Do you have a nervous dog? Many dogs experience nervousness or anxiety at some point—whether triggered by the busy holiday season, fireworks, having guests over, other dogs, changes in routine, dog boarding, grooming, long drives, or plane rides. While some dogs become accustomed to these stimuli over time, other dogs may struggle to adjust. This is where calming treats for dogs can help.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we talk about various calming chews, treats, and supplements for dogs that you can discuss with your veterinarian. We’ll also provide some key information on how calming supplements work and other calming techniques for dogs.
Overview:
- Anxiety or nervousness in dogs is quite common, especially during situations such as travel, thunderstorms, or changes in routine.
- To help your dog stay calm during typically stressful moments, your veterinarian may recommend training, calming aids, supplements, treats, or medication.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best calming aid, supplement, or medication for your dog is the one personally prescribed and monitored by an experienced veterinarian.
What is The Best Thing to Give a Dog to Calm Them Down?
The best solution for keeping your dog calm is NOT always a calming supplement or anti-anxiety medication. Some dogs may benefit more from what we at Sploot Vets call “a behavior modification plan”, which can include behavioral training, slight changes to their environment, comfort items, or calming aids (e.g., pheromones, calming collars).
A. What Do Vets Recommend for Calming Dogs?
Veterinarians may recommend calming techniques, vet-approved calming aids, or a combination of the two. A vet’s recommendations depend on the severity and frequency of your dog’s anxiety. Veterinarians will also consider other factors, such as your dog’s medical history, breed predispositions, and past training.
1. Environment & Training-Based Calming Techniques
Environment and training-based calming techniques can be recommended for mild anxiety in dogs. These may also serve as alternatives in case of contraindications with medications or sensitivity to calming treats for dogs. Here are some examples of simple calming techniques:
- Using comfort items – A familiar blanket, toy, or crate can provide a sense of security for dogs. These can be helpful for cases involving mild nervousness (and/or mild separation anxiety in dogs). For pets that are not sensitive to wearing clothes, ThunderShirts work by applying gentle, constant pressure around the dog’s body to create a calming, swaddling effect.
- Exercise – Exercising your dog before a stressful event helps burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety.
- Creating a calm environment – Soothing music, dim lights, puzzle toys, and a quiet den-like space can help dogs relax if they experience mild stress during certain events at home (e.g., thunderstorms, parties and gatherings, or fireworks).
- Behavioral training – Behavioral training can help dogs cope with various recurring situations that cause them stress or nervousness (e.g., car rides, grooming, baths, socializing).
2. Vet-Approved Calming Aids, Supplements, & Medication
Calming aids, supplements, and medications are typically recommended when dogs experience moderate to severe anxiety symptoms that calming techniques or training cannot alleviate. Additionally, if calming techniques and training are not feasible, these can serve as alternatives.
- Calming supplements, calming treats, and calming chews for dogs – These contain special ingredients that help dogs calm down. While these can be available over the counter, it’s always recommended to consult a veterinarian before use.
- Calming pheromone diffusers or calming collars for dogs – Dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) mimic natural dog pheromones, helping produce a sense of safety and reassurance. Pheromones can be used with a plug-in diffuser or a calming collar for dogs.
- Prescription medication for canine anxiety – For dogs with severe anxiety (like recurrent separation anxiety or noise phobia), your vet may recommend medications such as trazodone (for short-term or one-off use) or fluoxetine (for more long-term use).
B. Do Calming Treats or Chews for Dogs Really Work?
Calming treats and chews for dogs are milder than prescription medications; therefore, they are typically recommended for mild to moderate anxiety in dogs. Calming chews or treats for dogs typically contain ingredients like L-theanine, magnolia bark extract, probiotics, and other similar ingredients that support calmness and relaxation in dogs.
The 5 Best Calming Treats, Chews, & Supplements for Dogs
If you are considering getting calming treats, calming chews, or supplements for your dog, here are some options you can discuss with your veterinarian:
1. Zylkene Capsules for Dogs
- Calming supplement for dogs; with Alpha-casozepine (milk-derived); safe for lactose-intolerant dogs; non-sedating
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35
Zylkene Capsules are formulated to support balanced, calmer behavior in dogs. Each capsule contains Alpha-Casozepine, a lactose-free derivative of milk, which mimics the calming experience puppies get when nursing. Zylkene also helps promote better sleep at night for some dogs, without causing sedation. This calming supplement for dogs is suitable for short-term use (given 1 to 2 days or 5 to 7 days before the event) and long-term use (for around 1 to 2 months before reassessing further use). However, veterinary guidance is always recommended.
Note: There are three doses of Zylkene to choose from, compatible with different dog sizes (i.e., small, medium, and large.) The packaging can look similar at first glance, so make sure to check the label.
2. Solliquin® Soft Chews
- Calming chews for dogs; contains L-theanine, magnolia extract, & phellodendron extract; non-sedating
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35
Solliquin® Soft Chews are calming chews for dogs, containing various ingredients that support calm behavior and reduce anxiety in dogs, without causing sedation. These chews contain the following:
- L-theanine – boosts the production of calming neurotransmitters, including GABA and serotonin, to promote well-being in dogs.
- Magnolia extract and Phellodendon – this contains compounds that reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) in dogs, helping reduce anxiety.
- Whey Protein Concentrate – supports the production of serotonin, boosting well-being in dogs.
Solliquin Soft Chews can be used for both short- and long-term use, but veterinary guidance is highly recommended to prevent side effects.
3. Purina® Pro Plan® Calming Care Veterinary Supplements
- Calming supplements for dogs; contains probiotics; liver-flavored; supports gut-brain health; non-sedating
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35
Purina Pro Plan’s Calming Care is a supplement formulated to support a dog’s gut-brain health, which helps in the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. This product contains the probiotic strain BL999 (aka Bifidobacterium longum), which helps dogs stay calm and confident over time.
According to a pet behavior researcher for Nestlé Purina, this probiotic helps reduce the likelihood of barking, jumping, spinning, and pacing (common signs of nervousness in dogs) in situations that would normally lead to distress.
Purina Pro Plan’s Calming Care supplements for dogs is generally used for six weeks to achieve the best results. As with any calming supplement for dogs, we recommend consulting a veterinarian for utmost safety.
4. VetriScience Calm & Confident Soft Chews for Dogs
- Calming chews for dogs; contains Colostrum Calming Complex®, L-theanine, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and L-tryptophan; liver-flavored; non-sedating
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35
VetriScience Calm & Confident Soft Chews for Dogs is a calming treat for dogs, formulated with a variety of ingredients to help support a balanced mood and deeper relaxation. These calming chews contain:
- Colostrum Calming Complex® – a collection of bioactive molecules, including glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, monosaccharides, and more, which supports the canine body’s natural stress regulation
- L-theanine – supports the production of calming neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. It helps reduce anxiety and tension while improving focus
- L-tryptophan – a natural amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter which supports relaxation and a balanced mood.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – an essential B-vitamin for nervous system health and stress regulation. Low thiamine levels can contribute to irritability or nervousness, so supplementation promotes stability.
Calm & Confident Soft Chews for Dogs is indicated for both short- and long-term use; it is said to begin working within 30 minutes and effects can last for up to 8 hours. As always, consult a veterinarian before use to assess if this is safe and fitting for your dog’s needs.
5. VetriScience Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident Liquid for Dogs & Cats
- Liquid calming supplement for dogs; contains Colostrum Calming Complex®, L-theanine, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and L-tryptophan; non-sedating
- Available on SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35
VetriScience Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident Liquid features the same active ingredients as VetriScience Calm & Confident Soft Chews. This product combines Colostrum Calming Complex®, L-theanine, Vitamin B1, and L-tryptophan to support mood regulation, relaxation, and brain function, without causing drowsiness.
This calming supplement for dogs is a liquid formula, allowing for easy administration for pets that dislike calming treats or chews. This product comes complete with an oral syringe.
VetriScience Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident Liquid starts working in 30 minutes after administration and can last up to 4 hours. We recommend reaching out to a veterinarian to assess this product’s suitability and best dosage for your dog’s case.
When to Give Calming Chews to Dogs
Calming chews for dogs should be given around 1 to 2 hours before a stressful trigger or event (e.g., a car ride, fireworks, grooming appointment). This allows time for the calming ingredients to take effect.
Sploot veterinarian Dr. Sylvia Berns states: “While I often recommend giving the calming chews for dogs 1 to 2 hours before, it’s also helpful to refer to the instructions on the specific chews/supplement to see how quickly it affects the pet and how long it lasts. In addition, it is best to trial these before the actual trigger event so you can find out those nuances beforehand.”
However, some calming supplements for dogs need to be taken weeks in advance for maximum benefits. As noted by Sploot Medical Director, Dr. Marissa Sallee, “For products like Zylkene or Purina Pro Calming Care Probiotic, it may take around 4-6 weeks to see full effect, especially for chronic anxiety. In such cases, they can use the calming supplements for the full duration (with veterinary guidance) before deciding if it helps or not.”
Calming treats for dogs can be used as needed or over the course of several days, provided that none of the ingredients are contraindicated with your dog’s other medications, health conditions, or dietary sensitivities. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts on Calming Treats, Chews, & Supplements for Dogs
Calming treats, chews, and supplements for dogs can be an excellent way to help your dog feel more relaxed and emotionally balanced. As a final reminder, always consult a veterinarian before starting any new supplement or treat to ensure it’s safe and tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Veterinarians can also assess if your dog will benefit more from calming techniques and/or prescription medication for canine anxiety.
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Dog Vet for Health & Well-Being
Sploot Vets provides top-tier, all-in-one vet care that helps keep your dog at their healthiest and happiest. Aside from wellness exams and behavioral consultations, we handle more than 95% of your pet’s care needs, including preventative care, urgent care, and emergency vet services.
If you’re dog is struggling with nervousness or anxiety, we offer a positive vet care experience that’s beneficial for them. With our Fear Free certified medical team and serene clinic environment, we prioritize your dog’s comfort while providing next-level care.
We have conveniently located vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs, open 365 days a year with extended hours.
Book your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets pet care app today!
