Calming Supplements for Pets

^{All of the insights in this article come from experts at The Vet Connection, who run the An Post Insurance 24-hour Pet Careline.}

Calming supplements are designed to help pets feel more relaxed and cope better with stress and anxiety. They are available in a range of forms including treats, liquids, tablets and capsules and are used to support pets that struggle with issues such as separation anxiety, destructive behaviour, excessive barking, or general nervousness. The goal is to help your pet feel calmer and more comfortable in situations they find stressful.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Pets

Anxiety can show up in different ways depending on the individual pet. Some common signs include:

• Excessive barking
• Fearful responses
• Increased reactivity to sounds, people, or other stimuli
• Separation anxiety
• Destructive behaviour
• Urine spraying in cats

Calming supplements can be a useful additional support for nervous or skittish pets. However, if your pet's anxiety is severe, becoming worse, or is difficult to manage, it's important to speak with your vet for further behavioural advice.

If your pet is displaying aggressive behaviours such as biting or lunging, consult your vet before trying calming supplements. These products may not be effective for aggression-related behaviours, and ensuring the safety of both people and pets should always come first.

How Do Calming Supplements Work?

Different calming supplements work in different ways, depending on the ingredients they contain. Some of the most common ingredients include:

Casein

Casein is a protein found in cow's milk. Studies have shown that owners report reduced fear-related behaviours in pets during social situations when casein-based supplements are used.

L-Tryptophan

L-Tryptophan is an amino acid naturally found in proteins. It helps increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can support a more positive mood. Research suggests it may help with certain anxiety-related behaviours, including barking and nervousness.

L-Theanine (Green Tea Extract)

L-Theanine is known for its calming effects. In cats, it has been associated with reduced anxiety-related behaviours such as excessive attention-seeking, irritability, startling easily, and hyperactivity. Pet owners have also reported improvements in behaviours such as pacing, panting, and excessive drooling.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body. It can promote relaxation and may cause mild drowsiness, helping some pets feel calmer during stressful situations.

Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, and Skullcap

These herbal ingredients are commonly found in calming products. While there is currently limited research supporting their use in animals, this does not necessarily mean they are ineffective. Rather, more studies are needed to fully establish their safety, effectiveness, and reliability in pets.

Are Calming Supplements Safe?

When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, calming supplements are generally considered safe. However, it is always best to speak with your vet before introducing any new supplement.

Some ingredients may interact with existing health conditions or medications your pet is taking, potentially leading to unwanted side effects or toxicities. Your vet can help determine whether a particular supplement is appropriate for your pet's individual needs.

It's also important to remember that calming supplements are rarely a complete solution on their own. For behavioural challenges such as separation anxiety, noise phobias, or aggression, supplements should be viewed as one part of a broader management plan that includes appropriate training and behavioural support.

Behaviour-Supporting Diets

Some pet foods are specially formulated with ingredients intended to support calm behaviour, often including some of the same ingredients found in calming supplements.

The effectiveness of these diets can vary between individual pets. While they may be helpful, they work best as part of a holistic approach that also includes:

• Environmental enrichment
• Consistent training
• Behavioural management strategies
• Guidance from a vet or qualified animal behaviourist when needed

Calming supplements can be a valuable tool for supporting anxious pets and helping them feel more comfortable in stressful situations. However, every pet is different, and what works well for one animal may not work for another.

If you want to give your furry friends the same level of care they give you, consider protecting them with Pet Insurance from An Post Insurance.

All An Post Insurance Policyholders have access to our Pet Careline, which is open 24/7 to support you with general advice on diet, training, seasonal safety, pet travel and more. Simply call 01 913 1067. 

^{An Post Insurance Pet Insurance is arranged and administered by Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Burns & Wilcox Global Solutions Europe B.V. for and on behalf of the insurer, Zavarovalnica Sava d.d. ('Sava'), Slovenia. Sava are regulated by the Insurance Supervision Agency of Slovenia E.U. and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.}  

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