If your cat or dog is an anxious animal, there are plenty of calming products on the market that will ease their nerves so you can relax with them, too. Your pet will likely have a safe space that they will retreat to when under threat, normally their dog or cat bed, or even on the sofa, and every pet will have different things that make them nervous. Some may be frightened of loud noises and bangs, such as fireworks. Others may get stressed about being left on their own. You may even have a pet that gets worked up about travelling. Whatever their triggers, there are many pet products out there that are designed to lessen their symptoms.
With more people working from home during the week than ever before, it's becoming rare for many pet parents to leave their dogs or cats at home and for them to be a little more anxious when it comes to loud noises and different people in the house. Phobias, illnesses and injuries can also cause your pet to show signs of being nervous and stressed. Signs include being lethargic, trembling, a reduced appetite and many more. You can find more information about how to spot if your pet is anxious in our FAQs section at the bottom of this article.
Best pet calming products at a glance
• Best pet calming plug-in: ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser with 30 Day Refill - View now on Amazon UK
• Best non-herbal calming collar: ADAPTIL Calm On-the-Go Collar - View now on Amazon UK
• Best calming spot-on treatment: Beaphar Calming Spot-On - View now on Amazon UK
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.
We've searched the web for highly rated and positively reviewed pet calming products that are designed to help with separation anxiety, aggression, stress while travelling and more, so every possibility is covered. All to help your anxious animal feel happier.
Always consult a vet before undertaking any pet treatments.
Best pet calming products
Best pet calming plug-in
On sale
AmazonADAPTIL is a clinically proven dog behavioural product backed by over 25 years of science and research into animal welfare. This ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser with 30 Day Refill contains a synthetic copy of the dog appeasing pheromone, which a mother naturally emits to calm and reassure her litter. This helps adult dogs to destress and feel safe.
Customer review: "Fantastic product. Bought this for my lab as I couldn't handle her crying and scratching at the door every time I went out or mainly to bed. Since I have bought this it has not just changed my dog's life but it has given me a life without worry."
"Whoever has made this, I would honestly love to shake their hands. Since I have got this, my dog now feels so much calmer in herself. She is a totally different dog. I have had her for five years now, and you would honestly think that she was a different dog."
Pros
- Scentless
- Trusted, used by vets
- Helps with separation anxiety and loud noises
Cons
- Has to be switched on all the time and refill has to be replaced every 30 days
Best non-herbal calming collar
On sale
AmazonIf you want an easy alternative but don't want to use herbal scents, this ADAPTIL Calm On-the-Go Collar uses the dog appeasing pheromone which a mother will naturally release to her litter having the same effect on adult dogs. This collar is aimed at larger dogs and there's also an option to include a home diffuser if you want to get a bigger package.
Customer review: “There are a lot of mixed reviews so obviously it does not work for everyone. Fortunately for us, it has proved very effective at managing our dog's anxiety. There has been a noticeable difference in him since using this and I would recommend it to anyone. If your dog is anxious, give it a go. Also, it is much cheaper here on Amazon than purchasing directly from the vet. Edit: just wanted to add that a year on from writing this review, we still regularly use this and still find it very effective.”
Pros
- Recommended by vets
- Using natural pheromones rather than herbal scents
- Can also come with a home diffuser if you want
Cons
- You need to take it off when you take your dog for a swim
Best calming pet bed
AmazonThis warm doughnut Donut Pet Bed is perfect for your pet looking for a safe space, allowing them to sink into its cushion. This is a simple way to make your pet feel more comfortable and give them a place of their own. Designed to create a sense of security, you can get this cushion in different sizes to suit your pet.
Customer review: "Bought this for my small dog. She loves it, it's so soft and easy to wash. Very pleased with it."
Pros
- Perfect for pets who love to curl up due to its doughnut shape
- Easy to wash, just throw in the washing machine
- Non-slip pads on the bottom of the bed
Cons
- Small (bigger ones are available)
You can find more of these types of beds in our anti-anxiety dog bed round-up.
