Pet Anxiety and Calming Buying Guide
We always want the best for our pets, including ways to control their anxiety and keep them comfortable. Thankfully, you can find many pet anxiety and calming products at Tractor Supply. These products work in many ways to promote relaxation and a serene environment for our pets.
About Anxiety and Calming Supplements for Pets
Pets can develop anxiety for a variety of reasons. It can be as small as rearranging furniture in your living room or something more life-changing, such as a big move or bringing home a new baby. Any disruption in your pet’s day can be a cause for anxiety. Some of the more common reasons pets feel anxiety are separation, loud noises and travel.
Pet parents are often busy people, going to work and running regular errands. However, they always make it home to comfort their furry friend. Even knowing this, some pets can become stressed while their owners are away. This is called separation anxiety – and it doesn’t always have to occur if you’re not home. It can also happen if there’s a change in your pet’s daily routine. Pets can also develop separation anxiety if they lack social and mental enrichment, such as playtime, exercise and other activities that allow bonding with your pet.
Loud, unexpected noises are another culprit of pet anxiety, startling pets and making them feel uneasy about their environment. When summertime rolls around, neighbors and towns usually love putting on firework shows. While fireworks offer enjoyment and fun for humans, pets don’t find them as exciting. The loud booms and blows can heighten feelings of anxiety. Thunder can stress pets in the same way fireworks do, meaning thunderstorms can be another source of pet anxiety.
If your pet has traveled a lot, especially when they were younger, they’re probably already used to the car and traveling to new environments. But for less seasoned pets, travel can cause great stress and anxiety. This is because pets are unfamiliar with their environment, causing confusion and feelings of unease. This is especially true for airline travel. Additionally, going to the vet or groomer can cause pet stress, even though it’s important for their health and well-being.
Pets can become stressed for many other reasons, such as moving to a new home or meeting a new pet. Aging can also cause anxiety in pets. Some dogs can develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) as they grow older, while some cats can develop feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and confusion because pets can’t understand what’s going on around them like they used to.
Whether you recently got a new job and have a changing schedule or need to travel with your pet to the vet or groomers, pet calming products can give you an ideal solution to soothing your pet and keeping them calm. However, you should always discuss your options with your veterinarian before giving your pet any supplements or health products. This is because symptoms of stress could be an underlying symptom of another illness.
Types of Pet Anxiety and Calming Products
Pet anxiety and calming products can assist with keeping pets calm during anxiety triggers. We offer options that feature synthetic dog- or cat-appeasing pheromones, which offer a natural calming effect for your pet, in addition to pet-safe CBD to keep pets relaxed. Our pet calming aid products include:
Dog Calming Aids
Dogs are much more than a man’s best friend – they have their own thoughts and feelings and can experience anxiety just like humans. As their owner, you want your dog to be calm and happy no matter what environment they’re in. Pet parents have many options for dog calming aids, including:
Dog Anxiety Vests and Wraps
Dog anxiety vests and wraps are designed to give gentle pressure on your dog’s body, wrapping around to deliver constant pressure. This is similar to how we wrap babies in swaddles. Anxiety vests allow dogs to feel like they are being hugged and cuddled, which can release positive hormones and neurotransmitters.
Our range of dog vests accommodates any breed size, from extra-small to extra-large. They’re made with soft yet sturdy materials, such as nylon and polyester, to give your dog comfort while remaining durable. Find adjustable options to ensure a perfect fit, as well as water-resistant vests for outdoor use and machine washable choices for easy cleaning.
In our selection, you can shop calming wraps in colorful styles, such as black, green and white, so your dog can express their individuality in any situation. You can also browse different vest closure options, including hook-and-loop and buckle closures, to ensure vests stay secure on your canine companion.
Dog Anxiety Supplements
Anxiety supplements for dogs are made with calming ingredients, such as thiamine, L-tryptophan and melatonin. We offer supplements suitable for all breed sizes, including small, medium and large, as well as all life stages.
We understand that not all dogs will take supplements and medications easily. That’s why our supplements can come in many different forms, from hard chews to liquids to soft chews. Chews come in delicious, palatable flavors, such as bacon, chicken and peanut butter, so your pup won’t know they’re getting a calming aide. If your pup refuses still chewables or liquids, we also provide pill-hiding treats as a way to help disguise their supplement or treatment.
Alongside calming, these supplements can target other health concerns, including allergy relief and appetite stimulation. Be sure to check the ingredients on your supplements to ensure they are the right choice for your pet.
Dog Anxiety Sprays and Wipes
Dog anxiety sprays and wipes are great for getting your dog comfortable with certain spaces, such as a new crate, bed, the car or furniture. Sprays and wipes are ideal for dogs of all breed sizes, from extra-small to extra-large. We also have options for diffusers, which you simply plug into an electrical outlet, similar to an air freshener. The diffuser disperses calming oils to promote relaxation in your dog.
