Grooming is a crucial part of any dog’s routine, whether you groom your pup at home or take them to a professional. However, for many dogs, grooming can be a stressful and unpleasant experience. Thankfully there are lots of ways you can ensure your dog enjoys grooming. Finding a suitable calming dog treat can be a step in the right direction.
The Best Calming Dog Treats2023 Review
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The Best Calming Dog Treats
Editor's Choice
PetHonesty Hemp Calming Anxiety & Hyperactivity Soft Chews Dog Supplement- Best small calming treat
- Bite-sized pieces
- Natural, calming ingredients
Runner Up
SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Extract Flavor Chews Dog Treats- Best calming chew
- Natural, gently calming ingredients
- Low price
Also Good
Zesty Paws All Ages, Advanced Calming Bites with Melatonin, Turkey Flavored Soft Chews, Behavior Functional Dog Supplement- Best for very anxious dogs
- Lots of natural, calming ingredients
- Suitable for all breeds
More Detailed Calming Dog Treat Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PetHonesty Hemp Calming Anxiety & Hyperactivity Soft Chews Dog Supplement review
Features
- Best small calming treat
- Bite-sized pieces
- Natural, calming ingredients
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The PetHonesty Hemp Calming Anxiety & Hyperactivity Soft Chews Dog Supplement are 1 of the best calming dog treats for grooming. The bite-sized pieces are soft and full of flavor, made from natural, high-quality ingredients. I found my dogs really enjoyed the flavor.
Organic hemp, chamomile, ginger, and valerian root all work to provide a calming effect for your pup. These treats are suitable for all breeds. While they’re at the upper end of the price range, you get 90 treats in 1 tub, making them good value for money.
Pros
- Many found these treats had a calming effect on their dog, reducing anxiety behaviors
- Some found the treats helped their dog to settle to sleep quicker at night
- Owners found they helped their dog feel more settled in situations that are usually stressful, such as for dogs who are travel sick in the car or anxious when going to the vets or groomers
- Some said they worked for their big dogs when other calming treats have not
- Some stated their dogs loved the taste of the treats
Cons
- Some owners felt these treats didn’t have the desired calming effect on their dog
- Some found their dogs didn’t enjoy the taste and wouldn’t eat the treats
- Many owners found the treats did make some difference, but not as much as they had hoped which they found disappointing
Ann-Marie Sharpe
SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Extract Flavor Chews Dog Treats review
Features
- Best calming chew
- Natural, gently calming ingredients
- Low price
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Extract Flavor Chews Dog Treats are an excellent choice of calming dog treat. These tasty, long-lasting chews will keep your dog entertained for longer. Their natural ingredients, including chamomile and lavender, work to calm your dog gently.
These chews are suitable for all breeds and even help to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. They come at an exceptionally low price. I’ve personally used these chews with my dogs during fireworks season and find that they are very calming, yet don’t make them overly drowsy.
Pros
- Many owners said their dogs love the taste of these chews, even those who are usually picky with their treats
- Natural ingredients were pleasing to owners and gentle on their dog’s stomachs
- Many found that these treats calmed their dogs for a few hours after consumption
- A fantastic alternative to rawhide, giving the same benefits without the risks
- Both owners and dogs enjoyed the smell of this product
Cons
- Some owners found that although their dog enjoyed the chew, it didn’t have the desired calming effect
- Some found that the treats upset their dog’s tummy, which owners were frustrated about
- Not as long-lasting for power chewers as some other chews due to the softer texture
- Some dogs didn’t enjoy the taste of these treats
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Zesty Paws All Ages, Advanced Calming Bites with Melatonin, Turkey Flavored Soft Chews, Behavior Functional Dog Supplement review
Features
- Best for very anxious dogs
- Lots of natural, calming ingredients
- Suitable for all breeds
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Zesty Paws All Ages, Advanced Calming Bites with Melatonin, Turkey Flavored Soft Chews, Behavior Functional Dog Supplement are an excellent option for very anxious dogs. They feature a wide range of natural, calming ingredients, including melatonin, suntheanine, chamomile, valerian root and more, which I found provided a deep sense of calm for my dogs.
