When dogs feel stressed or anxious, we naturally want to help them feel calm and secure. From supplements to diffusers and collars, there are plenty of options. But before choosing the best calming product for your dog, it’s important to understand what’s causing your dog’s anxiety and which solutions may work best.

Key Takeaways

  • Address the underlying cause: Anxiety in dogs is usually the effect of an underlying behavioural problem or trigger. It’s important to try to resolve this.

  • Supplements take time: Some calming supplements may need several weeks to build up in the system, so plan ahead (especially for fireworks or stressful events).

  • Layering solutions works best: Combining supplements with diffusers, sprays, or collars of varying ingredients can provide the most effective calming support.

  • Consult a vet if needed: Persistent anxiety or extreme behaviours should be discussed with your vet.

Explore our range of calming products for dogs to help your dog stay relaxed and happy.

Vet’s Corner: Before Turning to Calming Products

VioVet vet Dr Nicholas Garside BVetMed MRCVS states:

“It’s natural to want a quick fix for your dog’s stress. But before reaching for calming supplements or sprays, it’s vital to ask why your dog is anxious. Stress often has an underlying trigger, some examples of which are below:

  • Separation anxiety

  • Fear of loud noises

  • Changes to routine

  • Past traumatic events

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy is a great way to reduce or even prevent the recurrence of stress. This involves teaching your pet that there is nothing to fear and desensitising your dog to the anxiety.

  1. The first step to this is to see your vet to rule out any underlying medical issue and diagnose the issue as behavioural.

  2. Your vet can usually provide behavioural advice for the specific issue your pet is facing and refer you to an animal behaviourist if needed.

We have some behavioural therapy tips in our other blogs on the topics of Separation Anxiety and Firework Phobias. For some anxieties, simple steps within the environment can make a big difference to reducing your pet’s stress levels.”

dog lying in bed looking happy

The Best Calming Products for Dogs

Every dog is different, so there’s no single “best” calming product. Instead, it’s about finding the right fit for your dog’s needs and lifestyle.

1. Calming Supplements

Supplements come in tablet, chew, and liquid forms. They can be added to food, hidden in treats, or given directly, and can be combined with other calming solutions like diffusers.

Oral products help with all types of stress but are particularly useful for dogs who are on the move, as their effects continue into whatever environment your dog enters. For example, if the stress is related to a vet visit, going outside on a walk, or travelling.

Recommended Products:

Important: Supplements are most effective when introduced in advance, as they need time to be digested and build up in your dog’s system.

2. Diffusers & Sprays

Pheromone-based products mimic natural calming signals and essential oil-based products work alongside the body’s natural relaxation pathways. They are usually absorbed through your dog’s nose when they smell, so are great for using in specific environments such as a particular room or the car.

They can be used alone or alongside oral supplements for a combined additional effect. It is important to check the ingredients within each product when combining their use to ensure you are not overdosing your pet.

Recommended Products:

Note: Diffusers can take a few days to work effectively in the room they are placed in whilst some sprays provide calming effects within minutes.

3. Collars & Vests

These provide continuous comfort by either releasing pheromones or applying gentle pressure that dogs find soothing.

The pheromone based collars are great for dogs on the move, where the stress trigger is in a location where the diffuser/spray equivalent would be difficult to administer.

Vests are best used for firework phobias or separation anxiety, providing a reassuring ‘hug’ to your dog. They can be used on their own or combined with some other calming aids for greater effect.

Recommended Products:

Find the Right Calming Solution

Every dog deserves to feel safe and relaxed. Whether you choose supplements, diffusers, or calming collars, the key is finding what works best for your pet—and starting early if you know stressful events are coming up. Explore our full range of dog calming products here.

dog calming supplement banner

Dog Calming Product FAQs

Are calming supplements safe for dogs?

Yes, most calming supplements are safe when used as directed. Always follow the product guidelines and speak to your vet if you’re unsure.

Do dog calming supplements work?

Many dogs benefit from supplements, but results vary. If your dog does not respond to a particular product then it is worth trying another with a different ingredient/mode of action, either instead of or alongside your current one.

What is the best calming supplement for dogs?

There’s no single “best” option—it depends on your dog’s needs, preferences, and response. Products like SettleMe or YuMove Calming Care are popular choices in the UK.

What do vets recommend for calming dogs?

Vets usually suggest a combination approach: addressing environmental triggers, considering behavioural training, and using products like supplements, diffusers, or calming collars if needed.

Written by: VioVet