If your pooch needs a little support, you can help them with the best dog supplements for anxiety – to cease any jitters and barking at the front door. Their overly active ‘fight or flight’ response is likely not a sign of disobedience. Dogs can be fearful of common triggers throughout the day, says Pooch & Mutt. Instead, your furry friend is likely overprotective or just panics at simply the postman putting a letter through your door. So, we’ve found the best calming dog supplement for your anxious pooch.
You may be thinking: Can a dog suffer from anxiety? It's a common problem, according to a recent Finnish study, in which 72.5 per cent of their furry subjects demonstrated anxious behaviours – with noise being the biggest trigger. Though it may be a little upsetting at first, recognising anxiety in your pooch can help you resolve or avoid any situations they may find difficult. After all, dogs are naturally very social and cooperative. So, their showing fear or aggression is a sign that something is wrong.
The best dog supplements for anxiety at a glance:
• Best dog supplement for anxiety: YuMove Calming Care for Adult Dogs – View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best budget dog supplements for anxiety: Pets at Home Calming Tablets for Adult Dogs – View Offer at Pets at Home
• Best anxiety dog treat supplement: Calming Probiotic Meaty Treats – View Offer at Pooch & Mutt
Aside from calming medication for anxious dogs, there are plenty of supplements that can help you with your dog’s health, which may contribute to a happier dog overall. Supplements are there to enrich meals with vitamins and minerals that they could be missing out on in their usual diet. Even finding joint care supplements for your friend can prevent any negative behavioural changes, such as cowering and irritability caused by stiff joints.
So, what can I give my dog for anxiety? From calming plug-ins to special treats, Pooch & Mutt says that by supplementing calming, soothing ingredients into your pooch’s diet and lifestyle, you can help them “react more rationally to life’s unpredictable stimuli”. Looking for an expert guide to the best dog calming supplements? You’ve come to the right place. We have doggie experts at Pooch & Mutt on board to answer any barking questions on how to support your anxious dog.
Dog supplements for anxiety
Best dog supplement for anxiety
A great anti-anxiety product for your pet, this Lintbells supplement contains 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 dental anxiety dog supplement
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
These vet-approved Calming Dental Sticks for Dogs from Pooch & Mutt come packed with natural ingredients to ensure your pup's sparkling smile and dental health. Infused with stress-relieving Hemp, antioxidant-rich Sage, and tartar-fighting SHMP, these daily treats support the overall well-being of your anxious or over-excitable furry friend.
Customer review: "Love these!! I have used the calming products since my dog was a puppy and they do help to introduce some calm. I give him one in the afternoon and he settles down nicely. Also, great for his dental health."
Pros
- Vet-approved and made with natural functional ingredients
- Perfect for pooches that are anxious or over-excitable
- Stress-reducing, sleep-improving and can reduce plaque formation
Cons
- May not suit all pooches
Best small dog supplement for anxiety
yumove.co.uk
Experience pet tranquillity with YuMove Calming ne-A-Day. Crafted by YuMOVE, these innovative supplements offer daily calm for your small breed furry friend. Expertly blended ingredients, like lemon balm, support natural relaxation, reducing stress. A daily dose ensures a happy, anxiety-free pet.
Customer review: "I do think it's helped with my boy and his anxiety and sensitivity. He takes it as a treat - so, no palatability issues. I will continue with them."
Pros
- Simply one tasty treat a day
- Helps reduce stress and nerves in dogs
- Supports calm behaviour
Cons
- Some found the website confusing to navigate
- Must select the correct product option in relation to the size of your dog
Best dog supplement oil for anxiety
www.viovet.co.uk
Elevate your dog's well-being with the Pro Plan Adult and Senior Dog Relax Supplement Oil. Specially formulated with Omega-rich fish oils, it promotes relaxation and helps manage stress in dogs. Prioritise your pet's peace of mind with this supplement. Pop in their food or directly onto their tongue.
