
Specifications
You might choose to buy certified organic calming dog treats if you are concerned about pesticide use. There is no need to pay more for grain-free treats unless your dog has a legitimate allergy. In fact, whole grains are excellent for heart health.
Most calming dog treats are small chews or crunchy treats, but you will occasionally find items such as calming rawhide-style chews or calming dental treats.
Package Size and Dosage
Know how much you should purchase to last you for a certain period. The amount of doses of calming treats that should be given to your dog varies from animal to animal.
Some dogs with more severe anxiety or larger breeds might need a little extra, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Palatability
Like any other form of edible dog product, most calming dog treats are available in a variety of flavors. Pick a brand and flavor that is your pup’s favorite and make sure your dog likes the taste to guarantee that he will eat up the treats without any delay or concern.
Generally, these supplement items have a strong herbal odor, which might make your dogs wary. If not, it is always worth smothering them in peanut butter that tends to work for most medications and supplements that your dogs do not want to lap up.
Price
Calming treats for dogs differ widely in price depending on various factors such as package size, active ingredients, and overall quality. Check out customer reviews on how the product worked for their dogs and whether you get your money’s worth or more. Consider other factors besides a customer review, such as your dog’s individuality in making a decision.
At the low end of the price spectrum, you can find calming treats for less than $10, while at the high end, they can cost more than $50. Consider your dog’s requirements to know how much these treats will cost you monthly.
Some Considerations to Take Note of
You will have to use different calming treats for you to know your dog’s preferences. He may dislike a certain product due to its taste. Hence, taking the supplements might be an issue. However, you may mix these treats with dog food. Or, turn it into a peanut butter flavor by spreading some around each bite.
Once you have found the best dog calming aid for your pets, try giving them a few chews before a stressful event occurs.
Please note that each dog is unique and may react differently to these supplements. Some treats work right away while others take time. The most suitable calming treat for your dog will prove its efficacy with time. Results may vary depending on his age, size, and temperament.
For serious cases of anxiety, you may need to seek immediate professional help from your veterinarian. It is possible that professional behavior modification or even anxiety medication might be required. Contact a health expert as soon as possible in case of accidental overdose or adverse side effects.
How Often Can you Give a Dog Calming Treats?
Intended for intermittent or supplemental support, these products are not alternatives to a nutritious diet. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proper training.
Usually, the recommended doses are included in the packaging. But as a general rule of thumb, no more than two treats per day should be given to any dog below 25 lbs, 3 chews daily for dogs up to 75lbs, and four treats for any dog over 75lbs.
Before giving your dogs more than 4 calming chews daily, consult with your vet first to stay on the side of caution.
You can adopt other modes of addressing this concern and that would help optimize non-medicinal home remedies. Other dog products that may help are calming sprays and dog toys. Of course, you should filter your choices on what your dogs need.
Keep Calm and Carry On
No matter the anxiety-related concern that your dog may experience, dog calming treats are easily accessible to rescue your day. Equipped with our best picks of calming dog treats available on Amazon, you are now more prepared than ever in securing your pup’s health.
For sure, next time that you anticipate separation anxiety or any stress trigger, you now know what to do. Nonetheless, please bear in mind that these soft chews and treats listed here will work depending on your dog’s individuality.
Therefore, it is up to you to opt for what you deem is best based on your dog’s needs. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your bonding moments with your finally anxiety-free canine buddy!