Similar to humans, dogs can experience anxiety in several forms , including noise anxiety during a storm or fireworks and separation anxiety when they are left alone. Unfortunately, they can also experience it generally, which manifests in them being continually stressed.

For a dog mom and dad, it can be utterly heartbreaking to see them hide, pace or shake. But thankfully, calming dog chews and treats can be a good tool to help them ease their disquiet.

Additionally, you can also get them relief toys and calming dog beds from your local pet store. However, if you feel like their anxiety is going well beyond the norm, you should take them to a vet to determine if something more serious is at play.

Dogs can experience anxiety for several reasons. However, some of the most common ones include being separated from their owners, loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms, visits to the vet and long car rides.

They can also happen when they enter a new environment or meet new people, and in particular if there has been a change in their routine. For instance, moving home or introducing a new dog or baby into your family.

The more you can recognize these triggers, the better able you will be to implement measures that will help to minimize the impact they have on your pet.

Not to be confused with dog treats, which are essentially just that - a treat, dog chews also provide your pooch with something delicious to gnaw on.

However, the difference between them is that dog chews are specifically designed to give your canine a long-lasting and healthy chewing experience that will occupy their time for hours. As they provide pups with mental stimulation, they can work very well in calming them down when they are feeling anxious or distressed.

Dog chews are available in several forms, and depending on what type of chew they are, they may contain minerals, vitamins, or healthy substances that enhance the health of your dog’s joints and hips.

They can even come as synthetic chewy toys which are durable enough to withstand the natural chewing instincts of even the most aggressive of choppers.

Dog chews can also be a very effective way to improve the dental health of your furry friend as the gnawing action they impart helps to keep their gums and teeth healthy by scraping tartar build-ups from them. 

There are hundreds of brands on the market right now. Some are easy to get from your local pet store, while others might need to be purchased over the internet. A good dog chew should be hard (but not too hard), durable, and not too small. Regardless of where you source them, here are some of the best calming chews for dogs to consider:

Some dog moms and dads say that yak chews are the best all-natural calming dog chews for canines who are naturally aggressive chewers.

Deriving from the Himalayas, these cheesy bites are made from a mix of yak and cow milk, along with salt and lime juice. They are also low in fat and rich in protein and provide a long-lasting activity for your furry friend.

That said, some vets have reported that yak chews have been responsible for breaking a dog's teeth. For this reason, you might want to give them a wide berth, especially if you have a smaller dog.

However, a good way to assess if any particular type of chew has the potential to do this is to press your thumbnail on it. If you experience a little give, it should be okay for your dog to enjoy.

One of the best calming chews for dogs of all sizes and breeds is lamb ears, which are soft and will not damage their teeth. Containing no nasty chemicals, they are particularly ideal for canines who are teething or struggling to chew on crunchy treats.

That said, lamb ears can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage in dogs that tend to rip off big chunks without chewing them. Additionally, some brands might be coated in chemicals, which you should check with a vet to determine their suitability. They can also be high in fat, so you might want to give them a miss if your pooch is prone to obesity or pancreatitis.

Often referred to as pizzle, bully sticks are dehydrated meat which derives from the penis of steers or bulls.

Although they might not sound too appetizing, dogs love them, as they provide a long-lasting and tasty chew that can be very effective in calming them down. As bully sticks possess high levels of taurine, which is an amino sulphonic acid, chewing on it improves your pup's heart health and fat digestion.

When the bully sticks get smaller, you should be aware of their potential to be a choking hazard. Also, if your dog is a gulper, it could suffer from intestinal obstruction on account of trying to consume the whole thing at once.

To prevent problems like this from occurring, it might be worth investing in a bully grip holder.

If you have a medium to large dog, you might consider giving them a kangaroo tail. Popular in Australia, they will not only provide them with something full of iron, protein and zinc to gnaw on, but it will also stimulate their minds for a very long time.

The great thing about a kangaroo tail is that it is low in fat and does not have any artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. So, it won’t have any adverse effects on your fur baby’s weight!

While it does contain bones, they are usually hand-trimmed with plenty of fat and meat left on them to reduce the risk of damage being done to your pooch’s teeth. However, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, this type of calming dog chew might not be appropriate for them.

Additionally, as they contain several bones, they can also be a choking hazard for dogs, that are gulpers. So, it is recommended that you supervise your canine closely if you intend to give it to them.

As an alternative to calming dog chews, you might also consider giving your four-legged friend interactive food puzzles, such as lick mats and stuffable kongs. These are things that are very safe for them but will keep your dog entertained for a very long time.

In case you were wondering the difference, dog treats are typically used as rewards for good behavior or positive reinforcement when training your pup. Some parents also give them out as a sign of their love and affection.

They come in various sizes, flavors, textures and shapes, which make them ideal for dogs of all sizes. They also tend to be a bit softer and much easier to chomp than dog chews, so offer them more instant gratification.

Here is some more information about the best type of dog treats you can give to your furry friend.

• If your four-legged best friend suffers from anxiety, giving them dog chews can be an excellent way to pacify them.
• We hope this guide to the best calming chews for dogs has provided you with a good understanding of why it is important to give them to your canine when they are feeling distressed.
• As we’ve shown, there are several types available that can help to rid them of their tension, mentally stimulate them, and enhance their nutrition and dental health.
• Whichever brand of dog chew you get, just make sure they are of good quality from a trusted brand.

Here are some answers to questions pet owners frequently have about the best calming chews for dogs.

In an ideal world, you should not need to give your pooch a calming treat every day. However, if you find yourself having to do that, then it might be indicative of a wider issue, which you should discuss with a vet.

There is no harm in giving your furry friend both dog chews and treats. That said, just make sure you are not overfeeding them and that you are providing them with something that they will be able to chew easily without affecting their teeth.