Introduction
You’ve tried everything to get your anxious or stressed out dog to relax. Long walks, playtime, cozy beds – but Fido is still a bundle of nerves. Finally, you decide to try calming chews. You give Fido the recommended dosage, but the high-strung behavior continues. What gives? If calming chews are supposed to reduce anxiety in dogs, why don’t they seem to be working for your pup?
What Are Calming Chews?
Calming chews are supplements designed to help reduce anxiety and calm hyperactive or aggressive behavior in dogs. They contain a blend of ingredients such as tryptophan, melatonin, chamomile, L-theanine, and magnesium, that work together to promote relaxation and a sense of calm (https://furvorpet.com/products/calming-bites).
The main mechanism behind calming chews is that the active ingredients help boost levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with calmness. For example, L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, is thought to increase serotonin and dopamine levels while reducing cortisol. Chamomile acts as a mild sedative. Melatonin helps regulate sleep cycles. Together, these ingredients work to ease anxiety, curb hyperactivity, and promote relaxation in dogs exhibiting stress or excitable behavior.
Calming chews provide an easy way to administer calming supplements to dogs, with the active ingredients embedded in a tasty chew format. They are intended to be given on an as-needed basis for situational anxiety, such as during thunderstorms, car rides, or separation. For dogs with more chronic anxiety issues, they can be given daily according to package directions.
Common Ingredients
Calming chews for dogs typically contain a variety of ingredients that have calming properties. Some common ingredients include:
- Chamomile – An herb that has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Studies show chamomile extracts bind to GABA receptors in the brain which regulate excitability and anxiety.
- L-Theanine – An amino acid found in green tea that has been shown to increase alpha waves in the brain which are associated with relaxation. L-theanine may increase levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in the brain.
- CBD Oil – A compound derived from hemp that may help relieve anxiety, stress, and restlessness in dogs by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
- Tryptophan – An essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin in the brain which regulates mood.
- Melatonin – A hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. It has a calming effect and can relieve anxiety.
- Valerian Root – An herb with sedative properties that may alleviate restlessness and nervousness by increasing GABA levels.
These natural ingredients work together to help induce relaxation and reduce stress in high strung dogs. However, effectiveness can vary between individual dogs.
Reasons They May Not Work
There are several reasons why calming chews may not have the desired effect on an anxious or stressed dog:
Intolerance/Allergy to Ingredients
Some dogs may have sensitivities or intolerances to ingredients commonly found in calming chews like chamomile, ginger, valerian, or melatonin. An allergic reaction could cause additional stress. Check the ingredients carefully or consult a veterinarian if you suspect an intolerance.
Improper Dosage
Always follow label instructions carefully and consult a vet on proper dosage for your dog’s size and age. Under-dosing may lead to limited effects while overdosing can cause lethargy or gastrointestinal upset. Start with smaller doses and monitor the effects.
Underlying Medical Condition
Severe anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue. Calming chews can provide short-term relief but will not address chronic conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, hypothyroidism, or musculoskeletal pain that may be causing the anxiety. Consult a vet to rule out other causes.
For more severe anxiety issues, calming chews alone may not suffice and behavioral training or prescription medications could be necessary. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best multi-pronged approach.
Dosage Matters
Giving the proper dose of calming chews based on your dog’s weight is very important for them to be effective. Calming chews contain active ingredients like tryptophan, melatonin, and L-theanine that influence neurotransmitters in the brain to produce a calming effect. The levels need to be therapeutic for your dog’s size in order to work.
For example, the calming chew brand Pet Naturals recommends the following dosage based on weight:
– Under 30 lbs: 1 chew daily
– 30-59 lbs: 2 chews daily
– 60-100 lbs: 3 chews daily
– Over 100 lbs: 3 chews daily
This ensures the proper concentration of active ingredients reaches your dog’s system based on their size. Always consult the package instructions or your veterinarian on the appropriate calming chew dosage for your dog’s weight. Giving too little may not provide enough of the active ingredient to be effective. However, too high a dose can also cause lethargy or gastrointestinal upset. Sticking to the recommended amount optimized the calming benefits.
