Best Calming Aids for Dogs to Ease Stressful Situations and Keep Your Dog Calm
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When your pup’s dealing with stress or occasional anxiety, it’s only natural to want to do whatever you can to help them feel at ease. Whether you have a dog who sometimes struggles with separation anxiety or who gets upset about stressful events like thunderstorms, fireworks or trips in the car, the best calming aids for dogs can help them stay calm, cool and collected. To help you choose the right one for your anxious fur baby, we’ve rounded up the best dog calming aids based on Chewy customer sales, ratings and reviews.
10 Best Dog Calming Aids
How To Find the Best Dog Calming Aid
There are a variety of different types of dog calming aids on the market (see more on the types below). Andrea Cermele, DVM, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, says to consider the following before buying:
- The source of stress or anxiety: Understanding what causes your dog’s anxiety can help determine which type of calming aid is best. Dr. Cermele says anxiety in dogs can stem from various factors, such as separation from their pet parent, changes in their environment, loud noises or even their health. A short-term solution like a dog calming chew may work well for a visit to the vet, while a longer-term solution like a compression vest or plug-in diffuser may be best for separation anxiety or ongoing anxiousness.
- Your dog’s preferences: All dogs are different, so consider what your dog may be more drawn to before buying a calming aid. For example, some may not like to wear items, so a calming collar or anti-anxiety vest wouldn’t work well for them. Others may really enjoy treats, which would make calming treats a good option to try.
- Whether it’s suitable for dogs: Even though DIY remedies (including essential oils) are well-meaning, not all of them are suitable for dogs. Always select a calming aid that is specifically designed for dogs and highly rated and well reviewed. When opting for a calming supplement, look for the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal on the package, which indicates that a company has undergone a third-party audit and meets certain quality-control criteria. Be sure to follow all dosage instructions, too.
- Your vet’s input: Always consult your veterinarian before buying or using any dog calming aids. They can help provide guidance on what to buy, and can also help determine the source of your pet’s stress.
Best Overall Dog Calming Aid
When anxiousness strikes, your stressed pup may be just a savory snack away from feeling some relief with these calming chews, which contain the amino acid L-theanine, L-tryptophan, hemp seed powder and valerian root, among other active ingredients. Reviewers praise these chews for how well they calm stress-induced behaviors, such as pacing and panting, in their dogs.
Best Dog Calming Chew
These calming chews for dogs contain active ingredients like suntheanine, a form of L-theanine, to help promote a sense of relaxation and calmness for your pup. Other natural ingredients in these calming chews include valerian root, organic hemp seed powder, L-tryptophan and chamomile. Pet parents report success in a variety of stressful situations, including car rides, thunderstorms and fireworks.
Best Powder Dog Calming Supplement
There is an increasing amount of evidence that gut health is linked to mental health, and studies have shown that probiotics can help support calmness. This liver-flavored dog supplement for calming features a strain of probiotic known as BL999 to help your canine companion stay relaxed. It can be mixed in your dog’s food, and reviewers say their dogs love the taste—even picky eaters.
Best Dog Calming Spray
This dog calming spray is made with a soothing blend of ingredients, including lavender, chamomile and Egyptian geranium. And it’s easy to use to help calm your dog in everyday situations that they might find stressful. Remember to only use canine-specific products such as this and never use a dog product on a cat as it can lead to toxicity.
Best Diffuser for Calming Dogs
For an easy-to-use, veterinarian-recommended aid to calm dogs, simply plug this diffuser refill into your Adaptil diffuser and let it do its thing. The diffuser releases synthetic pheromones, and the calming effects last for up to 30 days, helping your dog to stress less and chill more. Chewy pet parents report that, for certain anxious dogs, it is especially helpful for separation anxiety.
Best Dog Calming Collar
This highly rated calming collar is infused with natural ingredients to help instantly soothe high-strung pups. It works for up to a month long and even supports joint health. Comes in sizes S-L.
