Just like humans, dogs feel stress. Whether it’s thunderstorms, fireworks, separation from you, or a trip to the vet, anxiety can take a toll on your furry mate’s well-being. If you’ve noticed your dog shaking, barking excessively, hiding, or chewing things when you’re not around, it might be time to look into calming supplements for dogs.
Why Understanding Anxiety in Dogs Matters
Your dog can’t tell you they’re anxious with words, but their behaviour speaks volumes. Many pet owners miss the early signs—restlessness, panting, pacing, or whining—only to realise something’s off when their dog is already distressed.
Supporting your dog starts with awareness. Anxiety isn’t just a “bad habit” or something your dog will outgrow. It affects the dog’s health and quality of life. Long-term stress can weaken your dog’s immune system, mess with digestion, and even shorten their lifespan.
Common Anxiety Triggers for Dogs:
Dogs can get anxious for a whole heap of reasons. Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, it’s a bit of a puzzle. Here are some common culprits:
- Separation Anxiety: This is a big one. Your doggo gets stressed when you leave it alone, or even if it thinks you’re about to leave.
- Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, and even the vacuum cleaner can send some dogs into a panic.
- Changes in Routine or Environment: Moving house, a new baby, a change in your work schedule – these can all unsettle your dog.
- Travel: Car rides aren’t fun for every pup. Motion sickness or just the unfamiliarity can be stressful.
- Vet Visits or Grooming: Let’s be honest. Not many dogs wag their tails with excitement for these!
- Past Trauma: Rescue dogs, in particular, might carry anxiety from previous negative experiences.
- Age-Related Changes: Older dogs can experience cognitive dysfunction, like dementia in humans, which can lead to increased anxiety. (Source: NIH)
How Do Calming Supplements for Dogs Work?
Calming supplements target the root causes of stress. Unlike sedatives, they don’t knock your dog out. Instead, they balance your dog’s mood with natural ingredients that soothe their nervous system and help them feel secure in situations that usually trigger them.
L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and is crucial for producing serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and anxiety. By increasing serotonin levels, L-Tryptophan can help promote a sense of calm and well-being. Research, such as a study, has explored its effects on behaviour, noting its role in pathways related to mood and stress. While their research focused on aggression, the link to serotonin is key for anxiety, too.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
This vital B vitamin is essential for proper nerve function and plays a part in carbohydrate metabolism, which provides energy to the brain. Deficiencies can sometimes lead to nervousness or irritability. Supplementing with thiamine can help support a healthy nervous system, which is essential for managing stress effectively. It’s often referred to as the “anti-stress” vitamin.
Chamomile
You’ve probably sipped on chamomile tea to relax, and it can have a similar soothing effect on dogs. Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin, which can bind to specific receptors in the brain to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It’s a gentle, traditional remedy.
Valerian Root
Another well-known herb, Valerian, has been used for centuries to ease anxiety and insomnia. It increases levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that promotes a calming effect. A review of herbal remedies in veterinary practice often touches on the traditional uses of herbs, such as Valerian, for calming purposes.
Passionflower
This beautiful plant isn’t just for show. Like Valerian, Passionflower is believed to boost GABA levels in the brain, helping to quieten brain activity and promote relaxation.
L-Theanine
Often found in green tea, L-theanine is an amino acid that can promote relaxation without drowsiness. It has been found to increase alpha brain waves. Alpha waves are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation.” A study specifically looked at L-theanine and alpha brain waves in dogs, suggesting its potential for calming effects. (Science Direct)
When you choose calming supplements for dogs, look for products that are open about their ingredients and ideally use a blend of these natural powerhouses.
Secondary Support: Natural Dog Anxiety Relief
Natural relief means providing your dog with ingredients that work in harmony with their body—not against it. Instead of masking symptoms, natural dog anxiety relief calms the nervous system gently. You avoid drowsiness and chemical dependency. Think of it as a reset button during challenging moments—whether it’s separation, loud noises, or travel.
Natural remedies also suit dogs with sensitive systems. You reduce the risk of reactions compared to more potent medications. And when your dog feels better without side effects, you feel better, too.
MIHIJO’s Calming Supplement for Dogs
Your dog deserves high-quality care; do not guess what you want. When looking for calming supplements for dogs, don’t just pick the cheapest thing on the shelves. Read the label. Check the ingredients. Choose a brand that truly understands how dogs feel.
MIHIJO’s calming supplements for dogs come in. MIHIJO Pet’s Relax + Calm Chews are made with natural, vet-backed ingredients that help your dog feel safe without feeling sedated. Whether you’re helping your pup through separation anxiety or prepping for a big move, MIHIJO offers trusted support. Aussie dog parents love it because it works—and dogs love it, too.
References:
Roderick Dashwood, Francesco Visioli, l-theanine: From tea leaf to trending supplement – does the science match the hype for brain health and relaxation?, Nutrition Research, Volume 134, 2025, Pages 39-48, ISSN 0271-5317, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2024.12.008.
