There are many sources of stress for dogs, so consider the range of products which can offer effective relief.
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Best calming products for dogs in the UK
There are many sources of stress for dogs, and some are more sensitive than others. Fireworks, a car journey to the vet, moving house or the arrival of a new pet could all trigger their stress. Discover several effective solutions to calm your pet.
From calming capsules to anti-stress collars and diffusers, there's a wide range of dog relaxants to help you calm down your dog. To choose the ideal product, you need to decide on the desired effects.
If your dog is constantly tense and anxious, choose a collar which is effective for several weeks. If your dog gets stressed when it's time to go to the vet, you may want to use a relaxation tablet, which will calm your dog down in a matter of minutes. The effects of stress can be very unpleasant for your pet, causing stomach aches, heart problems, hair loss and muscle spasms. An anxious dog can even become aggressive.
Do you have a naturally anxious small dog? Change his or her life by choosing an effective relaxation product. Our buying guide will help you choose the best calming product.
Summary
What can cause anxiety or stress in dogs?
There are many things that can frighten dogs and make them feel stressed or anxious. For example, thunderstorms or fireworks are not appreciated by dogs at all. These are loud noises that scare them a lot.
Car journeys can also make some dogs ill. They are distressed by the movement of the vehicle and drool or vomit.
A change of diet, a new arrival in the family, unknown guests, poor socialisation, lengthy absence of the owners, etc. are also stress factors.
Animals also perceive changes in human behaviour. If the owners are anxious, so will be the dog.
Of course, not all dogs are sensitive, and what stresses some will not upset others.
How do you soothe a stressed dog?
Pet your dog, talk to him or her gently and scratch their favourite spots, such as the belly or behind the ears. Be calm and relaxed, so that your pet understands that they have nothing to fear.
At the same time, remove them from the source of stress and don't hesitate to give them some anti-stress toys or treats, such as chewing sticks.
To reduce your pet's stress in general, you should also feed them at fixed times, let them sleep as much as they want, and make sure they get enough exercise. That will put them on a routine and let them have a reference point.
There are also dog anti-stress diffusers that spray a relaxing product into the air. These are very effective and quickly soothe your pet. You can also give your dog relaxation tablets before driving to the vet, for example.
Why use dog relaxants?
Dog relaxants are very useful for calming a stressed or anxious pet. If your dog is feeling anxious, they are not only feeling unwell, but also may become aggressive.
Furthermore, a dog that is always tense and anxious cannot develop fully. They may be reluctant to play with other dogs or snuggle with their owners. Yet this type of interaction is essential to make a doggy happy!
Dog relaxants are also very effective in case of stressful situations. If your pet is terrified of going to the vet for their vaccine renewal, a de-stressing product will come in handy.
What are the different types of dog relaxant?
These products come in a variety of types, so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best solution for your dog.
Quick to administer and effective, tablets calm stressed dogs in a very short time. Some tablets are flavoured and taste nice, while others are designed to be given with food.
There are also sprays to be applied in the room where the animal is. These products are completely odourless for humans and guarantee a quick result.
As for de-stressing collars, they offer the most long-lasting effect compared to sprays and tablets. They are flexible and lightweight and do not take up too much space.
How often should I give my dog a stress relief product?
It all depends on the type of product chosen, the desired effects, their duration, and the size of your dog. While collars are effective for several weeks, tablets only work for a few hours.
On average, one tablet or capsule per day is sufficient to achieve a calming effect.
Be sure to read the instructions that come with the spray or the box of tablets. It is also a good idea to seek advice from your vet, who is familiar with your dog's needs.
Can dog relaxants cause side effects in dogs?
As long as you stick to the instructions, there is no danger for your pet.
However, this type of product can cause slight side effects, such as a mild drowsiness which occurs quite rarely and fades away completely after a nice long nap.
In this case, if something seems to be wrong with your dog, don't hesitate to ask your vet for advice!
