To naturally calm dog anxiety, provide consistent routines, ample exercise, and mental stimulation; create a safe space; use calming tools like pheromone diffusers or anxiety vests; incorporate gentle therapies like aromatherapy (lavender) or massage; and consider supplements like chamomile or omega-3s, always consulting your vet first, as deep pressure and scent work are key.
Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Over-the-counter medications are a viable option for treating dog anxiety. Some of the best OTC anti-anxiety medications include Benadryl, Dramamine, and Melatonin.
Stick to a routine
Schedule your dog's meals, walks, play time and training time so that they know when to expect these activities throughout the day. You can also make rest time part of your regular routine. For example, put your dog in their crate every night while the family eats dinner, then let them back out.
Medication and Supplements
In those cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medications like Gabapentin (anti-anxiety), Amitriptyline (an anti-depressant), Fluoxetine (an SSRI), or Melatonin (a sleep/calming aid). For pet parents that prefer herbal remedies, CBD, L-Tryptophan, Zylkene, or Rescue Remedy may do the trick.
Selecting your veterinary team
Often, these clinics will attempt to limit noise that could stress out pets, play calming music, examine dogs on the floor, where they feel less stressed, instead of on an exam table and more.
The 5 Best Calming Treats, Chews, & Supplements for Dogs
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Some common concerns reported by guardians of aging dogs are increased sensitivity and irritability, increased fear of unfamiliar pets and people (sometimes accompanied by aggression), decreased tolerance of touch and restraint, increased following and desire for contact, and increased anxiety when left alone.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
How to help calm a stressed dog
Here's what we know — and don't know — about some herbal supplements:
Triggers vary from animal to animal and may include:
Consider getting a diffuser, some spray, collar or medication for calming an anxious dog. The pheromone released in ADAPTIL is identical to the dog appeasing pheromone secreted by a mother dog from 3-5 days after the puppy's birth to provide reassurance to the puppies.
Our Pets at Home Natural Calming Drops may help to reduce signs of stress and ease anxiety and overall help your pet feel calmer. Our natural calming drops have a blend of natural herbs such as valerian root and chamomile in a flaxseed oil.
Chamomile, Passion Flower and Melatonin provide a natural relaxing effect.
Comfort Calm Soft Chews. Vet's Best Comfort Calm Soft Chews promote calm and balanced behavior in nervous, hyper, or discontented dogs. A vet-formulated blend of plant-based ingredients in each once-a-day soft chew supports non-drowsy relaxation and helps reduce separation anxiety.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Findings from a study in the United Kingdom indicate that almost 75% of dogs in Britain exhibit signs of depression or anxiety, with 18% displaying symptoms on a weekly basis. Surprisingly, the study highlights that only 36% of owners are able to recognize these signals.
Other signs to look out for
Teas for stress and anxiety relief
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple grounding technique that helps interrupt anxiety by engaging your senses with 3 things you see, 3 sounds you hear, and 3 things you can touch. This technique works by redirecting anxious thoughts away from future worries or past regrets and anchoring your attention in the present moment.
The rule is simple: Commit to doing the task for just five minutes. That's it. Once you get over the initial resistance and begin, even if only briefly, something shifts. Momentum builds, anxiety decreases, and your brain transitions from avoidance to engagement.