Don’t let that cheerful grin and wagging tail deceive you – dogs can experience anxiety just like humans. In fact, nearly 75% of dogs exhibit some form of anxious behavior. Some may nervously tiptoe around subway grates or seek refuge behind furniture during thunderstorms. Others tuck their tails between their legs in unfamiliar surroundings. Many dogs even have indoor “accidents” when left on their own. Symptoms can vary significantly and include behaviors such as barking, destructive actions, excessive panting, or restless pacing.
To make things more challenging, over 30% of dogs experience “out of the blue” generalized anxiety, lacking a clear cause or trigger. The most common type of dog anxiety? Noise. Around 33% of dogs suffer from sound anxiety. A recent study conducted in Finland revealed that Italian water dogs and Wheaten terriers tend to be the most noise-sensitive breeds. On the other hand, Staffordshire bull terriers and miniature schnauzers show the lowest noise anxiety.
While a dog’s living environment can contribute to canine anxiety, some breeds are inherently more prone to emotional issues. Scientific Reports has identified Shetland sheepdogs, Spanish water dogs, and mixed breed dogs as the most anxious breeds. Smaller dog breeds also tend to experience higher levels of anxiety.
But here’s the good news: If you have a pup that quakes like a leaf or succumbs to nervousness, there’s hope. In this Henriprints.co Dog Blog post, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favorite dog calming aids and anti-anxiety products available on Chewy.com.
1. YOGASLEEP | DOHM CLASSIC SOUND MACHINE
Do away with the jarring noise of thunder or the vacuum cleaner with Yogasleep’s Dohm Classic Sound Machine. This device emits a soothing “shushing” sound, offering a tranquil atmosphere without chilly drafts. It offers both low and high-speed options for adjusting tone and volume. The Dohm Classic Sound Machine features a modern and compact design, an 8-foot cord, and comes in black, white, or pink.
2. PETHONESTY | CALMING HEMP DOG CHEWS
PetHonesty’s calming hemp dog treats are crafted with a calming blend of chamomile, ginger, and valerian root. Developed by veterinary nutritionists, these organic chicken-flavored dog chews are designed to alleviate stress and nausea within 45 minutes. These U.S.-made dog chews are formulated for dogs of all ages, including seniors, puppies, and adult dogs of various sizes.
3. THUNDERWORKS | THUNDERSHIRT CLASSIC ANXIETY AND CALMING VEST FOR DOGS
This veterinarian-recommended anxiety vest is akin to swaddling a crying infant or comforting a sad friend. It provides consistent, gentle pressure to your dog’s chest and back, inducing the release of mood-enhancing hormones like endorphins and oxytocin. This, in turn, soothes your dog’s anxiety, fear, or over-excitement. In a study from 2013, 89% of pet parents reported that the Thundershirt effectively managed their dogs’ thunderstorm phobia. The patented anxiety wraps are crafted from lightweight, breathable, and machine-washable fabric. They come in sizes ranging from XX-small (for dogs under 8 lbs) to XX-large (for dogs over 110 lbs).
4. BEST FRIENDS BY SHERI | THE ORIGINAL CALMING SHAG-FUR DONUT CUDDLER DOG BED
This self-heating dog donut cuddler bed appeals to both burrowing and snuggling dogs. It’s covered in faux, vegan shag fur that might evoke memories of a pup’s mother and littermates. The Calming Donut Dog Bed has high, plush sides that create a sense of security. It’s filled with AirLoft fibers that cradle your dog’s aching joints and provide a peaceful sleep. This bed is available in 5 colors, including lavender and sage.
5. PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS | CALMING CARE POWDER SUPPLEMENT FOR DOGS
These liver-flavored probiotic supplements help dogs manage separation anxiety, cope with unfamiliar guests, deal with stressful sounds, and adapt to routine changes. They contain B. longum BL999, a strain of beneficial bacteria, and were developed by Purina nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians. These supplements reduce your dog’s heart rate and the production of the stress hormone cortisol. They also strengthen his immune system and help control anxious behaviors, such as excessive barking, jumping, pacing, or spinning.
6. SMART PET LOVE | SNUGGLE PUPPY BEHAVIORAL AID DOG TOY
Is a car alarm disturbing your peace? Is construction noise nearby causing distress? You can rely on this delightful plush dog toy to lend a helping paw. It boasts a lifelike, pulsating heartbeat and a disposable heat pack. This simulates the same feeling of security your puppy had when nestled with their mother and littermates. With a heartbeat that lasts for 336 hours on a single set of AAA batteries, the Snuggle Puppy offers comfort to your canine companion in the face of unexpected and everyday anxieties.
7. ADAPTIL ON-THE-GO CALMING DOG COLLAR
This adjustable dog collar contains dog-appeasing pheromones that mimic a mother dog’s natural nursing pheromones. Activated by body heat, they help ease your dog during stressful situations like air travel or emergency surgeries. Recommended by veterinarians, the Adaptil On-the-Go Calming Dog Collar is odorless and lasts up to 4 weeks.
8. BUDDYREST | SOOTHE WEIGHTED DOG BLANKET
This fleece and faux suede weighted blanket provides comforting pressure to your anxious pup’s shoulders while taking the weight off yours. Filled with glass sand and weighing 3-8 pounds, Buddyrest’s Soothe Weighted Blanket employs pressure therapy to activate your dog’s rest and digest system (the parasympathetic nervous system). In times of stress, it lowers your dog’s heart rate and blood pressure and stimulates the release of saliva to aid in food digestion.
9. RESCUE REMEDY | STRESS RELIEF PET REMEDY
Target your dog’s stress with this homeopathic solution by Rescue Remedy. It’s made from Clematis, Jewel Weeds, Rock Roses, Grass Lilies, and Cherry Plums, providing natural stress and tension relief without forming habits and free from alcohol. This odorless and tasteless remedy can be added to your dog’s water bowl 30 minutes before a stressful event, such as tooth brushing.
10. KONG | CLASSIC DOG TOY & CALMING DOG CHEWS
Tackle your dog’s fears with the KONG Classic Dog Toy. Chewing is known to calm your pup’s mind by relaxing the adrenal-pituitary axis (the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands). This process releases pain-killing hormones called endorphins. This snowman-shaped dog toy is not only incredibly bouncy but also features a hollow center. You can fill it with dog-friendly peanut butter or pair it with KONG’s Calming Dog Chews. These all-natural, anti-anxiety dog treats are made from a calming blend of lemon balm, tryptophan, and green tea extract.