Best calming supplements
On Sale
AmazonLintbells is well-known for its YuMOVE supplements, so there's no surprise that its calming care supplements have taken place as a great anti-anxiety product for your pet. Containing L-theanine, B vitamins, natural fish protein hydrolysate and lemon balm, YuMOVE Calming Care for Adult Dogs will be sure to soothe your pooch. Plus, there are some supplements available for our feline friends, too.
Customer review: “He sleeps deeper and for longer. He - mostly - ignores door knocking and visitors now. He is so much less jumpy we can finally relax when walking him. He has also found his playful-ness again; often found playing, digging, burying, shredding, rolling and wriggling around, calling out his "play" bark. This contains no synthetic drugs, just natural ingredients (think of human vitamin tablets or Omega oil supplements).”
Pros
- Recommended by animal behaviourists and vets
- Only need to give your pooch one a day
- Your dog will be far more relaxed and find playfulness again
Cons
- Not a quick fix - takes a few weeks to work
Best natural calming plug-in
AmazonThis Pet Remedy Natural Stress Plug-in Diffuser is super easy - all you need to do is plug it in! It works immediately with a blend of valerian, vetiver and other essentials released into the air to help your pet feel relaxed. This isn't just for cats and dogs though, you can use this on a range of pets including rodents, rabbits and even horses. Don't forget to pick up refills of the remedy to ensure you're always stocked up.
Customer review: “This product was amazing from the day I plugged it in! My Siberian husky would destroy the house while I was at work every day without fail regardless of what I left her to chew, eat or play with. I plugged this bad boy in and have come home every day since to not one thing touched and a happy girl asleep with the cat on the sofa. Even the cats more chilled and loving. I can smell it slightly but it’s a nice smell and not at all offensive. I would highly recommend trying this plug-in.”
Pros
- It works the same day
- Easy to use – you just have to plug it in
- Ideal for a range of pets: cats, dogs, rodents, rabbits, horses and birds
Cons
- Valerian is a little smelly - but you become used to it
Best calming plug-in for cats
AmazonIf you're looking for a diffuser specifically designed for cats, Feliway is the one for you. One of the top brands to pick up, it contains the natural pheromone a cat releases when they rub up against something to mark an area as safe and secure. This makes it easy to feel comfortable in their own area and is recommended by vets and animal charities.
You can also grab refills for this product so you won't run low.
Customer review: “We looked into Feliway and didn't actually think it would work - boy were we wrong! After just a few days he stopped spraying/weeing where he shouldn't. He's even become more receptive to strokes (he was a miserable little bugger!) he spends most of his time indoors now, which saves us a huge amount of money as he's not outside getting attacked by other cats. I would definitely recommend using Feliway if your cat sprays/wees where they shouldn't!”
Pros
- Contains the ‘feline facial’ pheromone so your cat feels comfortable
- Scentless so you don’t have to worry
- Used by vets and behaviourists
Cons
- Not 100 per cent effective, but it is proven to be over 80 per cent
Best anti-anxiety dog jacket
On Sale
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Sometimes all a dog wants is a good fuss or attention from its owner. Just like swaddling a child or using a weighted blanket, anxiety jackets apply gentle, constant pressure to calm pets and make them feel safe. The Thundershirt The Best Solution For Dog Anxiety will help your dog to feel comfortable and you can tighten up the straps so it fits perfectly.
Customer review: “Velcro, great as you can stretch this item as much as you want, so poochy can feel as warm and comfortable, as being with their mother. It really comforts them, especially when fireworks are going off. Would recommend.”
Pros
- It comes in different sizes to fit your dog right
- Straps to fit comfortably
- Drug-free, a good alternative
Cons
- Works for some, not for others
Best calming cat vest
AmazonAvailable in small, medium and large depending on your kitty, this Thundershirt Calming Cat Vest also uses pressure like the dog jacket above to calm your cat. Suggested by vets and proven to help anxiety because of its weight, this helps with storms, separation, travel and other anxieties.
