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We all have hard days, and that includes our canine companions. While we humans have our ups and downs, our dogs sometimes go through the same thing. However, since dogs can’t speak our language, we need to pay attention to their behaviors and body language to understand when they’re stressed or anxious.

Rather than letting our fur babies struggle, there are methods that we can explore  to help ease their nerves. The following products are all great for calming your dog. When in doubt, talk to your vet to get personalized advice about managing your pet’s anxiety.

When Do You Need Calming Products for Your Dog?

Dogs get stressed for various reasons, but luckily, there are products that can help with all types of canine anxiety. Here are some reasons your dog might need to calm down, along with what products could work in that situation.

Separation Anxiety

Many dogs get stressed when they’re apart from their favorite humans, which can cause excessive whining, barking, or destruction. Some methods for combatting this include leaving things that smell like you, giving them a heartbeat toy, or turning on white noise/dog music.

Fireworks or Thunderstorms

Dogs who are afraid of loud noises can get very overwhelmed during fireworks and thunderstorms. CBD products often help dogs feel calmer in these situations, but playing white noise to drown out the sounds could also help. Many dogs also find comfort in an anti-anxiety vest in these situations.

Car Rides

All dogs need to ride in the car at some point, so making sure they’re calm while doing so is essential. Giving them a CBD product beforehand can sometimes do the trick, but if it’s a serious issue, you may want to take time to get them used to car rides. Take them to fun places like the park so they can see that car rides aren’t always scary (such as going to the vet or groomer).

Social Gatherings

While some dogs crave attention, others prefer when it’s quieter. If your dog gets overwhelmed around large groups of people, make sure they have a quiet space to retreat to if they’re overwhelmed, such as a crate or a spare room. Calming supplements may also help.

New Environments

For many dogs, new things are scary. If you’re moving to a new location or bringing your dog on vacation, the change of scenery might stress them out. Keeping things that smell familiar around can help your dog adjust.

Best Products to Calm Your Dog

1. Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil

Giving your dog can help keep them calmer overall, and Cannanine is a safe and effective brand to choose. It has no THC and is legal in all 50 states, so there’s no need to worry about buying this product for your pets. Dogs who take it won’t just feel calmer, but they’ll also experience improved mobility and a healthier immune system. To serve it, you can either put it on top of your dog’s food or drip it directly into your dog’s mouth. Whenever you buy CBD oil from Cannanine, meals will be donated to shelter dogs.

2. Cannanine Bacon-Flavored CBD Soft Chews for Dogs

CBD oil isn’t easy to administer for all dogs, especially if they’re picky about things being put on their food. If that’s the case for your pup, Cannanine also offers CBD chews that look, smell, and taste like dog treats. These chews are soft and bacon-flavored to appeal to even the pickiest pups. Like the CBD oil, they have 0% THC to ensure they’re safe for your canine companion. These chews can calm your dog, improve mobility, reduce aggression, and fight seasonal itchiness. Plus, every product purchased donates meals to animals in need.

3. iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Comfort Cuddler for Dog Anxiety

For dog parents who want to calm their dog without having their pup ingest anything, the iHeartDogs Comfort Cuddler is a great solution. This plush dog is meant to mimic a live dog because you can insert a simulated heartbeat and a heat pad inside. If your dog gets anxious when left alone, keeping this toy in the crate with them can give them something comforting to snuggle with. Whenever the toy gets dirty, you can easily clean it by throwing it in the washing machine after removing the heart and heat pad. Every time this toy is purchased, a toy is also donated to a shelter dog.

4. Honest Paws Calm CBD Soft Chews

Honest Paws offers another treat-like CBD option that can help your dog calm down. These soft, bone-shaped chews are poultry-flavored to entice your furry friend. In addition to calming your dog, they may also provide cognitive support and behavior management. They’re made with full-spectrum hemp oil, L-theanine, and L-tryptophan. Dogs of all breeds and sizes can experience benefits from this product, but if you’re not satisfied within 30 days, you can get your money back.