Best Anti-Anxiety Apparel for Dogs
The ThunderShirt is a vest your dog wears that applies constant, gentle pressure to help calm your stressed out dog. Your dog will feel like they are getting a steady, soft hug—which sure sounds relaxing. It comes in sizes XXS-XXL to fit small and large dogs and has been proven effective in over 80% of dogs. Reviewers left top marks for how well it worked in a number of stressful situations, including thunderstorms, car rides and during fireworks.
Best Toy for Calming Dogs
If your dog is stressed, try giving them a toy to divert their attention and help put that nervous energy to a more productive use. Thousands of Chewy dog parents swear by the KONG classic as being a stimulating dog toy. Fill it with a treat for an even more enticing and rewarding calming activity for dogs.
Best Dog Calming Bed
This donut calming dog bed creates a warm, protective spot for your anxious pet to snuggle while giving them additional orthopedic support that may help them feel calmer and aid in stress relief. Pet parents rave about how much their dogs love to curl up in the plush bed. Comes in sizes S-XL.
How We Chose These Products
All the products we’re featuring in our list of dog calming aids are best-sellers at Chewy that are also top-rated, having a 4-star rating or higher. You can rest assured that customers—dog parents just like you—have used these products and love them. We know how tough it can be to navigate the retail space, so we wanted to take that burden off your shoulders so you and your pup can feel better pronto.
Types of Dog Calming Aids
Just as there are many different types of stressful scenarios, there are many different types of calming aids for dogs. Here are some of the most common options.
Calming Supplements
Calming supplements, delivered via dog chews, powder or liquid drops, are a useful way to manage your dog’s occasional anxiety. The chews can be given on their own, while the liquid drops and powder supplements are usually mixed in with the pet’s food. You get the benefit of leveraging a familiar object (that they enjoy) to administer the supplement, and they enjoy the snack.
“These products often contain ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tryptophan, valerian root, chamomile and melatonin,” says Dr. Cermele. “Many dog owners find these effective for reducing stress related to situations like thunderstorms, travel or visits to the vet office.”
Other common ingredients used in these calming chews include ginger and thiamine. What’s not to love about a savory chicken-flavored, pork-flavored or bacon-flavored treat that has wellness benefits, too?
Calming Sprays
Dog calming sprays help reduce reactions to stressful situations either through “dog-appeasing pheromones” (DAP) or natural ingredients known for their calming benefits, such as lavender and chamomile. They work by mimicking natural calming signals that help your pup feel more at ease, making them ideal for short-term stressful events such as thunderstorms, travel or fireworks.
They’re typically sprayed on your dog’s environment, bedding or directly on the fur (if deemed safe). (Note: If you have different types of pets in the home, like a cat, make sure the spray is fully dry before letting your pets interact. Products meant for dogs could be toxic to cats.)
Plug-in Diffusers
Wall diffusers plug directly into an electrical outlet and disperse a calming pheromone into the air to help soothe your pup, Dr. Cermele explains.
They’re similar to sprays, only they emit the scent non-stop versus for short periods of time. That makes them suitable for situations when your dog experiences longer durations of stress—like when you’re away from the house and they have separation anxiety—or in cases where your pup is often on edge.
Calming Collars
Calming collars are placed around your dog’s neck and emit a calming smell via pheromones or herbal ingredients. “The most popular type of calming collar uses synthetic versions of the pheromone that mother dogs produce to soothe their puppies,” Dr. Cermele says. “Studies and subjective evidence suggest that pheromone-based collars can be effective in reducing anxiety in many dogs, particularly for ongoing stressors like periods of separation, changes in the home environment or loud noises like fireworks.”
She adds that herbal-based collars, which use ingredients such as lavender and chamomile, may also have a soothing effect, though their effectiveness can vary more widely among individual dogs.
Generally speaking, calming collars are non-invasive and convenient, making them a practical option for dog parents who may find it challenging to administer supplements or other calming aids regularly.
Anti-Anxiety Apparel
Certain garments are designed to have a calming effect on dogs, including anti-anxiety vests and calming caps. They provide gentle compression similar to swaddling. The light, constant pressure helps calm your dog’s nervous system. Vests compress your dog’s body, while caps create pressure around their head. (Note: For caps, you’ll want to make sure they aren’t so tight as to cause choking.) Since they’re placed over your dog’s ears, they can also help reduce stressful loud noises.
