Dog calming chews are treats that have been specially formulated to manage your pooch’s stress levels and soothe any feelings of anxiety they might be experiencing.

Often comprised of compounds like L-theanine, valerian root, and chamomile, they can be very effective at making your furry friend less stressed and more relaxed by raising their serotonin levels.

Just like with us humans, stress and anxiety are common symptoms many dogs exhibit at some point in their lives. However, as they are not able to verbalize it, triggers often go unnoticed until such time as the behavior becomes severe.

Some of the most common triggers of dog anxiety include loud noises, like thunder and fireworks, and being left alone for extended periods. These symptoms can also result from a change in routine, such as feeding time or environment, i.e. if traveling or just moved home.

If you notice that your furry friend is panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, barking, and even being aggressive, it can be a sign that your pooch is suffering from stress or anxiety. Therefore, you should think about giving them dog calming treats.

As mentioned, dog calming chews are a type of supplement designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation. These chews usually come in a treat-like form, and because they are easy to administer, they are very popular with pet owners.

Often, these chews are available over the counter in pet stores or online and come in a range of flavors that appeal to a wide range of dogs.

It is important to note that they are not a definitive cure for dog stress or anxiety. However, they are marketed as a temporary solution to help alleviate stress-related symptoms in dogs.

If your dog appears to have severe issues or they have been going on for longer than you would like, you would be well advised to seek advice from your veterinarian.

These chews typically contain a blend of natural ingredients and nutrients, which experts believe work together to promote calmness.

Dog Calming Chews come in a wide range of sizes and textures that appeal to different breeds of canine.

They are also made by several different manufacturers who use a range of natural ingredients, often mixed with herbal and amino acid-based components.

Specific ingredients used will vary according to the manufacture, but some of the most common ones are as follows:

L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan are amino acids that are commonly found in dog calming chews.

Both have shown calming effects in studies and have been proven to reduce stress without causing sedation.

The former does this by boosting the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your dog’s brain, which, in turn, promotes a greater sense of relaxation within it. On the other hand, the latter is a precursor to serotonin - a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.

Chamomile is a plant often associated with relaxation, most commonly for humans in the form of tea.

Known for its mild sedative effects, chamomile can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting calmness. It is generally well-tolerated by dogs and has mild calming effects that can be effective in dealing with milder cases of stress.

For centuries, valerian root has been used to treat anxiety in humans.

It works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps with relaxation.

In dogs, it can be particularly effective at calming stress or anxiety that revolves around specific triggers, such as thunderstorms or fireworks.

CBD (cannabidiol) is derived from the hemp plant.

It is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions, including your canine’s mood. For this reason, it has gained popularity among pet owners in recent years for its potential calming properties.

Some studies have suggested that CBD can reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, although more research is needed to understand the full effects of its capabilities.

Passionflower is a natural remedy often used to treat anxiety and insomnia in humans. It does this by increasing the GABA levels in the brain, which, therefore, induces calming effects overall.

For dogs, passionflower is often included in calming chews as it can be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of anxiety or stress.