The best dog calming plug-in for anxious pups

Our pick of the best plug-in pheromone diffusers and other pet calming products for nervous dogs.

best dog calming plug-in

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

If your dog is showing signs of being stressed and anxious, you might need a calming product for your pet, like a dog calming plug-in or a safe space with a dog bed to retreat to, to help them relax. Certain factors such as separation anxiety, Bonfire Night, loud noises, past trauma, phobias, illness or injuries can all be triggers for nervy dogs and are situations that may make your pet feel uncomfortable.

If your furry friend struggles with separation anxiety, aggression and stress, while travelling or out of the house, it can be challenging to know what we can do to help them. Luckily, there are certain remedies, anti-anxiety dog beds and plugins that claim to help calm stressed pets. But, how do they work, and what are the best ones to use?

Best dog calming plug-in at a glance

Best odourless dog calming plug-in: ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser with 30 day refill - View now on Amazon UK
Best natural dog calming plug-in: Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress and Calming Plug-In Diffuser, 40 ml - View now on Amazon UK
Recommended dog calming plug-in: Beaphar CaniComfort Calming Plug-In Diffuser with Refill for Dogs - View now on Pets At Home

Pheromone diffusers for anxious pets have received positive testimonies from cat and dog owners. Some even say their pet is entirely different after using a calming plug-in. Studies have shown that pheromone diffusers help calm anxious dogs and cats in certain circumstances.

Plug-in diffusers function in the same way as plug-in air fresheners. The plug-in creates low-level heat underneath the pheromone liquid, which emits a lasting release of the synthetic pheromones to create a calming effect in the surroundings. Without further ado, here are our pick of the best calming plug-ins for dogs, with many backed up by real and positive reviews, along with some other pet products that will help to relax and calm your pooch.

Best dog calming plug-ins

Best odourless dog calming plug-in

Description

ADAPTIL 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-appealing 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 to humans
  • Covers a large area

Cons

  • Opinion is divided on its effectiveness

Best natural dog calming plug-in

Description

This Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress and Calming Plug-In Diffuser is ideal for pets, including dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and more. Just plug in and let the de-stressing properties slowly release into the environment. It is made with a blend of essential oils, including valerian, vetivert, basil sweet, and sage.

Customer review: "This product was amazing from the day I plugged it in! My Siberian husky would destroy the house whilst 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 are 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 plugin."

Pros

  • Natural essential oils
  • Effective

Cons

  • Noticeable smell - herby earthy aroma

Recommended dog calming plug-in

Beaphar CaniComfort Calming Plug-In Diffuser with Refill for DogsPets At Home

Description

Whether your dog is nervous or stressed due to separation anxiety, family gatherings, fireworks and more, the Beaphar CaniComfort Calming Plug-In Diffuser with Refill for Dogs uses pheromone technology to calm your pooch down. Providing continuous calming for up to 30 days, the pheromone used is scientifically recognised for its calming effects.

Pros

  • Offers continuous calming for dogs
  • Lasts for up to 30 days

Cons

  • No customer reviews

Best for coverage

Dog Pheromone DiffuserAmazon/immal

Description

This Dog Pheromone Diffuser set includes a charging plug and one replacement fluid (48ml). It's designed to keep dogs calm and prevent sudden anxiety. Acting as a sedative product, the cat calming diffuser soothes and relaxes cat nerves, promoting comfortable sleep for both cats and pets. It's user-friendly, safe and easy to store. It can help to alleviate common signs of stress. Pheromones send a strong signal of safety and comfort to calm pets. See results within two weeks. This drug-free solution ensures the safety and relaxation of your dog; allowing you to feel good about aiding your their wellbeing.

Customer review: "It's been less than four days since it's arrival and immediate plugging in and it's most definitely working to positively improve her behaviour. She is still barking to let me know someone is at the door, but once I tell her to calm down and go to her bed she calms down and stops barking, she just seems generally a lot more laid back and content."

Pros

  • Lasts up to 30 days
  • Safe
  • Covers a large area

Cons

  • Not effective in all cases

Best dog calming spray

Pet Remedy Calming Spray 200mlPets at Home

Description

Like the Pet Remedy diffuser, this Pet Remedy Calming Spray contains Valerian essential oil blended with Vetiver, Sweet Basil and Sage to calm your four-legged friend. The spray works by mimicking the natural calming neurotransmitter called GABA to soothe your pooch's nerves.

Customer review: "I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite effective on my dog. I spray it on his harness and bedding. He is much calmer when I use it."

Pros

  • All-natural
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Opinion is a little divided on its effectiveness

Best dog calming travel spray

Description

This ADAPTIL Calm Transport Spray works in the same way as the ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser we've listed above and is a great solution to help your dog stay calm and adapt at home in situations like staying alone or in the car. The brand recommends spraying this 15 minutes before introducing your dog to the situation and each spray will last up to five hours.

Customer review: "I was very surprised at the effectiveness of this spray. Have an eight month lurcher, and we are her sixth home in eight months, so think she associates car journeys with abandonment. I tried this spray after reading reviews. The only problem now is I cannot get her OUT of the car. So I truly think it has made a big difference."

Pros

  • Scentless to humans
  • Can ease stress caused by travel

Cons

  • Opinion is a little divided on its effectiveness

Best dog calming collar

Description

If 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

  • Natural Product
  • Non-Irritating and adjustable

Cons

  • Reviews are divided over its effectiveness

Best dog calming supplement

YuMOVE Calming Care for Adult DogsAmazon
Price: $42.88

Description

These YuMOVE Calming Care for Adult Dogs supplements in tablet form contain hydrolysate and lemon balm, this will be sure to soothe your pooch. A supplement is not an instant fix - as they take a few weeks to help your pet. A special blend of natural fish protein hydrolysates supports your dog's brain, helping calming signals find the right spot. And essential vitamins and minerals contribute to your dog's overall sense of wellbeing.

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

  • All-natural
  • Effective

Cons

  • Takes a few weeks to help

Best anxiety jacket for dogs

Thundershirt The Best Solution For Dog AnxietyAmazon/Thundershirt

Rrp: $44.95

Price: $34.02
Alternative retailers
Petco$44.95View offer

Description

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

  • Simply effective
  • Versatile range of uses

Cons

  • Doesn't work for all dogs

FAQs

Do calming plug-ins work?

Pheromones are chemicals released naturally by dogs and cats that act as imperceptible communication. Calming pheromones are emitted by the mother to calm and reassure her litter and calming diffusers and sprays mimic the natural calming neurotransmitter called GABA, to calm their nerves. This tricks the fired-up nerve cell into thinking it is getting a calming message from the brain. Scents are also known to have a calming effect on humans, such as lavender or jasmine.

Understanding dog behaviour and body language

It is good to keep an eye on your dog's behaviours to see what could make them anxious or feel threatened.

This infographic from the RSPCA is a helpful guide for reading your dog's body language and what their behaviours mean:

RSPCA dog behaviours
©RSPCA

What do I when my dog is anxious?

If your dog is displaying signs of anxiety, you should first reach out to your vet to identify the trigger for the stress and rule out if it is an underlying health problem.

Once you have contacted your vet and are reassured that there aren't any health conditions to be aware of, then diffusers and plug-ins are a great way to try to calm their nerves.

While we might not be able to cure their fear the way we’d like to, we can invest in remedies that help keep them calm and reassure them that everything will be alright.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Take A Break, specialising in natural health. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.

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