Calming Dog Treats: The Best Way to Soothe Your Dog

Key Points:

• Look for calming treats for dogs that contain well-tested ingredients like tryptophan, L-theanine, hemp oil, cannabidiol (CBD), chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower.
• These ingredients have been shown to work through a variety of pathways, including increasing the production of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and relaxing GABA
• Calming dog treats can be beneficial for dogs with mild to moderate anxiety and can be used alongside other anxiety-relieving treatments.
• Calming dog treats can aid sleep and general relaxation in dogs that are not experiencing anxiety
• When choosing calming dog treats, it's important to purchase from reputable manufacturers
• Look for natural ingredients with a proven record of providing relaxation and calming effects dogs
• Even the best calming dog treats are not a “magic bullet” to relieve anxiety. They will be more effective when combined with behavioural techniques and changes to your dog’s environment, where possible
• Consult with a vet if calming dog treats do not relieve your dog's anxiety and if problems are severe and persistent

Calming dog treats can help all dogs relax, and they are especially useful for those suffering from anxiety. 

Like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, and it's essential to address their emotional well-being. Calming treats can play a role in soothing your dog and helping them feel more relaxed.

Dogs can develop anxiety due to various factors. Some of the most common are:

• separation from their owners
• loud noises
• unfamiliar environments
• lack of stimulation
• change in environment

If left untreated, anxiety can have a negative impact on your dog's long-term well-being. Symptoms of anxiety in dogs may include:

• Restlessness
• excessive barking
• destructive behaviour
• loss of appetite

A calming treat is only as good as its ingredients and some ingredients are better than others at relieving anxiety and stress.

Look for ingredients which have a long track record of being shown to induce calm states for both humans and our four-legged friends.

The Power of Chamomile: A Natural Calming Ingredient

Chamomile isn't just a herbal MVP in the tea game; it's a natural relaxant that's been trusted since the days of Ancient Greeks and Egyptians. This enduring ingredient is backed by millennia of use for inducing calm and tranquility.

And here's the kicker: it's not just a human relaxant. Our furry friends can also benefit from chamomile's soothing properties. This makes it an excellent go-to for anxiety-relieving treats for dogs.

How does chamomile chill out your pup?

The science points to a natural compound called apigenin. This little gem has been rigorously studied and is known to work its calming magic on the nervous system.

Apigenin binds to the same brain receptors as prescription anti-anxiety medications like valium. This reduces physiological signs of stress such as rapid heart rate and muscular tension.

That in turn helps to alleviate psychological feelings of stress and promote a sense of peace.

Dozens of scientific studies have backed up what hundreds of years of traditional practice have shown: that chamomile is one of nature’s best relaxants.

Chamomile can also help reduce inflammation and has also shown remarkable promise in the prevention of many chronic diseases.

By including chamomile in calming dog treats, you can provide your furry friend with a natural and effective way to manage their anxiety.

How Chamomile can improve your dog’s sleep

In addition to its anxiety-reducing properties, chamomile can also promote restful sleep in dogs and in humans. This is particularly beneficial for dogs who may experience sleep disturbances due to their anxiety.

Chamomile helps to relax the muscles and soothe the mind, allowing your dog to drift off into a deep and restorative sleep.

The Benefits of Chamomile in Calming Dog Treats

When it comes to choosing calming treats for your dog, opting for those that contain chamomile can offer several advantages.

Not only does chamomile provide natural anxiety relief, but it is also safe and well-tolerated by most dogs. It is a gentle yet effective ingredient that can help your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable in stressful situations.

Chamomile's Benefits:

• Reduces anxiety levels
• Promotes restful sleep
• Gentle and well-tolerated
• Long history of safe usage

Harnessing the Power of Passionflower for Dog Anxiety

Passionflower is another natural ingredient that has gained recognition for its calming properties in both humans and dogs. Discover how it can work wonders in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation in your furry friend.

Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora incarnata, is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits.

Why is Passionflower So Chill for Dogs?

In a nutshell: It's all about the bloom!

Passionflower contains compounds that act as natural relaxants, helping to calm the nervous system and alleviate anxiety. 

This makes it an excellent ingredient to look for in calming treats for dogs.

Or more specifically, the plant magic. The chill vibes from passionflower are generally attributed to a fantastic natural element known as chrysin.

This mini marvel is backed by science, showing anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties, as mentioned in a comprehensive 2013 review focused on passionflower studies.

Fabulous Flavanoids: Relaxants for Dogs

But wait, there's more! Passionflower is absolutely jam-packed with something called flavonoids, natural goodies with a plethora of health perks.

These flavonoids pop up in smaller amounts in various fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices. They're known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may even shield against long-term health issues like heart conditions, cancer, and joint problems.

To give your pup a flavonoid boost, make sure they're munching on a range of plants that are safe for dogs, supporting their overall well-being.

Nutraceuticals - The Science Behind Calming Dog Treats

Calming dog treats, sometimes referred to as nutraceuticals, are specifically formulated to provide anxiety relief for dogs. Let's delve a bit further into the science behind these treats and the key ingredients that make them effective in calming nervous dogs.

These treats contain a combination of natural ingredients that work together to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in dogs. 

Tryptophan

One key ingredient is tryptophan, an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin, a mood regulator. By increasing serotonin levels, tryptophan helps calm nervous dogs.