Cat Calming Aids
While cats are often known for their relaxed attitude and laid-back mindset, many cats feel anxiety just like we do. To give your furry feline relief, try different options for cat calming aids, such as:
Cat Anxiety Supplements
Cat anxiety supplements are given to cats orally to keep them calm and relaxed during scary situations or in new environments. However, it can be challenging to feed these supplements to cats, especially if they are selective about their treats and food. Our cat supplements come in easy-to-feed forms with delicious flavors cats love, such as chicken and salmon.
Chews are great for cats who enjoy a tasty treat every now and then. Calming liquids are a great alternative for cats who won’t eat their supplements. Simply add the calming liquids to their regular food to give them soothing relief. You can also find cat supplements with additional health benefits, such as brain health and allergy relief.
Cat Anxiety Sprays and Wipes
Cat anxiety sprays and wipes are great for introducing cats to a new environment, such as a new home, car or a room with rearranged furniture. Use them for traveling, spraying the solution on their travel carrier to make them comfortable with their space. You can also spray throughout the home to deliver all-around relaxation.
With convenient options for breeds of all sizes, our complete selection has everything from liquids to sprays, so you can get the best option for your kitty. We also offer diffusers that plug in to disperse anxiety-calming oils throughout a room. Consider placing diffusers in areas where your cat spends a lot of time, as well as spaces they may not be familiar with. Additionally, our cat calming products can target other health concerns, such as skin and coat health, helping your pet live their best Life Out Here.
Finding Anxiety and Calming Products for All Pets
The right anxiety and calming product for your pet depends on the types of stressors causing anxiety and the ways your pet responds to them. It can also depend on your pet’s breed size and life stage. Shop for pet anxiety and calming products by:
Product Form
Different product forms may be easier to give your pet than others, depending on their triggers and how your pet responds to certain methods. For example, tablets and packets might be challenging to feed, as you often must disguise them in regular food or as treats to entice pets to eat them. However, many pets are uncooperative, usually finding the pill and spitting it out. Liquid forms allow you to implement their supplements into their food, making it easier to give to your pets.
To give your pet a tasty snack, try our calming chews, soft chews and treats. These forms can make it easier to feed because our furry friends love earning rewards. If your pet is especially hesitant to these forms, try a diffuser that puts feel-good fragrances into your home’s air.
Breed Size
The breed size you have can help determine the right products for your pet. This is because different breed sizes may require different dosages of anxiety and calming ingredients. Large and extra-large dogs and cats need higher dosages to ensure successful calming, while extra-small, small and medium breeds won’t require as much to feel the effects. Find the right products based on your pet’s size and breed when you shop with us.
Life Stage
Similar to breed size, dogs and cats in different life stages require different dosages of calming and anxiety products. In our wide selection, you can find products suitable for adult-aged dogs and cats, as well as general solutions for pets of all life stages.
Health Features
Our pet anxiety and calming products don’t just target anxiety – they can also help to improve other aspects of your pet’s health. Dog calming aids can come with added ingredients to help stimulate their appetite or relieve allergies. In addition to anxiety, cat calming aids can help improve skin and coat health, as well as brain health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Anxiety and Calming Products
What are other ways I can relieve pet anxiety without products?
If you want to try other methods before turning to pet anxiety and calming products, there are plenty of things you can do to promote comfort and relaxation. Many of these ideas can be used alongside anxiety products to keep pets safe and happy. For dogs, you should create a relaxing space in their favorite spot in your home, complete with a dog bed, blankets and toys. For cats, this can include a cat bed, tunnel or cat tree. This gives them their own area to turn to when they need a place to feel safe and secure.
In many cases, you can train dogs early to prevent feelings of anxiety as they grow older. For example, you can train them to become desensitized to loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks. Slowly expose them to the sound at a low intensity, such as playing a soft recording of the sound. If they make it through without panic, give them a treat to reward them for staying calm. That way, when thunderstorms or fireworks sound off in your area, dogs will understand that everything is okay.
Additionally, dogs should receive regular exercise, such as going on walks or playing with others. Many dogs are active and want to let their energy out. When dogs don’t receive enough exercise, they can become stressed and restless. Exercising and taking dogs for walks also allows them to socialize and discover new environments, smells and sounds. Getting them into a regular exercise routine early can make meeting new people and being in new environments less anxiety-inducing when they get older.
To avoid feelings of anxiety, both dogs and cats should also have interactive toys that stimulate their minds and energy. Dogs can problem-solve with puzzle toys, feeling a sense of accomplishment as they reach their goal. This plays a role in keeping dogs calm and distracting them from their anxiety. Cats can also use toys to take their mind off anxious feelings.
How can I tell if my pet has anxiety or nervousness?
While anxiety and nervousness are very similar ideas, they can mean different things when it comes to your pet. Nervousness is when pets experience stress after certain situations, such as meeting new people or hearing a loud noise. This is usually short-term stress, offering mild symptoms that go away after the trigger ends.
Anxiety, on the other hand, gives pets more intense feelings after experiencing a trigger. Sometimes, they don’t need a trigger to feel anxiety. Pet anxiety is chronic, and often does not go away easily. Even after a trigger passes, pets can remain uneasy or nervous for some time. As these feelings persist, they can disrupt your pet’s life and affect their behaviors. This makes it important to find the treatments they need to feel their best.