Underlying Conditions
Sometimes calming chews may not work effectively due to underlying conditions in your dog that contribute to their anxiety, such as:
- Anxiety disorders – Dogs with generalized anxiety or separation anxiety may need more than just calming chews to address their stress. These chews can be part of a treatment plan, but behavioral training and even medication may also be necessary.
- Fears and phobias – If your dog has a specific fear like thunderstorms or fireworks, calming chews alone may not override these intense fears. Desensitization training is usually needed alongside calming aids.
- Food allergies – Some ingredients in calming chews like dairy can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Make sure to choose treats that don’t contain problematic ingredients for your pup.
Addressing the root cause of your dog’s anxiety, whether through training, medication, or avoiding allergens, is key for calming aids like chews to work effectively.
Other Calming Options
There are several natural alternatives to try before turning to medication to help calm an anxious dog. Training, pheromones, and treats made for separation anxiety may provide relief.
Training can help build confidence and relaxation. Obedience training establishes commands so the dog knows what to do in different situations. Counterconditioning changes the dog’s emotional response to triggers by associating them with something positive.
Pheromones are chemicals released to communicate within a species. Synthetic dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) products mimic natural pheromones to provide comfort. Diffusers, sprays, wipes and collars with DAP can help relax dogs.
For separation anxiety, there are special treats made with ingredients like L-theanine, colostrum and hemp. These can reduce stress when a dog is left alone. However, behavioral modification is still important.
Herbal remedies like chamomile, passionflower, valerian root and ginger can also provide calming effects. Essential oils like lavender may also help when used properly. Always consult a vet before giving supplements.
When to See a Vet
While over-the-counter calming chews may help reduce anxiety symptoms in some dogs, they don’t work for every pup. If your dog’s anxious behaviors persist after trying different calming chews at adjusted dosages for several weeks, your vet may recommend prescription anti-anxiety medication.
According to the AKC, some signs that your dog’s anxiety may require medication include:
- Destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or scratching
- Excessive vocalization like barking or whining
- Aggression or reactivity towards people or other animals
- Elimination problems like urinating or defecating in the house
- Compulsive habits like chasing their tail or licking themselves excessively
Your vet can help determine if prescription anti-anxiety meds are right for your pup. They’ll consider your dog’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health. Common prescription medications for dog anxiety include fluoxetine and clomipramine.
It’s important to follow your vet’s dosing instructions carefully when giving prescription meds. Track your dog’s progress and report any concerns at follow-up appointments. With the right treatment plan, your anxious pup can find relief.
The Takeaway
As we’ve explored, calming chews can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety and stress in dogs. However, there are several factors that impact their efficacy. To summarize:
- Calming chews contain ingredients like tryptophan, melatonin, L-theanine, and hemp that induce relaxation.
- For calming chews to work properly, using the right dosage for your dog’s weight is crucial.
- They may not work well for dogs with severe anxiety or underlying conditions without other treatment.
- Consider your dog’s age, health, and activity level when selecting the best calming chew.
- Behavioral training, exercise, pheromones, and other techniques can complement calming chews.
- If your dog’s anxiety persists after trying calming chews, consult your veterinarian about next steps.
With reasonable expectations and proper usage, calming chews can be a helpful tool for many anxious dogs. Monitor your pet’s response and adjust as needed to find the most effective approach.
References
This article was written after conducting thorough research on calming chews and their effectiveness. The key sources consulted include:
- The AKC’s guide on calming products for anxious dogs which provided an overview of common ingredients.
- A clinical study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior comparing the efficacy of a commercial calming chew to placebo which provided evidence on effectiveness.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual’s sections on canine anxiety which outlined underlying conditions that may reduce effectiveness of calming chews.
- The FDA’s report on potential dangers of overdosing on some ingredients in calming chews which highlighted the importance of proper dosing.
- A certified veterinary behaviorist’s article in Vet Practice News on alternative calming options besides medication which gave additional options to consider.
In addition, dog owner forums and pet care sites were reviewed to understand common experiences with these products. The research aimed to provide comprehensive information on calming chews to help owners understand their pros, cons, and alternatives for helping dogs with anxiety.