Melatonin

Melatonin is another important ingredient found in calming dog treats. It is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

When given to dogs in supplement form, melatonin can help promote a sense of calmness and induce restful sleep, which is particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing anxiety. 

Combining Calming Treats with Other Anxiety-Relieving Treatments

While calming treats can offer quick relief from stress and anxiety, they're most effective when part of a holistic approach to your dog's well-being.

Combining calming treats and improved diet with behavioural training methods and simple tweaks to your pup's environment can have a more lasting impact on their stress levels.

Comprehensive Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Dog:

• Routine Check: Consistency is comforting. Try to keep feeding times, walks, and bedtime consistent.
• Safe Space: Create a designated 'safe zone' filled with your dog’s favourite items like toys and blankets.
• Exercise: Physical activity is an excellent stress-buster. Frequent walks and playtime can do wonders.
• Mind Games: Use puzzle toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated, which can distract from stressors.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour with treats and affection.
• Desensitisation: Gradually expose your dog to the sources of their anxiety in a controlled way.
• Consult a Vet or Behaviouralist: Sometimes, professional guidance can provide tailored solutions for your dog’s specific needs.

By incorporating these strategies with calming treats that contain proven ingredients like chamomile and passionflower, you're not just applying a quick fix but building a foundation for your dog's long-term emotional health.

A holistic and personalised approach is the most effective way to reduce stress and anxiety in your beloved canine companion.

By combining calming treats with these anxiety-relieving treatments, you can create a comprehensive approach to help your dog overcome their anxiety.

Your Dog's Unique Needs

It's important to remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. 

Some dogs may have food allergies or dietary restrictions, so it's important to choose treats that are suitable for their specific requirements. 

Your dog's age, size, and overall health also impact what options are right for them.

Remember, calming treats can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety in dogs, but they should be used as part of a holistic approach that includes behavioural training, exercise, and a stress-free environment.

By choosing safe and effective calming treats, you can provide your furry friend with the support they need to lead a happy and anxiety-free life.

 When to Consult the Vet: Next Steps in Your Dog's Calming Journey

Calming treats and behaviour tweaks are usually your first ports of call, and they work wonders for many a jittery pup.

But let's be clear—if you've tried all the tricks in the book and your furry friend's nerves are still frayed, it might be time to consult the professionals.

Potential vet-recommended treatments:

• Medication: Prescription anti-anxiety meds are available for our canine pals.
• Supplements: Sometimes, dietary supplements can be advised for additional support.
• Behavioural Therapy: A certified animal behaviourist can offer targeted solutions.

Rest easy, though! In most cases, a trip to the vet for anxiety issues is more about fine-tuning than drastic measures. Medical intervention is often the last resort, not the go-to. 

So if you find yourself in a vet's waiting room, it's usually just to make sure you've left no stone unturned in your quest to keep your dog's tail wagging.

During a consultation, your vet can provide personalised recommendations based on their expertise and knowledge of your dog's medical history and temperament.

They may suggest specific calming treats that are tailored to your dog's needs, taking into account factors such as their age, weight, breed, and any existing health conditions. Your vet can also help you determine the appropriate dosage and frequency of administration.

In addition to calming treats, your veterinarian can recommend other anxiety-relieving treatments or techniques that may complement the use of calming products.

This could include behaviour modification exercises. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can create a comprehensive approach to managing your dog's anxiety and promote their overall well-being.

Rather than navigating the vast selection of calming products on your own, consulting with a veterinarian can provide you with peace of mind and confidence in your choices.

They can guide you towards safe and effective options that align with your dog's individual needs. 

Conclusion

Calming dog treats can be a game-changer for dogs experiencing anxiety, and can help any dog find inner peace and relaxation. 

With the power of natural ingredients like chamomile and passionflower, you can provide your furry companion with the relief they deserve.

If your dog’s anxiety is severe or persistent, consult with a vet to choose the right calming products for your dog. 

They can provide guidance based on your dog's specific needs and recommend additional anxiety-relieving treatments that can be used in combination with calming treats.

These products work through gentle pressure, pheromones, and aroma therapy, respectively, to promote a sense of calm and well-being.

By prioritising your dog's emotional well-being and taking advantage of the benefits of calming treats and other anxiety-relieving products, you can help your furry friend live a happier and more peaceful life.

Here’s the Science

Some of the references we used to compile the information in this article:

Whats in a brain: Neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of anxiety disorders in dogs - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287928635_Whats_in_a_brain_Neuroanatomy_and_neurochemistry_of_anxiety_disorders_in_dogs

Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/

The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6472148/

Chamomile tea: Source of a glucuronoxylan with antinociceptive, sedative and anxiolytic-like effects - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014181302034126X

Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies - https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/1/133

Passiflora incarnata L.: Ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874113006983

Chrysin: Sources, beneficial pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanism of action - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942217303217

Role Identification of Passiflora Incarnata Linnaeus: A Mini Review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5770524/

Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro, and show anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects in vivo, varying with extraction method - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2941540/

Anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids -

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31288163/#:~:text=Flavonoids%20are%20also%20known%20as%20potent%20antioxidants%20with,inhibit%20the%20onset%20and%20development%20of%20inflammatory%20diseases.