What if over-the-counter products don’t work to calm my pet’s anxiety?
If over-the-counter pet products don’t work to keep your pet calm, they may need stronger medications for easing their anxiety. They may also have an underlying health issue causing their anxiety. To get the answers you need, visit your local veterinarian. They can diagnose your pet and prescribe anxiety medications to help them feel calm and relaxed.
How can I prevent anxiety for my dog?
Preventing dogs from having anxiety starts when they are puppies. Early training and socialization allow them to become used to new animals, people and environments. In other words, dogs are less likely to feel anxiety when faced with these situations in the future, as they will already be used to meeting new people and visiting new places. Dogs also love routine, so you’ll want to have consistent schedules for feedings, walks and playtime.
As stated before, you should also give your dogs exercise and mental stimulation with daily walks and puzzle-solving toys. Positively reinforce calm behaviors during stressful times with treats and other rewards. You should also give your dog their own area in your house, whether it be a dog bed or crate setup. Add their blankets and toys to provide familiar scents, allowing them to recognize that it’s a safe and comfortable space. When pups become stressed, they can retreat to a place that’s all their own for relaxation.
How can I prevent anxiety for my cat?
Preventing anxiety in cats starts with creating a calm and stress-free environment in your home, as quiet spaces make cats feel safe. Just like dogs, cats should have their own area to retreat to when they need to unwind, such as a cat bed, tunnel or cat tree. Once they become used to their space, they can use it as an escape to achieve relief from stressful situations. Make sure to keep food, water and litter boxes close to safe spaces so they have everything they need.
Many pet owners see isolated cats as a cause for concern. However, leaving them to be alone is essential. This is especially true during stressful circumstances, such as introducing new pets or family members. Just like humans, cats need their alone time to recharge and refresh.
You should also ensure your cat receives enough mental and physical exercise. Play with your cat regularly to help them release built-up energy and stimulate their thinking. Laser toys allow them to get their hunting instincts out, chasing the laser until they reach their goal. Catnip toys* give them energy to play and exercise – or they promote rest and relaxation, depending on how catnip affects your kitty. Meanwhile, feather wand toys tease and intrigue them to keep playing on.
*Please note: Catnip and cat grass are not recommended as an anti-anxiety or calming aide on their own. They should be given in moderation and used to enhance routine playtime or relaxation.
Which calming aid type is best for my pet?
The best calming aid for your pet is one that works to relieve their anxiety. To decide on the best calming aid, you should observe your pet to see what triggers them. This is because some methods may be better suited to relieve anxiety than others. For example, if your pet has separation anxiety, a plug-in diffuser can provide consistent calming throughout your home, keeping pets relaxed while you’re away.
Other products, such as sprays and wipes, are great short-term solutions for getting pets familiar with riding in the car or a new room setup. Calming treats and supplements are ideal for keeping your pet calm while traveling. However, some pets may not ingest supplements or treats. In this case, you’ll want to try other methods that are available in our stock.
How can I tell if my dog has anxiety?
Dog anxiety can show itself in many ways, including both behavioral and physical symptoms. The most notable symptom is shaking, which many dogs experience when feeling nervous or anxious. They may also hide in unusual places or act clingy and hyper before you leave the house. Some dogs may engage in destructive behaviors, such as chewing, scratching or clawing. Others may have accidents in the house, including diarrhea.
Other more obvious signs of dog anxiety include staring, avoiding eye contact or tucking their tail between their legs. They may also bark, pant or whine more than usual, as well as yawn or lick excessively. Some dogs may vomit during times of extreme stress, while others sleep more.
Dogs may show other physical signs of stress. Their brows may furrow, and ears may lay flat against their head, giving them a worried expression. You may also notice dilated pupils with the whites showing, which can make them appear scared. If you notice excessive shedding, this can also be a sign that your dog has anxiety.
How can I tell if my cat has anxiety?
Cats display symptoms of anxiety in the same way dogs do. Alongside physical symptoms, such as dilated pupils, furrowed brows or excessive shedding, there are many behavioral symptoms, as well. Cats with anxiety may stare at things they perceive as a threat, potentially showing aggressive behaviors toward humans or other pets. They may also start to have accidents outside of their litter box, including diarrhea and spraying urine.
Stressed cats can show other behavioral symptoms, including avoiding eye contact, having an arched back, standing on their toes and wrapping their tails around their body. They may experience a loss of appetite or become more irritable. You may also notice that their meowing, licking or swallowing increases. Other physical symptoms include skin twitching and rotated or flat ears.
Keep Your Pet Relaxed and Happy With Products from Tractor Supply
When our pets require relief from anxiety or stress, it’s up to us as their owners to find ways to keep them comfortable and safe. Pet calming products can be an ideal solution for pets dealing with anxiety from lifestyle changes and other circumstances. Find the products you need online or in our stores, with abundant options for both cats and dogs of all life stages and breeds. To learn more about our pet calming products, visit your local Tractor Supply today or browse online.