Customer review: "I found the Purina Pro Plan Relax+ as very helpful, especially in the past week when we celebrated Bonfire night extremely loud. My dog Tia, a 13-year-old Jack Russell terrier, is usually terrified of the sounds of fireworks but this year she was sleeping calmly next to me. I honestly believe that this is the miracle oil helping us and we definitely will not stop at one bottle."
Pros
- Helps promote calmer behaviours
- Brings natural balance to your dog's well-being
- Contains efficient levels of Omega 3 fatty acids
Cons
- Should not be given with other sources rich in fish
Best dog food topper for anxiety
Discover Buddy & Lola Peaceful Pooch Calming Supplement, a natural supplement designed to soothe your furry friend. With carefully selected ingredients such as lemon balm and passionflower, this pouch ensures a calming effect on your dog's well-being, providing peace and comfort in every serving.
Customer review: "Our crazy spaniel was so wired all the time. Any little thing would set him off pacing. After only a week on Peaceful Pooch, we can see a difference in him and we hope this continues. We have used the Happy Tummy products for over 6 months and I cannot speak more highly of this brand."
Pros
- Simply sprinkle on their meal to destress
- Target stressed or anxious behaviours
- Fast-acting, calming with no sedative effect
Cons
- Some found it didn't have as big an effect as they were hoping for
Best budget dog supplement for anxiety
www.petsathome.com
Pets at Home Calming Tablets for Adult Dogs offer a stress-free solution. Specially formulated to ease anxiety, these tablets promote calmness in adult dogs. A convenient and effective way to ensure your furry friend's well-being. This bumper, budget-friendly pack contains lemon balm and fish oil.
Pros
- Helps reduce stress and ease anxiety
- Vet-approved and budget-friendly
- Helps dogs to feel calmer at home
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Best anxiety dog drop supplement
www.petspurest.com
We love Pets Purest's Natural Calming Drops. Crafted with a unique blend of botanical herbs and minerals, this 100% natural formula provides fast-acting and long-lasting relief, promoting relaxation within 20 minutes. Conveniently administered by adding to food or water, or directly into your stress-prone pet's mouth, it eliminates the hassle of pills. Plus, it's suitable for all breeds over 8 weeks old.
Customer review: "I started using this after my Labrador would get travel anxiety and would drool and have accidents in her sleep when away from home with us. I used as recommended for a few weeks before travelling the next time and she was much calmer and happy whilst away. I have carried on using it after the trip as it has also improved her separation anxiety. I was initially concerned until I did research into the ingredients and she does not seem "drugged" or sedated in any way but just calmer and happier."
Pros
- Helps reduce stress and promote relaxation for your dog, cat or ferret
- Made from 100% natural ingredients such as ashwagandha
- Prevents destructive behaviour and minimises separation anxiety
Cons
- Smells a little strong
Best anxiety dog treat supplement
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Treat your furry friend to Pooch & Mutt's Calming Probiotic Meaty Treats, deliciously crafted with natural ingredients. These grain-free, savoury snacks are designed to offer a calming effect for your pet, making them perfect for training or as a delightful and soothing reward. Keep your pup happy and relaxed with each tasty bite - with hemp, valerian, turkey and melon extract to support calmness and prevent stress.
Customer review: "We’ve had a rough time finding a food that our dog likes, isn’t allergic to, doesn’t send them nuts and is nutritious. We bought the calming dry food in an almost last-ditch attempt before going back to a previous hypoallergenic food and I’m so glad we did. Her skin seems much better, she’s a lot calmer and she seems to absolutely love it. We had the bionic supplement every day and she also loves the treats we’ve tried so far!"
Pros
- Grain-free probiotics for calming your pooch
- Suitable for all breeds, even puppies from 12 weeks
- With all-natural ingredients such as hemp and valerian
Cons
- May not work for all dogs
Best large dog supplement for anxiety
www.zooplus.co.uk
Help your large dog navigate stress with Zylkene Capsules 450mg for Large Dogs. Derived from milk, this natural supplement promotes calmness without side effects. Ideal for travel, changing environments, and loud noises, this lactose-free anxiety solution is easy to administer - mixed easily in your pooch's food. It's been crafted by an experienced manufacturer focused on animal well-being.