“Many dogs find this pressure comforting, and it can help reduce anxiety during stressful situations such as travel, vet visits or thunderstorms,” Dr. Cermele says. They can also work well for grooming sessions (especially caps to shield pets from the new noises) and other overwhelming environments.
Toys
Stress-relieving dog toys are specifically designed to provide your pup with mental stimulation, comfort and, yeah, a bit of distraction from whatever’s making them feel anxious. These toys often incorporate features such as calming scents, treat-dispensing mechanisms and soft, chewable materials.
Some examples include lick mats, interactive puzzles, and frozen toys or objects that they can chew for long periods of time. These are great for when your pup is left alone or going through a stressful event at home, like a thunderstorm or when you have visitors.
How To Calm Dogs
Stressed or anxious dogs exhibit both clear and subtle signs. Dr. Cermele says that obvious signs include:
- Excessive barking or whining
- Cowering
- Trembling
- Growling
- Snapping
- Biting
- Panting (not related to exercise or heat)
- Pacing
- Digging
- Appetite changes
- Destructive behaviors like chewing or getting into items they shouldn’t
“Less obvious signs of stress include yawning when not tired and excessive lip licking,” Dr. Cermele says. “Dogs may also show avoidance behaviors, such as turning away, hiding or trying to escape from a situation. Excessive drooling, dilated pupils or seeing more of the whites of the eyes—known as whale eye—can also indicate stress.”
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue. Follow these expert tips from Dr. Cermele for helping to calm stressed dogs.
Step 1: Identify the Stress Trigger
Observe your dog’s behavior and try to pinpoint what triggers their anxiety. Common causes of stress in dogs include loud noises, separation from their pet parents, new environments or experiences, health issues and a history of trauma. All these sources will require unique approaches to calming your dog’s anxiety.
Step 2: Create a Safe Environment
One of the best things you can do to help ease your dog’s stress levels is to provide them with a safe space with accessibility. Set up a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat, with their bed, toys and blankets. Do what you can to minimize exposure to triggers like loud noises or unfamiliar environments or experiences.
Step 3: Try Calming Aids
Along with a safe environment, it’s often helpful to soothe your pup with calming aids, including the options we’ve included above. You’ll want to choose the best type of calming aid for your dog’s source of anxiety and their personal preferences. Always use these items according to instructions and consult with your veterinarian for advice.
Step 4: Engage in Calming Activities
Dogs require both mental and physical stimulation to help reduce their overall anxiety levels and boost their well-being. Make sure to engage them in regular physical exercise via walks, indoor playtime, or outdoor parks and activities. Mental stimulation can come from interactive games, like puzzles and tug-of-war. Training is another great way to mentally engage your pup.
Step 5: Maintain Consistency
As best as you can, try to maintain consistent schedules for feeding, walking and playtime. Sticking to a schedule helps your dog know what to expect each day. During situations that are out of the norm or stress-inducing, provide your dog with calming aids and activities, adjusting as needed to suit their needs.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
While calming products for dogs are helpful, it’s important to remember that every pup is unique and all situations require individualized treatment. “Consulting with a veterinarian before starting any new calming aid is always a good idea, as they can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs and ensure there are no underlying health issues contributing to their anxiety,” Dr. Cermele says.
She also recommends veterinary intervention for a stressed or anxious dog anytime signs of stress don’t resolve or worsen with simple behavioral interventions, and in cases where your dog’s anxiety is causing significant behavioral changes, such as aggressive tendencies, excessive barking, destructive behavior or withdrawal.
Life can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to be stressed-out. Give them a new sense of ease, whether they’re faced with loud noises or car rides, with the best calming aids for dogs. Looking for other ways to reduce your dog’s stress? Check out our guide on how to calm dogs with anxiety.
Attributions
Expert input provided by Andrea Cermele, DVM, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization.
This content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.
