Subjectively, many of the pet parents in these studies believed that the pressure vests had positive effects on their dog’s anxiety levels. Like many other calming products, scientific research on the efficacy of these products is limited and inconclusive. A couple of studies found potential benefits of pressure vests for thunderstorm phobias and for separation anxiety in dogs, but the studies were of variable quality. Pankratz K, Korman J, Emke C, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled prospective clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the Assisi anti-anxiety device (Calmer Canine) for the treatment of canine separation anxiety. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2021;20(8):775092. Adaptil is the worlds leading dog behaviour product and is scientifically proven to help support dogs during stressful situations. For pets who experience severe noise phobia and anxiety, there are different supplements or tablets which can help but it’s always best to seek advice from an expert – either by booking an appointment with your local vet or speaking to the pet care advisors in-store at Pets at Home. Start creating positive associations

Separation anxiety is an extremely common type of anxiety in dogs. It occurs when your dog becomes upset when he’s left home alone or his primary caregiver is away for a prolonged period. The anxiety is usually triggered because your dog becomes bored and lonely when you’re not present. Urinating or defecating in the house is often a symptom of separation anxiety, as is excessive barking and destructive behaviour. Illness-related anxiety is triggered by a health issue in your dog. Hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, encephalitis, and prediabetes can all bring about anxiety in dogs that previously exhibited no symptoms. If your dog is experiencing vision or hearing loss, he may also become more easily startled and show signs of anxiety in unknown environments.

Vet visits—Dogs may be anxious when going to the vet, particularly if they’ve had unpleasant experiences in the past. L-tryptophan is another amino acid that can help boost your dog’s mood and supports his stress response. Gaultier E, Bonnafous L, Vienet-Legue D, et al. Efficacy of dog appeasing pheromone in reducing behaviours associated with fear of unfamiliar people and new surroundings in newly adopted puppies. Veterinary Record. 2009;164:708–714. Not for any which we have featured – they are all-natural and don’t require any major changes. You should ask for advice from a vet if you’re unsure, however.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking at some of the signs of anxiety in pets and how they act when they’re feeling stressed. Some situations including separation, phobias, and illness or injury can be common causes of anxiety in cats and dogs. To make it extra clear, here are some signs of stress and anxiety in pets: If you are happy to change your dog’s diet and need something permanent, calming dog food helps ease digestion, any stress-related issues such as dry skin, while still giving your dog the necessary nutrients Music Before using any calming product for your dog, consult with your veterinarian, particularly if you’re planning to use supplements or chews. If you repeatedly pair something positive, like a food toy, with something negative, like a stressor, your dog will be more likely to form positive associations with their triggers over time. However, if a dog’s anxiety is too high, then they may not be interested in food. Dogs can get very stressed about a lot of things. From going outside and hearing new noises to being around other dogs and in fireworks season, it can be hard to keep them calm.

It's important to note that while calming aids can be helpful, they should not be used as a substitute for proper training, socialization, or medical treatment when necessary,” says Denver-based Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets, an in-home pet service. “If you are unsure whether a calming aid is appropriate for your dog, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.” Kim Y, Lee J, Abd el-aty A, et al. Efficacy of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) for ameliorating separation-related behavioral signs in hospitalized dogs. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2010;51(4):380-384.

Riemer S. Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2020;37:61-70. When out walking or training an anxious dog, spray a little on a bandana or spray a little on a damp` cloth or your fingers and gently rub around the muzzle and top of chest. Same applies for horses. Kato M, Miya K, Ohtani N, et al. Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2012;7(1):21-26.

How to spot motion sickness in dogs

All dogs are different and there is no one treatment that works for all dogs,” says Chris Roth, in-house veterinarian at Pets Best. “It is going to be a trial-and-error process to see what works for your dog, and so you may need to try a few or combination of solutions to find what works best for your pet.”