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What Are Calming Treats for Dogs?
As the name suggests, dog calming treats are dog treats with calming properties. They usually contain natural calming ingredients, such as Valerian root, hemp, and chamomile. They can also contain amino acids such as l-tryptophan and l-theanine, which may be synthesized (though they are naturally occurring). Calming treats for dogs are useful for stressed, anxious, nervous, or overly excitable dogs.
Luckily, there are ways to modify anxious behavior. Although this takes commitment on the part of the family, the result decreases human frustration as it changes the dog’s conduct. Behavior begins as the brain processes incoming stimuli. Altering how neurons communicate with each other alters how the brain reacts.
Certain pharmaceuticals can alter behavior. This seems like the fastest way to solve problems, although we know from human medicine that drugs should be used judiciously. Because most drugs are metabolized through the liver and kidneys, the function of these organs must be assessed. Some medications can have cardiac side effects, and even the widely popular fluoxetine (Prozac) can cause gastrointestinal problems and increased restlessness in certain animals.
Karen Overall, VMD, Ph.D., points out in Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals that anyone dispensing behavioral medicine should be able to diagnose, understand how a drug will work to alter a targeted behavior, and have a clear appreciation of a drug’s side effects or how it might interact with other medications. Research indicates that behavioral pharmaceuticals work best when used in tandem with a learning program that involves behavior modification.
Quite often, though, a well-structured program in systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning needs no extra help at all, especially when triggering stimuli and the consequences that maintain a given behavior are identified. For example, a recently acquired shelter dog immediately was placed on Clomipramine because of barking and attempts to escape from a crate that was being used for house breaking. A visit to the home indicated that all that was needed was to gradually introduce the newcomer to the family cat and to keep the latter away from the crate when the dog was in it. Any behavior modification program meant to relieve stress, anxiety, or fear can be nudged along by adding relaxation training.
Over-the-counter products that can help dog anxiety include dog anxiety jackets, calming collars, and calming treats.
This varies depending on the brand, active ingredients, and how your dog metabolizes them, but it usually between 4 and 8 hours.
Assuming your dog doesn't have any underlying health issues (in which case, check with your vet first), dog calming treats are totally safe. If fact, there's far less chance of side effects than there is with anti-depressants and sedatives that may be prescribed to anxious dogs.
Your mileage may vary, but there are tens of thousands of reviews of various calming treats from satisfied customers, and many of the ingredients used are already know for their calming properties.
In addition to behavioral training and desensitization, along with anxiety medication prescribed by your vet, you can give your dog calming chew treats. Zesty Paws Calming Bites is a great treat to start with. Make sure to consult a vet before giving your pet anything new.
Calming treats can be used with both dogs and puppies if given at the correct dosage. Make sure to consult your veterinarian on the best calming treats for your puppy.
If you do not want to get veterinarian-prescribed anxiety medication for your dog, you can purchase calming dog treats online or at most pet supply stores. PremiumCare Calming Treats are easy to order on Amazon.
Just like humans, dogs experience anxiety, a normal and healthy emotion unless it is left unchecked. The most common causes of dog anxiety are separation, fear, and aging.
Aggression, Urinating or defecating in the house, Drooling, Panting, Destructive behavior, Depression, Excessive barking, Pacing, Restlessness, Repetitive or compulsive behaviors
If you think your dog needs calming treats, give a call to your veterinarian. Monitor your dog's behavioral changes and take note if anxiety levels change.
Common ingredients in calming dog treats include L-tryptopham, CBD, melatonin, and chamomile.
Many people use calming treats to treat age-related anxiety such as doggy dementia. In general, we suggest as much training and desensitization in the early years so calming treats aren't needed later in adulthood. That said, calming treats can be used at any age if you consult your vet.
