Anxiety can occur in dogs for one of several reasons. They may have experienced neglect or abuse before getting adopted or have a specific fear, such as loud noises, children, strangers, or unfamiliar animals. Some dogs may develop anxiety later in life due to cognitive decline. 

There are many ways anxiety can manifest in dogs:

• Incessant barking
• Pacing
• Heavy panting
• Whining
• Withdrawing from people
• Destructive behavior, particularly in dogs with separation anxiety

One option for pet parents is dog calming supplements. Understanding the differences between the various options can help them choose the best fit for their canines. 

Calming Collars

A calming collar is an easy and convenient way to help keep anxious dogs calm. A pet parent can put it on their dog and leave it on until they need to exchange it for a new one. 

Adaptil Calming Collar

The Adaptil calming collar provides on-the-go anxiety relief ideal for: 

• New environments
• Loud noises (such as thunder)
• Traveling 
• Vet visits

After a pet parent puts the collar on their dog, their body heat warms it, activating a dog-appeasing pheromone. With continuous wear, a dog always has anxiety relief when they need it most. The collar lasts four weeks and is suitable for dogs of all ages. 

Calming Chews

Calming chews are a treat that helps ease nervousness, anxiety, and stress. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors.

VetriScience Composure Chews

VetriScience Composure chews help to promote calm behavior in anxious or stressed dogs. Ideal for thunderstorms, fireworks, and traveling, these chews take about 30 minutes to take effect and last for approximately four hours. 

The active ingredients in these chews are:

• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• L-theanine
• Colostrum Calming Complex® biopeptide blend

This combination of compounds helps quell anxiety, environmental stress, and hyperactivity. Pet parents can give one to two chews per day on an as-needed basis. 

NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments

The NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments chews are ideal for anxiety caused by various situations. These chews contain a combination of:

• hemp seed oil and powder
• L-tryptophan
• Melatonin

They also have ginger in them, which can help with any anxiety-related stomach upset. Pet parents can provide their dog (over 12 months) with a chew as needed. 

Capsules

Capsules are another type of product dogs need to take orally to reap the benefits. Like chews, they do take a little longer to take effect than pheromone-based products because a dog needs to digest them first. 

Vetoquinol Zylkene Balanced Behavior Capsules

Vetoquinol Zylkene capsules help to reduce a dog’s reactions to stressful environmental triggers such as a trip to the groomer or going for a car ride. The capsules contain bovine-sourced hydrolyzed milk protein, which has natural calming properties. Along with helping to maintain a relaxed disposition, they can also help make dogs more receptive to training or behavior modifications.

A pet parent can give their dog a capsule orally or break it open and mix the contents with food. They should start giving capsules one to two days before a planned event for the best results. However, some dogs may need to begin taking them five to seven days before a potentially stressful event. 

Senilife Capsules

As some dogs get older, they develop cognitive decline, and the confusion they experience can result in anxiety. Senilife capsules are a nutritional supplement that contains:

• Ginkgo Biloba
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B6

These ingredients can help with the early symptoms of brain aging, improving a senior dog’s quality of life. Pet parents can provide the appropriate dose daily, and most see improvements within the first 30 days. 

Herbal Sprays

Herbal sprays offer an easy way for a pet parent to create a calming environment for their dog, no matter where they are. 

VetClassics Herbal Calming Spray

The VetClassics herbal calming spray is ideal for turning a kennel, car, or bed into a source of calming comfort. It contains a combination of:

• Chamomile extract
• Rosemary oil
• Clove oil
• Simulated canine pheromones

These ingredients can help ease anxiety and provide stress relief for dogs. 

Adaptil Travel Calming Pheromone Spray

Adaptil travel calming spray contains pheromones that mimic the ones mother dogs emit to keep her puppies calm. It’s ideal for car rides, new environments, travel, and other situations that trigger a dog’s anxiety. Pet parents can apply the spray to a kennel, bedding, bandana, or other items to provide up to five hours of relief. 

Provide Stress Relief With Calming Supplements for Dogs

Calming supplements can ease a dog’s anxiety symptoms, helping them feel calmer and improving their overall quality of life. However, they may not be the right fit for every pet, and some canines may require prescription dog anxiety medication. Pet parents should consult with a vet first to learn what might be best for their dog and learn additional tips for providing anxiety relief.