The Best Calming Supplement for Dogs

Dogs can develop anxiety for lots of reasons, and often there isn't just one cause.

Common causes can include:

• Fear or bad experiences — fireworks, thunderstorms, loud noises, being shouted at, accidents, or frightening encounters with other dogs.
• Separation from their person — some dogs become distressed when left alone, particularly if they've learned that being alone predicts something unpleasant.
• Insufficient early socialisation — puppies that have limited positive exposure to people, dogs, places and noises can be more fearful later.
• Changes in their environment — moving house, a new baby or pet, changes in routine, boarding, or a change in the people around them.
• Genetics and temperament — some dogs are naturally more cautious or sensitive, and certain breeds or individual lines may have greater predisposition to particular fears.
• Pain or illness — discomfort can make a previously relaxed dog anxious or unusually reactive. This is particularly important if the behaviour has appeared suddenly.
• Ageing — older dogs can develop anxiety associated with declining senses or canine cognitive dysfunction.
• Lack of predictability or control — dogs generally cope better when they can predict what happens next and have somewhere safe to retreat to.
• Learned associations — a dog can become anxious because something previously neutral has become associated with a frightening event. For example, if a loud noise happens while they're being left alone, the two situations can eventually become linked.

Anxiety isn't necessarily the same as being "badly behaved." Barking, pacing, hiding, destroying things or attempting to escape can be manifestations of distress rather than deliberate disobedience. Dog anxiety can also show up in other ways such as panting, trembling, whining or clinginess. The best approach depends heavily on what triggers it. For mild anxiety, nervousness, travel, fireworks, thunderstorms, or vet visits certain supplements can prove helpful as part of a broader plan. Sudden/worsening or severe anxiety, phobias or aggression may require additional interventions such as veterinary assessment or behavioural treatment.

Vet’s Choice Calming & Anxiety available from Hellenia has been formulated with patented and natural ingredients to help your dog feel more relaxed and secure every day. Non-sedating and gentle it promotes emotional balance, helps to manage stress, anxiety & hyperactivity, whilst also supporting gut-brain health. This premium blend comes in a tasty beef flavour which all dogs are sure to love.

Easy to mix into food and suitable for everyday use, this powder blend is a mixture of beneficial ingredients which include adaptogens, probiotics, magnesium and amino acids.

The adaptogenic or calming herbs include Ashwagandha, Tulsi and saffron

A small, controlled trial specifically in dogs has shown that Ashwagandha may help some dogs with anxiety [1].

This Calming & Anxiety powder also contains the amino acid like compound L-Taurine. For calming, taurine is of interest because it may influence GABA/glycine signalling and neuronal excitability, potentially supporting relaxation. Animal studies have found reduced anxiety-like behaviour with taurine.

It also contains Aquamin® Magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral for dogs. It helps muscle function, for normal muscle contraction and relaxation. It is also vital for nerve function, supporting normal nerve signalling. Magnesium can have a calming effect, particularly if they aren't getting enough magnesium.

Also included is the beneficial probiotic Bifidobacterium Longum. It has been determined that some specific probiotics may help dogs with stress or anxiety. Some specific strains have been studied for reducing stress-related behaviour, with evidence still developing. Bifidobacterium longum has some of the more interesting findings among probiotics for stress reduction. There is growing evidence that the gut–brain axis may influence anxiety and stress-related behaviour in dogs [2]. Studies have shown that a healthy gut microbiome supports mood and cognition.

To top up your dog’s daily intake of essential nutrients and adding to their overall wellness the formula also contains a good dose of brewer’s yeast powder and golden flaxseed.

Brewer’s yeast is a naturally good source of several B vitamins, which support normal energy metabolism, skin, and nervous-system function. It provides a meaningful amount of protein so can contribute to overall protein intake; this is alongside other beneficial nutrients – a variety of minerals such as chromium, selenium, potassium, and zinc to support their health. Brewer’s yeast also contains compounds such as beta-glucans for gut and immune support.

Golden Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, supporting your pet’s skin and coat. It provides soluble and insoluble fibre to benefit their digestive health. It also supplies protein, lignans, and other plant compounds for additional nutritional support.

Remember with any supplement to always read the directions carefully, taking into account your dog’s age and size to ensure correct dosage. If in any doubt it is always worth discussing their use with a vet.

If the anxiety is new, severe, worsening, or accompanied by unusual behaviour, involving a vet is worthwhile because pain and other medical problems can sometimes present as anxiety.

For further product information and to browse all the products available in the Hellenia Pet Health category click here.