Things to Look for in a Calming Dog Treat for Grooming
There are a few things you’ll want to consider when you’re searching for a calming dog treat for grooming:
Quality, Natural Ingredients
Choosing high-quality, natural ingredients ensures that your dog is getting the best. Natural calming ingredients are both healthier and safer for your precious pup.
Correct Size for Your Dog
Making sure the treat is the right size for your dog ensures they can chew it properly, as well as keeping them safe and making sure you don’t overfeed them.
Potential for Calming Effect
Of course, you want the treats you choose to calm your dog. Look for natural ingredients which are good for calming: the treat’s description should clearly state which ingredients they include. It’s always a good idea to check the reviews to get an idea of how the calming effect has worked for other dogs.
Calming ingredients which are natural and generally effective include:
- Melatonin: a hormone that occurs naturally and aids with sleep
- Suntheanine (or L-theanine): an amino acid that promotes relaxation
- L-tryptophan: an essential amino acid that helps with sleep
- Hemp: an extract from the cannabis plant (don’t worry it’s completely safe and doesn’t contain the ‘drug’ part of the plant)
- Valerian root: a supplement known for relaxation
- Chamomile: a plant known for its calming properties
- Lavender: a plant often used for its calming effects
Additional Benefits
Some treats might provide additional benefits, such as being good for cleaning your dog’s teeth or freshening their breath.
Why Do Some Dogs Find Grooming Stressful?
Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety and are often nervous in certain situations. Some dogs may be worried about grooming because they’ve had a difficult past or because they don’t like the sensation of being touched and moved around a lot. Others may not have been acclimated to grooming when they were younger, so it’s a whole new experience for them.
If you’re sending your dog to a groomer, they may be nervous in the new setting, away from their beloved owner. They might find all the sights, sounds, and smells nerve-wracking. Some dogs might have had a bad experience being groomed before, so they are understandably wary.
Other Ways to Calm Your Dog for Grooming
This all sounds a bit worrying, so what can you do to calm your dog down and help them relax during grooming? Well, aside from the calming treats we’ve been looking at, there are a few other steps you can take to help your pup:
- Try to get your dog slowly used to grooming as soon as you get them, with lots of praise and treats, so they learn that this is a pleasurable process.
- If you’re grooming your dog yourself, allow them to sniff and have a little look at the equipment you’re using. Talk to them throughout and give them lots of breaks.
- If you’re taking your dog to a groomer, find a groomer who is experienced with nervous dogs and who will take their time to reassure your dog. Some groomers may allow training visits where you accompany your pup and build up to the full grooming process gradually.
- Exercise your dog before grooming to release excess energy and help them to feel more relaxed.
- Try to stay calm: your dog will pick up on how you’re feeling and take your lead.
General Treat Safety Advice
When giving your dog any treat, particularly for the first time, it’s essential you supervise them to prevent choking or injury. Always choose the right size of treat for your dog and provide plenty of fresh water.
Calming Dog Treats for Grooming FAQ
Do calming treats really work?
While they won’t solve the problem completely, yes, calming treats can be beneficial. High-quality natural ingredients are more likely to be effective. Depending on your dog’s size, breed, health, and other factors, some calming treats may work better for them than others.
Are calming treats safe?
Yes, calming treats made with natural ingredients are safe. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your vet.
How long do calming treats last?
Each treat will be different, and it will depend on a lot of factors like your dog’s size, age, and breed. More guidance can be found on the back of the treat packet. Typically, the effects of calming treats can last from a couple of hours to almost a full day.
If you’re going to be using the treat for a specific event, try it out beforehand so you can see how your dog reacts and when you need to give them the treat for optimal effect.
How long does it take for calming treats to take effect?
Typically, dogs feel the effect of calming treats after 30 minutes to an hour.
Conclusion
Finding the right calming treat can help to make grooming a more pleasurable experience for your dog and a less worrying event for you! Before you know it, your dog will be looking their best and feeling relaxed.
