One study found that pet parents reported that the Pet Remedy diffuser, which contains valerian, reduced the intensity, but not the frequency, of anxiety-related behaviors. As with some other products, it may take several weeks before pet parents can see any therapeutic effect. Magnolia Officinalis and Phellodendron Amurense Kim Y, Lee J, Abd el-aty A, et al. Efficacy of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) for ameliorating separation-related behavioral signs in hospitalized dogs. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2010;51(4):380-384.

Feed one to three treats per day, depending on your dog’s weight. Start with half the recommended amount and gradually increase it. You can divide the amount if you want to give them at breakfast and dinner. The treats have no artificial flavors or preservatives or synthetic colors and no grain, corn, or soy. The bites have the NASC quality seal and Zesty Paws offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. I'm using lavender and chamomile because they are natural calming agents, and me and my dogs also like their scent.Sheppard G, Mills D. Evaluation of dog-appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks. Veterinary Record. 2003;152:432–436.

These oils will not be as effective (if at all), and they could also be dangerous to you or your dog. 4. Be Careful Around CatsWe’ve spoken to two licensed veterinarians, Dr. Steph Sheen atFuzzy.com, and Dr. Gina Rendon, medical director at New York City’sWilliamsburg Veterinary Clinic, to suss out the best calming products to call on when traveling with an anxiety-prone pup. Not only did they recommend the best products, but they also explained how they work (and don’t work) and shared tips on how to travel with your nervous, four-legged BFF. Keep in mind that many of these non-prescription products work best when used in combination with each other. Melatonin is a natural hormone that animals secrete while they sleep. It can also help calm anxious dogs. It's important to note that while calming aids can be helpful, they should not be used as a substitute for proper training, socialization, or medical treatment when necessary,” says Denver-based Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets, an in-home pet service. “If you are unsure whether a calming aid is appropriate for your dog, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.”

Like I said, this calm spray for dogs is only for mild cases of hyperactivity. You'll need to reach out to your veterinarian for more severe debilitating cases. Pike A, Horwitz D, Lobprise H. An open-label prospective study of the use of l-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2015;4(10):324-331. Food toys are most effective when a dog’s triggers for anxiety can be identified, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or visitors coming into the home. A food toy is best given in a safe space that is quiet and away from the stressor. You can give it to your dog just before the onset of stressful events, to divert their attention from the trigger and prevent their anxiety from escalating.Osella M, Re G, Odore R, et al. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome: prevalence, clinical signs and treatment with a neuroprotective nutraceutical. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2007;105(4):297-310. Nobody wants to see their beloved companion anxious or scared, and while we can't cure their fear like we'd want to, we can invest in remedies to help. Pet calming products like calming plug-in diffusers, pet supplements, sprays and anti-anxiety beds can all help. Best pet calming products at a glance While some pet parents swear by certain dog calming products and report them to be useful in dogs with mild to moderate anxiety, few products have been tested and proven through scientific research to reduce anxiety in pets. When scientific studies have been performed, many of these studies are of lower rigor. Calming aids may be helpful in situations where dogs might become stressed or anxious. That can include: