10 Best Calming Sprays For Anxious Dogs: Ultimate Guide
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SUMMARY: Our rescue dog Louis spent the first two years of his life chained up and poorly treated. This made him one of the most fearful and anxious dogs I’ve ever known, and he found it difficult to cope with some of life’s challenges. I decided to try out some dog calming sprays to see if they would help. Here are my top 10 recommendations.
Does your dog struggle with anxiety, and you want to try everything possible to help her feel better?
Our rescue dog Louis (that’s him in the picture) was always a bundle of nerves, and his fearful behavior could be a real challenge at times.
I decided to investigate and see if a calming spray could help him relax.
Turns out, there are many great options on the market that can help soothe nervous dogs.
So if your dog struggles with separation anxiety, travel nerves, noise phobias (think thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud noises), or anxiety in general, a calming spray may help provide some peace of mind.
Although calming sprays might not consistently work for every dog, they pose no harm and are certainly worth a try.
Here are my top 10 picks:
- ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Spray
- Flat Noses Pet Calming Mist
- Warren London Premium All Natural Dog Calming Spray
- Burt’s Bees for Pets Calming Hemp Spray
- Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress & Calming Spray
- Lavender Oil Dog Deodorizing Spray
- K9 Comfort Spray Calm Tranquility
- Only Natural Pet Just Relax Botanical
- Hownd Keep Calm Relaxing & Refreshing
- Gou Gou Pets Holistic Natural
Buying Guide: Key Features To Consider
When buying a calming spray for your dog, there are a few key features to consider to ensure it is effective and safe.
- Quality of Ingredients: Look for sprays with natural, non-toxic ingredients to ensure they are safe for both dogs and humans. This is especially important if your dog tends to lick herself or her surroundings. Avoid products with a long list of unfamiliar chemicals, which could potentially harm your pet.
- Pheromones: Some calming sprays contain pheromones, which are natural chemicals that dogs release to communicate with each other. Sprays that mimic canine pheromones can be particularly helpful in managing stress- and anxiety-related behaviors.
- Natural Ingredients: Some sprays use natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbs, and plant extracts.
- Scent: Consider the scent of the spray, as some dogs may be more sensitive to certain scents than others. Look for options with mild, calming scents like lavender or chamomile.
- Efficacy: Check the spray has a proven track record of reducing anxiety among a wide range of dogs, based on testimonials and research studies.
- Duration of Effect: It’s important that the calming spray provides relief that lasts. Some sprays might need to be reapplied frequently, while others have longer-lasting effects.
- Application: Consider how the spray is applied. Some products are meant to be used on bedding or in the air, while others can be sprayed directly on a dog’s collar or bandana.
- Ease of Use: Choose a spray that is easy to apply and won’t leave any residue or stains on furniture or fabrics.
- Multi-Purpose: Some sprays may have additional benefits such as deodorizing or refreshing properties, making it a multi-purpose product for your dog.
- Value: Take into account the cost per use and look for products that offer affordability.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Look for brands that are recommended by veterinarians or have been clinically tested and proven to be effective.
10 Best Calming Sprays That Soothed Our Anxious Dog
#1. ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Spray
- Veterinarian recommended, scientifically studied, and verified for over 20 years.
- From the makers of canine anxiety jacket, the Thundershirt.
- Clinically proven to reduce anxiety in 90% of dogs by making them feel calmer and less stressed.
- Drug-free calming solution mimics canine mother's natural nursing pheromones.
- 100% safe and drug-free.
When it came to calming Louis’s nerves, I decided to try the ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Spray first.
This product caught my attention because it’s designed to mimic a dog mother’s natural nursing pheromones.
I’ve also had success with the same manufacturer’s Thundershirt, which has helped enormously in keeping another of our rescue dogs, Lennox, calm during thunderstorms.
I noticed Louis’s anxious panting and pacing diminished noticeably after we started using this spray in our living room, where he spends most of his time.
Key Benefits: It’s incredibly easy to apply, and I found that it started to work quite fast. It’s also vet-recommended, which gave me peace of mind about its safety and efficacy.
Keep In Mind: The effect seemed to dissipate relatively quickly, so I made sure to apply it more frequently.
To see if ThunderEase is the right choice for your dog, check it out here.
#2. Flat Noses Pet Calming Mist
- Made with organic lavender to help dogs stay calm and relaxed.
- Leaves dog's coat smelling fresh and clean.
- Can help ease stress and anxiety during fireworks, travel, etc.
- Grown, distilled and bottled in USA.
Next on my list was the Flat Noses Pet Calming Mist.
It’s marketed as perfect for canine companions with flatter faces, but I found it worked wonders for Louis too.
The natural blend of essential oils like valerian and vetiver helped him to wind down during particularly stressful evenings, such as during thunderstorms.
Key Benefits: The mist is easy to spray around the areas where your dog relaxes, and it’s made with natural ingredients, so I felt good about using it in my home.
Keep In Mind: The scent might be a tad overwhelming for some, and in our case, it took a little longer for Louis to show noticeable signs of relaxation.
For those who are interested in a more natural approach, you can find the Flat Noses Pet Calming Mist here.
#3. Warren London Premium All Natural Dog Calming Spray
- Contains lavender, sweet orange, vetiver, and clary sage essential oils for dogs to help promote calm.
- Safe and non-toxic.
- No harsh chemicals or sedatives.
- Made in the USA.
Our search for Louis’s comfort also led us to Warren London’s Premium All Natural Dog Calming Spray.
This spray boasts a blend of essential oils that are known for their soothing properties, including lavender, sweet orange, and chamomile.
I noticed that it helped Louis settle down to sleep at night with less restlessness and worrying about what his canine siblings were doing.
Key Benefits: The all-natural formula meant we weren’t exposing Louis or ourselves to any harsh chemicals. It also had a pleasant scent that didn’t overpower the senses.
Keep In Mind: While it worked well for nighttime calming, the effects didn’t seem quite as potent during the day when Louis’s anxiety levels were higher due to external stimuli.
If you’re curious about trying an all-natural formula, Warren London’s calming spray can be found here.
#4. Burt’s Bees For Pets Calming Hemp Spray
- Contains hemp seed oil helps to strengthen skin and coat.
- Contains lavender oil to relax dogs.
- Waterless cleansing solution.
- Ingredients derived from 99.7% natural origin and formulated without the use of sulfates or colorants.
- Made in USA.
Another product we included in our experiment was Burt’s Bees for Pets Calming Hemp Spray.
Given Burt’s Bees’s reputation for gentle and natural products, I had high hopes for the calming potential of their hemp spray.
Indeed, it seemed to take the edge off Louis’s day-to-day anxieties without causing any drowsiness.
Key Benefits: The formula is free of sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s pH-balanced for dogs, making it a safe option for regular use.
Keep In Mind: The effects were subtle, and it might not be potent enough for dogs with more intense anxiety levels. Additionally, because it’s so gentle, I needed to apply it quite frequently to maintain its calming effect.
To explore the soothing benefits of hemp for your dog, you can check out Burt’s Bees for Pets Calming Hemp Spray here.
#5. Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress & Calming Spray
- Clinically proven blend of valerian, vetiver and other calming essential oils
- pH neutral formula safe on skin or coat on pet, bedding, carpet, soft furnishings and collars.
- Enhances production of a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves.
- Easy-to-use trigger spray for stress relief on the go.
In our ongoing efforts to keep Louis calm, Pet Remedy’s Natural De-Stress & Calming Spray stood out with its unique formula.
This product uses a blend of valerian essential oil, vetivert, basil sweet, and sage.
It’s especially good for high-stress moments like vet visits or noisy events.
Key Benefits: The spray is water-based and pH-neutral, which means it can be sprayed directly on bedding and even on Louis’s fur without worry. I also appreciated that it comes with a clinically proven claim.
Keep In Mind: The herbal scent is quite earthy, which may not appeal to all owners or their pets. I also found the initial effect to be strong, but needing reapplication quite soon afterwards.
Interested in a clinically proven solution for your dog’s stress? You can pick up Pet Remedy’s spray here.
#6. Lavender Oil Dog Deodorizing Spray
- Spray deodorizer made with subtle scented essential oils.
- Long-lasting formula designed to cleanse skin and fur without using water.
- Works as pet odor eliminator.
- Cruelty-free without commonly used additives.
Seeking a dual-purpose solution, I found the Lavender Oil Dog Deodorizing Spray to not only help with keeping Louis smelling fresh but also provide a calming effect.
Lavender is well-known for its natural calming properties, and this spray definitely helped in creating a peaceful environment for him.
Key Benefits: The lovely lavender scent was not overpowering and had the added benefit of neutralizing dog odors. We also loved that it is an all-natural, chemical-free formula.
Keep In Mind: As calming as the lavender was, we found that its anxiety-reducing effects were less noticeable in situations of high stress for Louis. It worked best in conjunction with other calming routines.
If you’re looking for a fresh scent and mild calming action, consider the Lavender Oil Dog Deodorizing Spray available here.
#7. K9 Comfort Spray Calm Tranquility
- Patented Human Molecular Extraction (HME) process takes owner's scent molecules and infuses them into a spray
- 99% of dogs tested in clinical trials were happy when smelling their human's scent (fMRI).
- Easy-to-use kit for collecting owner scent molecules. Return via pre-paid envelope. Custom scent is formulated and blended product returned to you by mail.
- Product also contains therapeutic-grade lavender essential oil.
- Toy donated to shelter dog for every order received.
As I continued in my quest to target Louis’s severe anxiety and help him relax, I also gave K9 Comfort Spray Calm Tranquility a try.
Advertised as a fast-acting formula designed to calm anxious behavior, I was hopeful for positive results, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Key Benefits: This spray turned out to be great for on-the-go use, such as during car rides to the vet, which were particularly stressful for Louis. It’s also formulated without alcohol, which means it was safe for his sensitive skin.
Keep In Mind: While it was effective for short-term relief, frequent reapplication was necessary during prolonged periods of stress.
If your furry friend also struggles with travel anxiety or needs quick relief, you can find K9 Comfort Spray Calm Tranquility here.
#8. Only Natural Pet Just Relax Botanical Spray
- Combines valerian root and lavender essential oils.
- Use for car trips, fireworks, thunderstorms, separation anxiety, veterinary visits or any other stressful situation.
- May also be used as pet odor eliminator.
- 3.4 fl oz spray bottle, comes in a 3-pack.
- High-quality ingredients.
If you’re searching for a more holistic approach to alleviating your dog’s stress, you might want to check out Only Natural Pet Just Relax Botanical calming spray.
Its formula, boasting a botanical blend of essential oils, was something that piqued my interest, and rightfully so.
Key Benefits: The essential oils, including catnip, geranium, and rosemary, not only provided a serene aroma but also seemed to help maintain a calming atmosphere around our anxious pup. It’s also made without parabens, synthetic fragrances, or dyes, aligning with my preference for natural pet care where possible.
Keep In Mind: I did note that while Louis appeared to be calmer overall, the spray took longer to show effects compared to some of the others we tried. It also required several applications throughout the day.
If you’re interested in a botanical solution for your dog’s anxiety, Only Natural Pet Just Relax Botanical can be found here.
#9. Hownd Keep Calm Relaxing & Refreshing Spray
- Calming blend of essential oils.
- pH-balanced formula cleans and moisturizes skin and coat.
- Includes wheat proteins, oat kernel, argan oil, and aloe vera leaf juice.
Striving to find a more refreshing approach for Louis’s anxiety, I turned to Hownd Keep Calm Relaxing & Refreshing Spray.
This particular brand boasted aromatherapeutic advantages, and I decided to put it to the test in our home environment.
Key Benefits: The spray offered a lovely and refreshing scent that seemed to have a positive effect on Louis, especially when he was encountering less intense stressors around the house. Made with vegan-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients, it was a product that made me feel as good ethically as it did practically.
Keep In Mind: Though the spray created a pleasant environment, its calming properties were somewhat mild for Louis during higher anxiety events.
Interested in adding a refreshing scent to your calming routine? Check out Hownd Keep Calm Relaxing & Refreshing here.
#10. Gou Gou Pets Holistic Natural Calming Spray
- Researched, developed, and specially formulated for pets using highly concentrated, natural and clean ingredients.
- 8 oz. holistic natural blend of natural oils and herbal ingredients to provide a calming solution for animals feeling anxious, eases motion sickness, barking, separation anxiety, nervousness from thunderstorms, and easing PTSD.
- Ingredients include lavender, bergamot, geranium, and he huan hua (mimosa flower) essential oils.
In our ongoing mission to find a calming solution that suited Louis, we came across Gou Gou Pets Holistic Natural Calming Spray.
This product is formulated with a range of holistic ingredients, and it was the final spray I tested.
Key Benefits: I was impressed by the inclusion of organic, holistic components in the spray, which were gentle on both the canine and human sense of smell. The spray was also effective in taking the edge off during our daily routine with dogs and cats going in and out all day long, helping Louis to remain more composed.
Keep In Mind: While the natural approach was appreciated, I noticed that for more intense episodes of anxiety, I needed to supplement the spray with other calming techniques.
For those who prefer holistic remedies, Gou Gou Pets Holistic Natural is available here.
Exploring Alternative Calming Solutions for Dogs
While calming sprays can be a helpful addition to your anxious dog’s daily routine, it’s wise to consider other methods that could complement the spray’s effects.
Here are some alternative approaches to help ease dog anxiety:
- Calming Treats and Chews: These are infused with ingredients known for their soothing properties, such as L-theanine and tryptophan, which can work synergistically to reduce stress.
- Pressure Wraps: Gentle pressure applied to a dog’s body can have a calming effect, similar to swaddling an infant. Brands like Thundershirt and Tellington TTouch have specialized wraps for this purpose.
- Plug-in Diffusers: Similar to sprays, these devices release calming pheromones or herbal extracts into the environment to create a peaceful atmosphere for your dog.
- Music and Sound Therapy: Calm, soothing melodies can reduce stress in some dogs. There are even playlists and music specifically designed for canine relaxation.
- Behavioral Training: Working with a professional dog trainer or behavior consultant can teach your dog coping mechanisms for stressful situations through positive reinforcement.
- Environmental Enrichment: Providing your dog with plenty of physical and mental stimulation (e.g. KONGs, LickiMats, snuffle mats) can help prevent anxiety by keeping them engaged and occupied.
Ultimately, what works for one dog will be different for another, and sometimes a combination of methods works best.
Remember to monitor your dog’s responses and consult with your veterinarian if you’re considering new or combined therapies to manage her anxiety.
Dog Calming Sprays: FAQs
Do calming sprays work?
Some dogs respond well to calming sprays, while others do not seem to be affected. It’s important to choose a high-quality spray and follow the instructions carefully. Trust your intuition as a pet parent, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has a history of severe anxiety.
Can I train my dog to be less anxious?
Yes, behavioral training can be very effective in reducing anxiety in dogs. It’s important to work with a professional trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques.
What benefits do calming sprays offer for dogs?
Calming sprays for dogs can help reduce anxiety and stress-related behaviors by emitting soothing pheromones or natural scents. These sprays can be particularly beneficial during life changes like being adopted into a new home, stressful events such as fireworks or thunderstorms, or for general anxiety that could stem from traumatic early life experiences.
Are calming sprays for dogs safe to use?
Most calming sprays for dogs are safe to use as they often contain natural ingredients or synthetic pheromones designed to mimic calming signals. However, it’s always recommended to check the specific ingredients of a spray and consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has health issues or allergies.
How do you use dog calming sprays effectively?
To use a calming spray effectively, spray it on the areas where your dog spends time, such as her bed or favorite blanket. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, avoid spraying it directly on your dog. You may need to apply the spray several times throughout the day for the best results. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
How soon before an expected stressful event should I use a calming spray?
You should typically use a calming spray 15 to 30 minutes before an anticipated stressful event to allow the spray to take effect. This gives the pheromones or natural essences time to disperse in the environment, creating a calming atmosphere for your dog.
Can calming sprays be used alongside other anxiety treatments?
Yes, calming sprays can often be used in conjunction with other anxiety treatments, such as behavioral therapy, calming collars, or even medication. It’s important to tailor the combination of treatments to your dog’s specific needs and consult with a veterinarian to create the most effective anxiety management plan for your dog.
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