![]() Supplements containing L-theanine are intended to be used on a daily basis and may require 4-6 weeks to have therapeutic effect. L-theanine can be found in Solliquin (Nutramax) chews, Composure (Vetriscience) chews, and Anxitane (Virbac) tablets. There have been several veterinary studies that showed L-theanine to have benefits in dogs, including reducing fear of strangers, noise phobia, and storm phobia. It is thought to help decrease anxiety and improve mental function by modulating GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, and by inhibiting glutamate, which is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. L-theanine is an amino acid derived from the tea plant. Melatonin appears safe to combine with other medications or supplements. ![]() Make sure that any melatonin product does not contain xylitol, a class of sweetener that is highly toxic dogs. It comes in tablet and capsule formulations, as well as dissolvable and/or flavored chewables. Melatonin supplements have been used to reduce situational fear and anxiety and dogs, such as during veterinary visits, thunderstorms, and fireworks, as well as to promote sleep in dogs who are restless overnight. Side effects in humans can include sleepiness, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset. ![]() There is some evidence in humans that melatonin may help reduce anxiety and promote sedation before medical procedures. Thus, it plays an important role in regulating the body’s natural wake/sleep cycle (circadian rhythm). It’s secreted in high levels during the night and low levels during the day. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland of the brain. Zylkene comes in capsules that can be given whole or opened and mixed with your dog’s food. Some research studies have suggested that this derivative helps reduce anxiety in dogs by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that produces a calming effect.Īlpha-casozepine has been shown to potentially reduce anxiety and fear of strangers in dogs.īut although it is sometimes administered for situational stress, such as during fireworks or vet visits, there is no evidence that it has any short-term effect.Īlpha-casozepine is found in Zylkene (Vetoquinol) and is one of the main ingredients in some veterinary calming diets. Alpha-CasozepineĪlpha-casozepine is a lactose-free derivative of a protein in cows’ milk. Here are some of the common ingredients found in these products, along with scientific research on whether they reduce anxiety in dogs. Common Ingredients in Behavioral Supplements for Dog Anxietyīehavioral supplements may include calming treats, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and calming diets. This is why it is important to discuss with your veterinarian starting any supplement, even if you can buy it over the counter, before giving it to your pet. This can lead to differences in ingredients, purity, quality, and efficacy between manufacturers and between batches. While the amount of scientific information on non-pharmaceutical calming products in dogs is increasing, there isn’t much data on the quality, safety, and efficacy for the majority of products.Īnother thing to note is that unlike the US Food and Drug Administration’s testing of supplements for people, there’s no standardized monitoring system for pet behavioral supplements. Also, the studies may have been performed on rats and mice, not on dogs and cats. ![]() When you read about research on a certain dog calming product, know that some studies may have been performed on the functional ingredient in a product, not on the product itself. Here are the facts about some popular dog calming products that can help ease your dog’s anxiety. This could delay treatments that actually work. If you elect to use one or more of these products, keep in mind that the placebo effect may lead pet parents to perceive benefits in treatments that in reality are ineffective. When scientific studies have been performed, many of these studies are of lower rigor. While some pet parents swear by certain dog calming products and report them to be useful in dogs with mild to moderate anxiety, few products have been tested and proven through scientific research to reduce anxiety in pets. There are many products marketed to reduce fear and anxiety and provide generalized calming effects in dogs, and you may find the array of options dizzying. ![]()
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