These small treats are suitable for all breeds. They come at the high end of the price range given their extra calming ingredients, but I feel are well worth the money if your dog is highly anxious.
Pros
- Many owners found these had a very calming effect on their dogs, especially during stressful events
- Owners said their dogs enjoyed the taste of these treats
- Helpful in settling dogs to sleep at night which owners found very useful
- Some said these are the only calming treats they’ve tried that work for their dogs
- Natural ingredients are gentle for dogs digestive systems
Cons
- Some owners found that although their dog enjoyed the taste of the treats, they didn’t have a calming effect
- Some said their dogs didn’t like the smell or taste of the treats
- Some stated that they didn’t feel the treats were good value for money
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Orastix Dog Supplement review
Features
- Best for additional benefits
- Natural, calming ingredients
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Calming Orastix Dog Supplement are 1 of the best calming dog treats, especially if you’re looking for a chew that will also clean your pup’s teeth. They contain hemp seed, melatonin and suntheanine, all of which help to relax your dog. I found the peppermint flavor helped to freshen my dog’s breath.
These chews are suitable for all breeds and come at a very reasonable, mid-range price.
Pros
- Many said their dogs loved these treats, enjoying the flavor and texture
- Peppermint helps to freshen breath, which owners found pleasing
- Many stated that these had a gentle calming effect on their dogs, even for dogs who are particularly anxious or find specific situations (such as grooming or fireworks) stressful
- Owners felt the treats were good value for money since they are good for dental health and have a calming effect
- Some said the treats improved their dog’s sleep, helping them settle down and sleep throughout the night
Cons
- Some felt that these treats weren’t calming for their dogs, which owners found disappointing
- Some found that it was a trial and error process to find the right dose for their dog
- Some dogs didn’t enjoy the taste of these treats
- Some owners found that these chews didn’t last long for their dogs
Ann-Marie Sharpe
BONIES Calming Formula Small Dog Treats review
Features
- Best on a budget
- Incredibly low price
- Natural, calming ingredients
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The BONIES Calming Formula Small Dog Treats are 1 of the best calming dog treats for grooming, designed for small breeds. They’re full of tasty, natural ingredients, such as chamomile and lavender, to help your little furbaby relax and unwind.
Since the treats are priced and packaged individually, I found this is particularly useful if you only want to use them now and then when your dog goes to the groomers. These treats are even incredibly low in price.
Pros
- Owners found that these treats were very helpful for calming their dog when given shortly before a specific stressful event (such as fireworks, grooming, or going to the vets)
- Many dogs enjoyed the taste of these treats, with owners saying their dog would get excited when they opened the packet
- Owners felt these were great value for money
- Many owners with small breeds said these treats were the perfect size for their dog
- Some said these were the only calming treats that have worked for their dog and that they would recommend them to other owners of anxious dogs
Cons
- Some found that these are not long-lasting for big dogs, who devoured them quickly
- Some said their dogs didn’t enjoy the taste of these treats
- Despite some dogs enjoying the taste, owners said they didn’t have a calming effect on their dog
- Some owners felt that the texture was too hard for their small dog’s mouth
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.
The Best Calming Dog Treats
Editor's Choice
PetHonesty Hemp Calming Anxiety & Hyperactivity Soft Chews Dog Supplement- Best small calming treat
- Bite-sized pieces
- Natural, calming ingredients
Runner Up
SmartBones SmartSticks Chamomile & Lavender Extract Flavor Chews Dog Treats- Best calming chew
- Natural, gently calming ingredients
- Low price
Also Good
Zesty Paws All Ages, Advanced Calming Bites with Melatonin, Turkey Flavored Soft Chews, Behavior Functional Dog Supplement- Best for very anxious dogs
- Lots of natural, calming ingredients
- Suitable for all breeds
