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It goes without saying that our pets bring us comfort. In fact, research has shown that spending time with our furry friends has awide range of health and mood-boosting benefits, from lowering our blood pressure to reducing stress. But when dogs become over-stressed or anxious, they can sometimes display unwanted behaviors—like pacing, excessive barking and destructive chewing—that can make you feel anything but relaxed.
You desperately want to help your poor pup relax, but let’s be real—you can’t spend all of your time comforting your anxious pet. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to soothe your pup, one of which is over-the-counter calming treats. Read on to learn more about the best calming treats for dogs and how they can bring your four-legged friend back to a place of doggy zen.
So, what are calming treats for dogs, exactly? These soothing chews and treats are meant to help your pup deal with anxiety, hyperactivity, and stressful situations (think vet visits, fireworks, car rides, and, of course, those scary mechanical monsters we call vacuum cleaners).
Calming treats for dogs fall under the category of nutraceuticals, which are simply products that provide both nutrition and health benefits. These tasty treats often contain herbs and vitamins which help promote rest and relaxation for a calmer, happier pup.
Many people swear by calming chews and treats for dogs—but can they really help your pet? Potentially, yes!
L-theanine, l-tryptophan, and several other active ingredients commonly found in calming treats have been shown to have a relaxing effect on dogs. But just like people, not all dogs react the same way to nutraceuticals. What works for one pet parent could be a total bust for another.
When giving your pet calming treats, it’s also important to keep your expectations in check. Calming treats can be a useful tool for helping your dog learn how to overcome their anxiety, but they’re not going to magically turn a hyperactive husky into a couch potato. Instead, think of them as a training tool that you can use to help your dog overcome their anxiety.
Whether your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, storm-related anxiety or general restlessness, there’s a calming chew treat out there for every anxious pup. Without further ado, here are some of the best calming treats for dogs that have shown the most promise in reducing canine anxiety.
Does your dog quake with fear at the first sign of an impending storm? A dog treat containing l-tryptophan may help to ease your pup’s anxiety. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is thought to increase serotonin, the feel-good chemical in the brain that helps stabilize mood.One study suggests that l-tryptophan could be an effective treatment for storm-related anxiety in canines. If you’re thinking about giving your pup l-tryptophan, be sure to talk with your vet first.
Dealing with a hyperactive pup? Grab a pack of ourbully sticks for dogs and let your pup safely chew away their anxious feelings. Chewing is a natural stress-relieving activity that provides much-needed mental stimulation for bored or restless dogs.
Made with only one ingredient, our PawLove Bully Sticks are perfect for rainy days, thunderstorms or times when you just need your pup to simmer down for a few minutes. Simply toss them a natural chew stick and they’ll forget all about that scary storm or vacuum cleaner. (Well, maybe not—but at least they’ll be a little more distracted!)
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Does your dog get worked up before long trips and vet visits? Try making your furry friend somehomemade pumpkin ginger dog biscuits. Pumpkin and ginger is known to soothe sensitive tummies while traveling and may help combat anxiety-induced nausea.
If your pup struggles to relax on a daily basis, CBD extracts and biscuits are another option worth considering. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD (short for cannabidiol) is known for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. But unlike THC, CBD won’t make your pup feel “high” or intoxicated.
Since it takes a week or so to feel the full effects, this calming treat is best suited for everyday anxiety and fearfulness.
The next time your pup gets stressed, try giving them one of our all-natural dog chews. Made with the best ingredients, ourPawLove dog chews are the perfect stress-buster for your anxious pet. Just remember, dog bones shouldonly be given to your dog under careful supervision.
Happy chewing!