Customer review: “This did wonders for our stressy cat. Within an hour of having it on, he was a different boy. Completely relaxed. Nothing short of a miracle after trying plug-ins and meds with no luck. We're very lucky this suited him and did the trick. Recommended.”
Pros
- Recommended by vets
- No need for training, just pop on and it should work!
- Various sizes and straps to fit your feline flawlessly
Cons
- Sizing off for some cats
Best calming collar
AmazonMade for both dogs and cats, the calming Beaphar Calming Collar for Cats and Dogs helps de-stress your pet by releasing valerian and lavender, beginning work in just an hour. Best for a quick remedy, these collars are perfect if you're looking to travel or have guests. One collar should last up to six weeks before it needs replacing so you can use it repeatedly.
Customer review: “Purchased this collar for a semi-feral cat who is extremely territorial about one heavily used room in our house, and who launches unprovoked attacks on me (and only me) when I’m in it. Applied the collar this morning, and so far, no more attacks, my legs remain intact and scratch-free.”
Pros
- Perfect remedy for firework displays, kennel visits or quick remedies
- Can use this for up to 6 weeks
- Includes a mechanism so your pet can slip out of the collar if it gets caught
Cons
- Smelly
Best natural calming spray
Pro Dogwww.prodograw.com
Next - on our list of pet calming products, we have this 100 per cent natural blend of essential oils that will work with your dog's natural relaxation pathways so that they can keep calm and relieve anxiety. This Dermadog Hush Calming Spray is infused with lavender, chamomile, and sage, working quickly and used in various anxiety-inducing situations. This can be used on puppies from eight weeks old too, so you can use it for dogs and younger pups.
Customer review: "Tried this on my labrador as he gets very excited at times, seemed to help but bit to early to be able to say how much it will help but will let you know"
Pros
- Uses natural remedies and essential oils
- Approved by vets
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Strong smell
Best calming spray for using on-the-go
This Pet Remedy Calming Spray can be used anywhere and taken with you to ensure your pet's comfort. Safe for the skin and coat of the animal, it can be sprayed on their chest or muzzle, as well as on beds. You can use this spray on various pets as it's suitable for dogs, cats, rodents and horses, it begins working immediately and can last for two to six hours, depending on your pet. If you want to try it before you fully buy, you can also get this in 15ml rather than the 200ml full bottle.
Customer review: "Just used this for the first time tonight. I'm very surprised but happy I can say this stuff works - sprayed on beds and furniture for Marvin. We can hear the fireworks but nothing from him, no pacing, panting, crying, barking etc... nothing! He is just chilled and laid by our feet. Even my other dog (crazy Doberman) seems more relaxed. He didn’t even bother to come in the kitchen while I was cooking and that is definitely a first."
Pros
- Can use on a variety of pets including cats, dogs, rodents and horses
- Option to buy a bigger or smaller bottle
- Includes Valerian essential oil with Vetiver, Basil and Sage
Cons
- You need to give it a few days to start to work
Best calming spot-on treatment
On Sale
AmazonIf you're not a fan of collars, sprays or tablets, maybe this Beaphar Calming Spot-On for Dogs treatment would be more effective for your pet. Just like flea treatments, the pipette is applied between the ears and will last for a week. The product activates within one hour of application and the pack contains three pipettes. So, if your pooch is finding it overwhelming, you can just pop it on. There's a version for cats, too.
Customer review: “Definitely recommend this product, our dog was so anxious on the nights leading up to bonfire night, this product relaxed the dog to some extent and was nowhere near as anxious. Have used it twice now and will be using it again. Highly recommend for anyone with nervous dogs.”
Pros
- Easy to use with a spot-on treatment
- Product activates within one hour of application
- Natural way to calm your pet in stressful situations
Cons
- Limited supply for the price
Best calming monthly subscription
Itch Petwww.itchpet.com
If your pet needs a regular supplement and suffers all year round, subscribing to Itch Pet could be your next buy. The Itch Calm for Dogs and Cats is a great option if you need to save money as it's available each month. If you're not looking to top up every month, you can also buy it as an add-on, so you can see how your pet deals with it.
