Like people, dogs also suffer from anxiety. Traveling, fireworks, thunderstorms, new environments, and separation can all cause your pup to become stressed and nervous. As a pet owner, there's no worse feeling than being unable to calm your dog and to make them feel safe. When your pet feels anxious and scared, you feel the same way!

The good news is that there are all sorts of solutions for canine anxiety, including delicious treats. Dog calming treats are designed to regulate your dog's natural response to discomfort and fear. If you know that an anxiety-triggering event is coming, giving your dog calming treats can reduce the impact of his fight, flight, or freeze response.

Keep reading to learn about some of the best dog calming treats available in 2022 to keep your dog relaxed, even in a high-stress situation.

Why managing your dog’s stress is so important

A stressed dog is an unhappy one, and as a pet owner, you want to give your furry companion the best life possible. But let’s face it - life can be stressful for us and our pets. When your dog is in a constant state of stress, it has a lasting impact on his health and mental wellbeing.

When a dog is stressed, his heart rate and blood pressure increases, energy is diverted to the muscles, and his appetite is suppressed. A stressed pup is more likely to engage in compulsive behaviors, including eating non-food items and destructive chewing.

Can my dog benefit from calming treats?

A study conducted in 2020 found that more than72% of dogs showed at least one anxiety-related behavior. These behaviors can be caused by all sorts of things, including genetic disorders, traumatic experiences, or even just a change in routine.

So how do you know if your dog is anxious or scared? One of the key things to look at is your dog's body language. Telltale signs that your dog is stressed or fearful include:

• A tucked tail
• Flattened ears
• Shivering
• Drooling
• Yawning
• Whining
• Pacing and panting
• Urination/defecation

 If you know that your dog will face a stress-inducing event or environment, it’s best to give him a calming treat at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Dog calming treats can also be used during a stressful experience, though the effects may take a little longer.

How to choose dog calming treats

There’s no shortage of dog calming treats on the market today. No matter if your dog is afraid of thunderstorms or suffers from separation anxiety, what’s important is that you find a treat that works best for the both of you.

Before buying dog calming treats, there are several factors to consider. First, look at the ingredients list. Make sure that the treats you buy contain at least one well-known calming compound. Some of the best relaxation-promoting ingredients include:

• L-theanine
• Chamomile
• Lemon balm
• Passionflower
• Tryptophan
• Valerian root
• Melatonin

When reviewing the ingredients, make note of any sensitivities that your dog may have. For example, some calming treats are grain-free while others are not. Find a product that meets your dog’s dietary needs while also helping to keep him calm.

After reviewing the ingredients, consider the type of treat. Calming treats are available in soft chews, hard biscuits, bones, and even powders that can be sprinkled on your dog’s food. For older dogs, softer chews may be better. Young dogs or chewers are more likely to prefer bones or biscuits.

Last, consider the price per treat. You want to get a good deal but at the same time you don’t want to spend money on treats that don’t provide the expected results. Read reviews from past customers to get an idea of the quality and efficacy of a treat before purchasing.

 TOP  CALMING TREATS

1.Pupper Membrane - 

Pupper Membrane is specially formulated to keep your dog calm and at ease, even during the most stressful situations. Just give your pooch one of these chewy treats and suddenly thunderstorms and new environments will no longer be stress-inducing!

These calming soft chews soothe stress using organic and natural herbs, including passionflower, lemon balm, ashwagandha, and chamomile. The beef and oat flavor is nothing short of delicious, so your pup is sure to love these chews. 

Pupper Membrane calming chews are backed by science and are formulated using the highest quality ingredients to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness.

 Active ingredients: L-theanine, magnesium citrate, chamomile, ashwagandha, lemon balm, passionflower, tryptophan, valerian root, and melatonin

 Price: $49.99 for 30 soft chews

2. Zesty Paws Calming Bites -

Zesty Paws is a well-known name in the pet supplement industry. The brand's Calming Bites are formulated to promote calmness, composure, and relaxation. Each peanut butter flavored bite helps to keep your dog at ease by reducing nervousness, stress, and hyperactivity. A natural formula for anxiety – Zesty Paws Calming Bites are turkey flavored chewable supplements with natural and organic ingredients that help dogs with nervous, anxious, or aggressive behaviors feel calm and comfortable.

Features Suntheanine – These calming treats contain 30mg of Suntheanine per chew, which is a pure and GRAS-designated form of L-Theanine that helps stimulate brain waves to promote relaxation with no drowsy effect.

Helps with hyperactive & aggressive behavior – Each chew contains Thiamine and Organic Chamomile, which act as a relaxer that can help reduce jumping, biting, and barking from dogs that display aggressive or hyper active tendencies.

Soothes anxieties – This Calming Bites supplement may encourage natural anti-anxiety relief for a thunderstorm, fireworks, car rides, or separation anxiety.

Advanced complex of proven ingredients – These treats contain Organic Ginger Root, L-Tryptophan, and Organic Passion Flower to help minimize outbursts, while Valerian Root reduces scratching, restlessness, paw licking, and chewing.

Active ingredients: Hemp seed, chamomile, and L-theanine

 Price: $29.97 for 90 bites    BUY NOW

3. NaturVet Quiet Moments

NaturVet Quiet Moments soft chews offer a unique blend of chamomile, thiamine, and L-tryptophan to reduce stress and tension. The addition of ginger makes these calming treats perfect for dogs who have anxiety when traveling, as it supports sensitive and upset stomachs.

So, whether there's a thunderstorm brewing or your pup is dreading a trip to the groomer, NaturVet Quiet Moments provide a gentle sense of relaxation so that everyone can be stress- and tension-free.

 Active ingredients: Chamomile, thiamine mononitrate, passion flower, ginger, L-tryptophan, and melatonin

 Price: $24.99 for 180 chews  BUY NOW

4. VetIQ Calming Soft Chews

VetIQ Calming Soft Chews are delicious and safe treats that keep your dog calm and happy. The combination of ingredients, to include chamomile and theanine, promote relaxation during the most stressful situations. These treats are also great for calming a hyper dog who just won't seem to settle!

The hickory smoke flavor is sure to have your dog's tail wagging. VetIQ Calming Soft Chews contain no wheat, corn, or soy and are safe for any dog 5 lbs. or over.

Active ingredients: Chamomile, thiamine mononitrate, L-tryptophan, theanine, and lavender

Price: $13.99 for 90 soft chews  BUY NOW