Customer review: "Our vet prescribed Zylkene for our rescue Golden Retriever, Fireworks, thunder, and shotguns terrified her, and she would dig wherever she was, corner of a room, our touring caravan, friend garden, she was a shivering wreck. Zylkene changed her into a happy girl, without zonking her out or upsetting her tummy. I've given Zylkene to a friend's rescue Border Collie when caravanning because of thunder and shotguns, she too became calmer. I am now never without Zylkene in our dog first aid kit."
Pros
- The main ingredient has a relaxing, calming effect on your dog
- Zylkene is ideal for stressed-out large dogs weighing over 30kg
- Easy dosage: soluble powder in capsule form or sprinkled over food
Cons
- Does not suit dogs under 15 kg
Verdict: Which dog supplement is best?
Our top pick is the YuMove Calming Care for Adult Dogs, which is made up of natural ingredients, is approved by vets and can be taken by all adult dogs, regardless of size or breed.
Dog supplements for anxiety FAQs
What are the signs of anxiety in dogs?
If you can spot the signs of anxiety in dogs from their body language alone, you can help your dog much quicker - and eliminate stressful triggers. The Dogs Trust adds: "This will help prevent your dog from developing more established fears and keep everyone in the family, including your dog, feeling safe."
Thanks to The Dogs Trust, here are some behavioural changes to look out for:
Slowing down - means they are unsure about something and they are trying to learn more.
Leaning away and lip-licking - means they are avoiding direct eye contact, away from whatever is troubling them.
Crouched body - means they're cowering, to make themselves look as to look as small as possible.
Paw lift - means they are stopping and looking towards something causing anxiety.
Approaching with a lowered body - means they want to investigate or interact - with caution.
Appeasement grin - means they're submitting and "trying to diffuse social conflict."
Shaking - means they're shaking off something stressful that has just happened.
Panting - means they're unsure or stressed out - "completely unrelated to temperature or exercise."
Pacing - means your dog may be jumpy or "might start to pace or be unable to stay still or settle down."
Jumping, pawing or mouthing - means they might "seek attention from you" or even be disobedient.
Hiding - means your dog is trying to "withdraw from a situation" - to avoid whatever is worrying them.
How to support an anxious dog
You can do a lot to help make your pet feel less anxious and more at ease. Blue Cross says understanding the cause behind your dog's stress and anxiety can inform you on how best to help:
Give your dog time away - with a safety gate, bed or dog crate to help them relax - so they are not disturbed.
Exercise your dog - which can be great for their physical health and wellbeing, too, "having lots of things to sniff, look at and enjoy," says Blue Cross.
Stay nice and calm - by not panicking or raising your voice - as "this might add to your pet’s stress levels." After all, your dog will likely be sensitive to your emotions. You keep calm, they can calm down.
Keep your dog entertained - as this can "keep their mind focused and distracted from things they find stressful." There are lots of things you can do to distract your dog - with dog toys and indoor games.
Don't tell them off - as punishing your dog is going to make them more stressed out. - especially "if they're showing defensive behaviours", says Blue Cross. They could stop growling but may start biting.
See an animal behaviourist - as they will be "able to help identify what’s causing the stress and give you advice on how to manage it." But, this should be your last resolution - when aggression or behaviour is a risk to others.
Consider a calming supplement - for your dog. To find the best calming medication for anxious dogs, consider your pooch's age, size, lifestyle and breed. If they're elderly, steer clear of long walks. Instead, choose an anti-anxiety dog bed and something that can be mixed with their food. But, for an active dog, break out their collar and lead, as well as plenty of calming treats.
How do dog calming tablets work?
Dog calming tablets work by incorporating ingredients that have relaxing or anxiety-reducing effects on dogs. This can vary based on the ingredients used, but most of our picks contain herbal, natural extracts known for their calming properties. These include chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, and lavender.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.