Here is a list of the best calming products for dogs and cats
Many pets suffer with stress and anxiety, whether it’s caused by holidays, kennel or cattery stays, trips to the vet, new additions to the household, or fireworks. It can be tough to see your pet display the signs of stress, but there is a range of calming products for dogs and cats available. These products are specially designed to help your pet cope better.
Understanding the differences between the products and knowing more about the active calming ingredient within them can help you make the best choice for your pet. It may be that one doesn’t appear to work so well for your dog or cat. In this case, you’ll be able to make an informed choice about an alternative product which uses a different method of calming or ingredient.
Here are some of the best calming products for dogs and cats.
Natural ingredient based calming supplements
1) Zylkene
Zylkene is a natural ingredient based supplement. It can be given to cats and dogs a couple of days prior to a stressful event, such as Fireworks Night.
It contains casein, a protein found in milk which is known to promote relaxation in newborns. It has a non-drowsy formula and is lactose free.
Zylkene comes in capsule form. This is ideal for hiding in your dog’s food, or alternatively, owners can break it open and sprinkle the powder directly into food – much easier than a tablet if you have a cat!
Zylkene can be used longer term if your pet is very anxious. It can also be used in combination with pheromone-based products, discussed below.
Discover more about Zylkene:
2) Anxitane
Another choice is Anxitane, a highly palatable, chewable tablet from Virbac. This non-drowsy chew contains the natural ingredient L-Theanine, which helps to calm and reduce anxiety in dogs and cats. It has a fishy flavour, making it that little bit easier to give to your pet.
Anxitane can also help to increase mental focus and learning abilities.
Discover more about Anxitane:
3) YuMove Claming Care
YuMove Calming Care Dog and YuMove Calming Care Cat are premium calming supplements for stressed or anxious dogs and cats. Made by Lintbells, these triple-action products offer natural support for your pet. They combine scientifically proven ingredients to support natural calming pathways in the brain.
YuMove Calming Care is not a sedative and results can be seen in just a few days. However, it may take up to 3-6 weeks to see the full benefits.
The Lemon Balm used in YuMove Calming Care can make your pet feel more relaxed, soothe stress and encourage calm behaviour. It also incorporates L-Theanine which offers natural calming properties by supporting the production of calming compounds, such as serotonin. The addition of fish protein hydrolysate supports your pet’s brain, helping calming signals find the right spot.
Discover more about YuMove Calming Care:
4) VeggieDent Zen Chews
VeggieDent Zen Dog Chews are highly palatable, plant-based and multi-functional chews. They have been designed to help aid relaxation, reduce anxiety and fight against bad breath. They contain L-theanine which helps to calm and reduce anxiety in dogs. Incorporating innovative FR3SH technology, these tasty chews also target the causes of halitosis in dogs in three ways: they cleanse, cool and address digestive causes of bad breath.
Pheromone-based calming products for dogs and cats
Other calming products for dogs and cats use pheromones to help relieve the stress your pets feel.
1) ADAPTIL
The ADAPTIL for Dogs Diffuser from CEVA contains a dog-appeasing pheromone which is naturally produced by lactating bitches, giving comfort and reassurance to puppies. It’s been proven to have similar reassuring benefits to adult dogs that have been exposed to stressful situations. With a plug-in household diffuser, you’re providing continuous comfort for your dog for a full month, after which you simply need to get a refill. The ADAPTIL diffuser also helps to support training and socialisation.
How to use the ADAPTIL Diffuser:
ADAPTIL also have a spray that can provide help outside the home, when travelling in the car or visiting the vet. It can also be used inside. For example, you could spray it on the blankets in your dog’s new den on firework night.
For optimal results, consider using an ADAPTIL Collar. This products ensures your dog is benefiting from the soothing effect wherever they are. Specifically for puppies, ADAPTIL Collar Junior comforts newly adopted puppies and helps facilitate their learning.
ADAPTIL Dog Calming Chews are a fast-acting, tasty calming treat for your dog to have when facing stressful situations such as: loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms, visitors, transport by car, visits to the vet, grooming sessions and dog shows.
2)FELIWAY Optimum
Feliway Optimum Diffuser calms cats better than ever, and in more situations for enhanced serenity. It contains a new feline pheromone complex that conveys even more impactful messages to your cat which helps them cope with our modern lifestyles. Cats naturally produce pheromones, some of which are invisible calming messages. Feliway Optimum contains the most advanced Feline Pheromones Complex, developed by the Feliway research team.
Anxiety Shirts for Dogs
ThunderShirt
ThunderShirt Anxiety Shirt for Dogs is an effective and safe solution for calming fearful and anxious dogs. It is ideal for fear of fireworks, thunderstorms, separation anxiety, cars or travelling. The Thundershirt is easy to put on and ensures a consistent pressure on the core of the dog. This pressure has a calming effect for most dogs. In a recent survey of over a 1000 users, 85% of dogs were less anxious when wearing the shirt (The Journal of Veterinary Science).
We hope this gives you a little bit more of an understanding about the products available that can help to promote a sense of calm in your pets – whether for fireworks night or any other stressful situations.
Remember, every pet is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. If you’re unsure about which product is right for your pet, or you have any concerns about using any of these products in combination with your pet’s medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance.
Why not share with us your top tips? Which products have worked well for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Caring for a pet (or more than one) is one of the most rewarding things out there. Animed Direct offer a huge range of food and toys to help you better care for your pet, whether it’s for specialist diet requirements or supporting your pet at various life stages.
Don’t forget that you can order your pet’s prescription medication from Animed Direct. You simply need an up-to-date prescription to upload. Search for your pet’s medication in our Prescriptions A- Z.
