Anyone who owns a dog knows that there are certain circumstances in life that can cause canine anxiety levels to rise. You are probably familiar with what they are: Thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, strange company coming over, a visit to the vet…the list goes on. This can mean anything from a general nervousness to downright fearfulness. There are quite a few natural calming remedies for dogs available on the market today because no loving pet parent wants to see their dog nervous or frightened. And often the behaviors that these emotions bring about in your dog are difficult to control.
There are of course, prescription sedatives you can get from your veterinarian or an online pet pharmacy, but many cautious pet owners are reluctant to give these to their beloved canine kid and for good reason. The natural calming remedies for dogs reviewed in this article can be used as often as needed, with no harmful side effects. They are three of the highest rated products available OTC (Over The Counter).
Product # 1.) Zesty Paws Stress and Anxiety Calming Bites
The Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
Product Overview:
Although a relatively new company (established in 2014), Zesty Paws has made quite a name for itself in the way of safe, effective, and affordable pet care products. This review is not about Zesty Paws the company, but about one of its top rated items in customer satisfaction. And when the customers (pet parents) are happy, that always means the pets are happy!
This all-natural formula for calming your dog’s anxiety comes in Dog Treat form so it’s not a chore to give. The dosage is 1 chew per 25 lbs. of body weight but 1 chew can be cut with a knife for smaller breeds. The length of time it takes for the calming chews to take effect generally varies from one half hour to 2 hours. When I’d give them to Zo, my 48 lb. Labrador mix (on an empty stomach), I’d see him start to mellow in about 50 minutes.
The many positive customer reviews range from “He acted like a different dog!” to “It seemed to really take the edge off.”
I myself can only describe how the calming bites affected Zo, and the only word for that is “mellow.” He just mellowed out, without becoming drowsy (while a thunderstorm raged outside). I do highly recommend this product.
The only downside I can see to this these dog calming bites is (although chow hounds will definitely go for it), a finicky or spoiled canine kid may not want to try these new doggie treats that you so desperately want him to. They come in 3 flavors:
- Turkey ~ for meat lovers
- Peanut Butter ~ for the dog with a sweet tooth
- Turkey – Melatonin ~ If you don’t mind if he does get somewhat drowsy and enjoys a good snooze
Personally, I had to wrap the treats in a bit of cheese to get Zo to eat them, but we could classify him as “very spoiled.” When I first got him as a hungry stray, he was a ‘chow hound’ who’d eat anything that didn’t eat him first; But having been my friend and protector for 14 years, I’d occasionally spoil him with cheese (his favorite treat).
Product # 2). “My Fret-Free Dog” Hemp Calming Chews
The Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
Product Overview:
CBD is everywhere these days, even in our best dog calming products. I personally do not take any CBD products, nor have I used these Hemp Calming Chews on any of my dogs. But I do know several people who have, and each pet parent’s evaluation of this product is a definite ‘thumbs up’.
This product by Paws of Kerry, is an all-natural blend of organic ingredients designed to calm canine hyperactivity, nervousness, and restlessness. Among these ingredients is Ginger Root, which helps with motion sickness and nausea in case your pup’s stressful situation includes a car ride.
The dosage is:
1 soft chew for up to 25 lbs. of body weight / 2 chews for 25 to 50 lbs. / 3 chews per 50 to 75 lbs. / 4 chews per 75 to 100 lbs. / 5 chews per 100+ lbs. of body weight.
If you only give them during high-stress situations for your pet, a jar of 120 soft chews should last a good while, even if you own a Bullmastiff.
What about product palatability (yumminess)? The soft chews are a tasty duck flavor that supposedly no dog can resist. And here’s something else delicious: “My Fret-Free Dog” Hemp Calming Chews come with a 100% Money Back Guarantee, No Questions Asked.
Product # 3). Thundershirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket
The Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
Product Overview:
Thundershirts, or Anti-Anxiety Vests are frequently recommended by veterinarians and dog trainers. They work along the same lines as swaddling a newborn baby. The thundershirt’s constant gentle pressure to specific points on the dog’s body reduces or eliminates anxiety and produces a calming effect.
There’s no doubt that thundershirts work, and we used several different kinds in the veterinary clinic where I worked for many years. But after having tried this thundershirt, I have to say it is the best I’ve ever used on a nervous dog, in terms of effectiveness, durability, convenience, and canine comfort. It’s not cheap but I think it is well worth the price and actually quite a small price to pay for a lifetime of easing your pet through stressful situations.
It is available in 7 different sizes, from XX Small to XX Large, and comes in 2 fetching colors: Platinum for Him, and Fuchsia for Her. And it really does make the dog look quite sporty! Also has a Money Back Guarantee if you’re not satisfied for any reason.
It should be noted that the Thundershirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket can also be used in conjuction with one of the oral calming treats mentioned above if your dog tends to get extremely frantic in stressful situations.
THANK YOU, FOR READING MY REVIEW ON NATURAL CALMING REMEDIES FOR DOGS. I HOPE IT WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR PET ENJOY BETTER TRANQUILITY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS OR ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE, PLEASE DO SO IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!