Customer review: "The Itch Calm is good."
Pros
- Supports natural calming pathways
- Available as a monthly subscription so you don’t have to top up
- Available for small to extra-large pets
Cons
- Some pets may not like having to swallow something that's not their food
Best calming balm
Pro Dogwww.prodograw.com
Any irritation from licking, scratching or biking can be soothed with this Dermadog Calm Nourishing Balm. With anti-allergen and expertly formulated ingredients, your dog will be relieved to be soothed with this balm. A 100 per cent natural recipe means it's safe to lick whilst working on your pet.
Customer review: “I love this. Puppy not so much, even though I use less of it because he sneezes. I love how moisturising this is on his paws. I love the scent and the fact it's natural and lickable.”
Pros
- 100 per cent natural
- Helps to calm and smooth irritation
- Anti-allergen
Cons
- Once opened, you need to use it within six months
FAQs
How do I know if my pet is anxious?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking at some of the signs of anxiety in pets and how they act when they’re feeling stressed. Some situations including separation, phobias, and illness or injury can be common causes of anxiety in cats and dogs. To make it extra clear, here are some signs of stress and anxiety in pets:
• Trembling
• Hiding
• Trying to escape
• Tucking their tail between their legs
• Being lethargic
• Panting
• Pacing
• Seeking comfort and affection
• Barking and howling excessively
• Destructive tendencies
• Decreased appetite
• Digestive issues
What to do if your pet is anxious
It can be overwhelming to think that your pet has anxiety, but it can be common in rescue pets or those going through stressful situations. In any situation, if you suspect your pet has anxiety, you should always contact your vet. They can help suggest a course of action and find out the trigger.
If you’ve already contacted your vet and are now looking at how you can take action at home, here is our choice of popular and useful options. You'll find pet calming products such as dog calming beds and plug-ins, plus cat calming products like compression shirts and supplements.
How to treat separation anxiety in dogs
Consulting with animal behaviourist Bryony Cole from Eye to Eye dogs, you can find a guide for owners on how to avoid separation anxiety in their dogs as well as using pet calming products. For a run-down of the top tips we’ve found, here are our highlights below so that you know what to do as you head back to the office.
Five tips to prepare a dog to be left alone:
1. Test runs
Make sure you have tested out with trial runs leaving home, so that your dog won’t feel as stressed when you adjust back to office work. These runs are recommended by going through a typical morning routine, leaving them for five minutes and then building the duration of the separation up.
2. A brisk walk
If your dog struggles with any excess energy, take your dog for a brisk walk before leaving for work in the morning so any extra alertness is taken off. This puts them in the mood to relax. A 45-minute walk is what's recommended for most breeds if they’re being left indoors for a longer period of time.
3. Find a trusted dog walker to break up the day
Too intense? You can find a trusted family member, professional dog walker or someone close to you to check on your dog during the day. This also gives the opportunity to get some fresh air, exercise and relieve themselves.
Ideally, a dog must not be left alone for longer than six hours, and that’s two hours for puppies. If a dog walker isn’t in your budget, you can use sites like Borrow My Doggy to connect dog lovers with families whose pet needs attention or walking.
4. Rotate toys
If you change up your dogs' toys every day, it will reduce the chances of them getting bored. Give them different toys to play with every day and this may give them a different experience.
5. Put your dog into a separate room while WFH
If your dog is used to being by your side, this may be a cause for their separation anxiety. While you’re still working from home, spend some time with your dog in a different room to test how they’ll behave separately. This will give you a chance to see how your dog behaves while building up its tolerance for isolation. Just like the trial runs, increase your time slowly.
Advice for helping pets who are anxious about fireworks
Why are our pets scared of fireworks?
According to RSPCA, it is estimated that 45 per cent of dogs in the UK display nervousness or fear when they hear fireworks. However, there are many simple ways you can help your pet cope with the loud noises on Bonfire Night. If you do a little preparation before the fireworks begin your pet will be less scared. Here is an infographic from RSPCA which displays some useful information about fireworks and pets.
