We’re always searching for tips and tricks – or the latest herb, tea or supplement – to relieve stress and keep our minds grounded. We also worry about our family members’ well-being, and for many of us – this includes our pets, too.
Despite their seemingly perfect lives full of treats, rubs, hugs and playtime, our pets experience stress more often than we may notice. Trips to the vet, new environments and loud noises are just a few of the things that can cause animals to go into fight or flight mode. If your pet tends to get hyperactive and jumpy, or quiet and standoffish, in certain situations, it’s very likely that he or she is feeling anxious and/or stressed.
Luckily, there are some things we can do, such as helping them find a quiet place, providing physical touch and doling out tasty treats, to make our furry friends feel more comfortable. If attempts to console them are unsuccessful, it might be helpful to try a calming pet supplement for extra support.
We’ve compiled a list of eight of the best stress-relieving products made specifically for pets. Keep in mind pets may have different reactions to different products, so it may take a little experimentation to find the one that's best for your dog or cat.
1. Zesty Paws Calming Bites
These chewable bites combine l-theanine, l-tryptophan, chamomile, hemp and valerian root, all natural ingredients known for their calming, relaxing properties. They're suitable for pets of all ages and conveniently wrapped up in a delicious, turkey-flavored chew.
2. Bach Rescue Remedy Natural Stress Relief for Pets
If you're looking for a simple, fuss-free way to provide your pet with stress relief, try these drops. They can be added to your pet's food or simply squeezed into their mouth whenever they need it most. Bach Rescue Remedy is alcohol free and can be given to dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits and even lizards.
3. Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming for Cats Behavioral Support Supplement
Formulated specifically with cats in mind, these chews use the power of the amino acid l-theanine along with vitamin B1 to relieve acute stress with a biopeptide blend to help with everyday stress. They're free of artificial ingredients, corn and wheat -- and they're suitable for cats of all sizes. Note: these chews work naturally to support a healthy stress response and do not function as a sedative!
4. Vitacost Tag Canine Calming Chews
These great-tasting, chicken liver-flavored chews from the Vitacost Tag line of pet products offer calming support for balanced behavior, relaxation and hyperactivity relief. They contain thiamin (vitamin B1), l-theanine and a unique colustrum calming complex, with no added sugar and 45 servings per bag. They're perfect for travel-related stress, separation anxiety, nervousness and pacing.
5. NaturVet Quiet Moments Senior Calming Aid for Dogs
Soft chews intended for older dogs, this supplement helps to keep your pet's nervous system in check while reducing stress and tension often associated with senior dogs. They're great for traveling, fireworks, grooming and thunderstorms. And though they're technically formulated for senior dogs, NaturVet notes that these chews can be given to any dog over 1 year of age.
6. Vital Planet Calm Relaxing Herbal Supplement for Dogs Beef
This unique herbal blend (featuring lemon balm, motherwort, passion flower, valerian, chamomile, skullcap, hops and flower essences) comes in a convenient powder that mixes easily into any food and adds a boost of beef flavor. It also contaings l-theanine and GABA for additional relaxation and stress-support benefits.
7. NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments for Dogs
Harness the power of hemp in this veterinarian-formulated calming chew for dogs. It features a synergistic blend of hemp seed, melatonin, thiamine, l-tryptophan and chamomile -- with a touch of touch of ginger in each chew to help keep your dog’s stomach calm as well.
8. Foufou Dog Fou-Stick Natural Calming Pet Balm
A unique topical solution, this balm features a combination of natural calming ingredients including chamomile, passionflower and herbal oils and essences to help calm your pet during stressful times such as travel, thunderstorms or any stressful time. It's suitable for both dogs and cats. To use, try to create a calm, quiet space for your pet. Massage onto pet's paws or rub a small amount on hands and gently massage around your pet's neck and back (avoiding eye area).