5. Penelope’s Bloom Peanut Butter Flavor CBD Oil for Dogs

This CBD oil by Penelope’s Bloom is peanut butter flavored to help entice picky pups. The formula includes full-spectrum, organic CBD, MCT oil, and chamomile. It’s easily digestible for dogs, providing benefits quickly. This product can help relieve anxiety and reduce joint pain all at the same time, making your pup feel better from nose to tail. It also contains omega fatty acids to keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy. You can serve the food by either dropping it over your dog’s food or applying it directly to their mouth.

6. Holistapet CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety

These crunchy CBD chews have a flavor most dogs love, which includes peanut butter, apples, and cinnamon. With ingredients like broad-spectrum CBD extract, chamomile, and L-theanine, this product can relax your dog, help them feel less anxious, and soothe aching joints. It’s made with 100% all-natural vegan ingredients that are non-GMO and gluten-free. It’s an easy CBD product to serve because most dogs will think it’s just a tasty treat.

7. Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Jacket

The Thundershirt can calm some dogs by swaddling them by applying gentle pressure. Many dogs feel comforted while wearing it, which can help ease their separation anxiety of fears, such as fireworks, thunderstorms, and car rides. The vest is vet-recommended with no training necessary. To ensure you choose a product that fits your dog’s needs and personality, there are seven sizes available and a variety of color options. It’s a great alternative to anxiety medication.

8. Molly Mutt Dog Bed Cover

Many dogs get stressed when they’re away from their favorite human, so the Molly Mutt Dog Bed Cover can help ease that anxiety. This company has lots of bed cover options of varying sizes, and when you choose one, you can fill it with stuff that smells like you, such as clothes and blankets. When your dog is home alone or staying with a sitter, this bed can provide comfort because it’ll still smell like you’re there with them. These covers are 100% cotton and machine-washable, making them comfortable and easy to maintain.

9. Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine

For some dogs, soothing sounds can make them feel calm in a situation they’d normally feel anxious in, such as when they’re left alone. This portable Yogasleep product offers three white noise sounds. Because of its small size, this product can easily be brought on trips to help your dog calm down in unfamiliar places. Once it’s charged, it can operate all night long without turning off. It includes a lanyard to make it easy to hang in different locations. Whether your dog is stressed by silence or distracting sounds, this product can help them feel at ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

CBD is safe for dogs when used properly, so choose high-quality CBD products specifically formulated for pets. However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any CBD regimen, as they can advise on the appropriate dosage and monitor for any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?

Anxiety in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors including genetic predisposition, past trauma, lack of socialization, environmental changes, separation from owners, and exposure to loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks. It’s important to identify the specific triggers for each dog, as this helps in developing an effective management and treatment plan.

What are Some Signs of Anxiety in Dogs?

Signs of anxiety in dogs can include behaviors such as excessive barking, panting, trembling, pacing, destructive behavior, and attempts to escape. They may also show more subtle signs like excessive licking, decreased appetite, and hiding. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and management of their anxiety.

Are Certain Breeds Prone to Anxiety?

Yes, certain dog breeds are more prone to anxiety due to genetic factors and breed-specific traits. For example, breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Border Collies, known for their high intelligence and energy levels, may be more susceptible to anxiety, especially if they don’t receive adequate mental stimulation and exercise. However, any dog can develop anxiety depending on their history and environment.

How Long Does it Take Dog CBD to Work?

The time it takes for CBD to take effect in dogs can vary, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. However, the exact onset time depends on factors such as the type of CBD product used, the dog’s size, metabolism, and the severity of the symptoms being treated.

What are Some Alternatives of Anxiety Medications for Dogs?

If you don’t want your dog to have to ingest something for their anxiety, you can try anxiety vests, comforting beds and toys, or white noise machines. Behavioral therapy and environmental modifications may also help your pup, depending on what’s causing them stress.

Final Thoughts

If your dog gets stressed easily, try one (or more) of the products in this article to help them calm down. Dogs may have simple lives compared to humans, but they can still get anxious and overwhelmed. So, it’s up to us to make sure our dogs are as comfortable as possible, and if they still have anxiety problems even with these products, talking to a vet or trainer is a good idea.

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