Calming Aids For Anxious Dogs

Just like us, many dogs suffer from anxiety. Olive has developed a fear of thunderstorms. She shakes, pants, and climbs all over you when the storms roll in. Ruby, labeled with mild separation anxiety on adoption, is a nervous Nellie anytime I leave her home, or anytime I take her with me for that matter. Let me share the two calming aids for anxious dogs I’ve come to rely on for managing their stress.

Sources of Anxiety In Dogs

Just like us, many dogs suffer from anxiety. Sources of fear-based anxiety in dogs can be from loud noises, like sirens, thunderstorms or fireworks. Triggers for social and environmental anxiety in dogs include unfamiliar people or dogs, riding in cars, going to new places, or other changes in normal routine. Dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone, or separated from their favorite people or other pets.

ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Vest

When it comes to calming aids for anxious dogs, the first I ever purchased was a ThunderShirt dog anxiety vest. Just like swaddling an infant provides a feeling of safety and security, the ThunderShirt creates a constant, gentle pressure to soothe your anxious dog.

My dog Skip was terrified of thunderstorms. I was hopeful the ThunderShirt would be a miracle. It has a money back guarantee. I had nothing to lose!

Let me temper your expectations. It’s not as if Skip was no longer scared of storms or oblivious to thunder. But the ThunderShirt took just enough edge off. He no longer climbed all over me and I was no longer scared he’d literally drop dead from fright. That was a win in my book and I kept it.

I have a ThunderShirt Classic in heather grey – it was the only style available at that time. It’s well made and has held up for years though many uses and machine washes. Olive now uses it regularly during summer thunderstorms. You can also purchase a ThunderShirt Sport or ThunderShirt Polo, each available in multiple colors. All ThunderShirts are available in seven sizes from XXS – XXL.

Composure Calming Chews by VetriScience

There are a lot supplemental calming aids for anxious dogs on the market. To be honest, I always though of them as snake oil. I first learned of Composure by VetriScience from a friend. It was not long after adopting Ruby and she was a nervous wreck.

I had my veterinarian review the ingredients for safety and then I gave them a try. After all, VetriScience also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Composure is now a staple I keep on hand at all times.

I watch the girls when I’m gone with my Blink camera system (read all about it here). Before using Composure, Ruby was agitated the entire time I was gone. She’d get on the sofa, then off the sofa, go in the cove, then out of the cove, walk around the room, back to the sofa, then back to the cove…the WHOLE TIME.

After using Composure, she’s settled when I am gone. From reviewing the camera footage, I see she usually sticks close to Lemon and settles in next to her. I’ve seen Ruby stay in one place for over an hour, which was unheard of before. I’ve also seen her play with her toys and play with Olive. It doesn’t knock her out and she maintains her same personality.

I also rely on Composure during thunderstorms or seasonal holidays with fireworks. Like the ThunderShirt, Composure does not completely eliminate anxious or fearful behavior, but it takes the edge off just enough. You can safely double or triple your dose in times of exceptional stress.

It’s helpful to give Composure ahead of time when possible, as many dogs are more difficult to calm once they are already highly agitated. Composure works quickly and lasts for up to 4 hours.

Be Prepared

The 4th of July will be here before you know it. If your dog gets nervous or scared during fireworks, go ahead and pick up one or both of these calming aids for anxious dogs. You’ll then have several weeks to get your dog used to wearing the ThunderShirt or testing the dosage of Composure that suits them best.