Pets At Home expert's top tips for keeping your dog calm during fireworks:
Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home, said**:** “Bonfire Night can be a really uneasy time for our pets, leaving them feeling stressed and anxious – especially those who are naturally more nervous.
“It’s never nice to see your pet upset but thankfully there are some easy steps you can take – in advance and on the night – to help keep them relaxed. It’s also important for you, as an owner, to remain calm and to not soothe them too much as pets can sense any changes in our behaviour which can make them feel more anxious.”
To help pet owners prepare, experts at Pets at Home have shared their top tips on how to keep your furry friends calm and at ease this firework season
Know the signs of an anxious pet
All pets are different and it’s important that you’re able to recognise what anxiety looks like for yours.
Common signs of fear to look out for include pacing and panting in dogs, hiding and hissing in cats and stamping or a change of appetite in rabbits.
For most pets, a fearful state usually starts with a watchful phase where they will be unusually alert. If you spot your pet acting this way, it’s best to wait until they’ve started to calm down before you give them affection or distract them with a game. There’s the risk that you could be accidentally rewarding them for being scared if you step in too soon.
Create a quiet and safe space
One of the best things you can do to ease your pet’s anxiety is to make sure they have a quiet space away from the loud bangs and bright lights.
Create their haven in advance of firework season by using familiar toys and lots of bedding for them to burrow in, including pieces of clothing with your scent so that they’re comforted by the smell. You can then use treats and rewards to build positive associations with the area so it’s somewhere they feel happy and safe. It’s also best to leave some treats there for them to chew on.
During firework displays, you should try to muffle the sound and hide the flashing lights as best you can by keeping windows, blinds and curtains closed. You can also try turning on the TV or playing rhythmic music moderately loud using Pets at Home’s Spotify playlists, which have a range of genres to choose from.
For rabbits and guinea pigs, it’s best to not bring them inside if they’re not used to it – this could make them more anxious. You should provide them with lots of bedding to hide in and partly cover the hutch in blankets to help muffle the noise. Both pets are sociable animals so should live in pairs or groups of their own kind to be happy, healthy and feel safe in the long term.
Try pet calming products
While treats and toys may be enough to distract and calm some pets, for more anxious dogs cats, and small animals you may have to explore alternative methods such as anti-anxiety products. These should ideally be introduced at least two weeks before Bonfire Night to allow your pet the chance to get used to them.
Thundershirts are anxiety jackets that apply mild but constant pressure to soothe distressed pets in a non-intrusive way. It’s best to introduce your pet to these by wearing them for short intervals at a time in the run up to Bonfire Night.
Pet owners can also try pheromone products such as a plug-in diffuser which replicates natural chemicals released by animals to send a comforting message. For dogs, they will replicate those released by their mother after giving birth to relax their offspring and let them know they are in a safe space.
For pets who experience severe noise phobia and anxiety, there are different supplements or tablets which can help but it’s always best to seek advice from an expert – either by booking an appointment with your local vet or speaking to the pet care advisors in-store at Pets at Home.
Start creating positive associations
It’s possible to help your pet change their behaviour and reduce their fear of loud noises but this takes time – often up to a few months ahead of Bonfire Night.
You can use recordings to gradually expose your cat or dog to very low levels of noise that scare them, slowly increasing the volume as they adjust. This allows you to create positive associations by using treats and games to reward them while the sounds are playing.
Eventually, your pet will begin to associate the noises with tasty treats and playtime, instead of something they should be scared of.
Remember to stop immediately if you see any signs of fear in your pet, and only restart the process at a volume your pet is comfortable with once they are calm.
Consult an expert if the anxiety continues
Once firework season is over, keep a close eye on your pet for several days afterwards. Check how much they are eating and drinking and, for cats, monitor how much they’re using their litter tray or going outside.
If you are seeing signs of stress or fear and would like some support, the teams at Pets at Home or Vets4Pets, both part of the Pets at Home family, will be able to help.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Writer for Take a Break, heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.