Calming aids for cats and dogs: Effective and gentle options
If your cat or dog is prone to stress or behavioural problems, there are several ways to help calm them and promote their wellbeing in a safe and effective manner. From nutrition to pheromones and behavioural therapy, these options support a balanced emotional state for your cherished pet.
1. Specialist feeding and nutritional additives
Specialist veterinary diets designed to ease anxiety-related issues can be very beneficial. For instance, Royal Canin Calm CD 25 supports dogs experiencing stress-linked skin and digestive concerns, while Royal Canin Feline Calm aids cats facing behavioural stress alongside skin, digestive, and urinary troubles. These products provide palliative nutritional support and work best when combined with professional behavioural guidance.
Additionally, supplements like 'MagiCalm' can be added to your pet’s meals to promote calmness and general wellbeing. Always consult your veterinary surgeon or pet behaviour specialist before introducing new dietary products to ensure they are appropriate for your pet’s individual needs.
2. Pheromone-based calming aids: Feliway and DAP
Pheromone products are widely recommended by vets and behaviourists. Feliway mimics the comforting facial pheromones that cats release to mark safe territory, helping reduce stress and encourage relaxation in the home. It is available as a spray or diffuser and has no scent detectable by humans.
For dogs, Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) replicates the calming pheromones from nursing bitches and is effective for general anxiety, separation stress, and noise phobias. It is supplied as sprays, diffusers, and collars, offering flexible options to suit different situations and preferences.
There's also Felifriend, a spray specially formulated to reduce stress during cat travel or introductions to new cats, useful for easing potential conflicts and anxiety.
3. Natural herbs and remedies: Catnip and Rescue Remedy
Catnip is a natural herb that many cats find stimulating and soothing. Available in dried form, sprays, or incorporated into toys, catnip can encourage play and calmness, though not all cats respond to it, and kittens tend to become susceptible only as they mature.
Bach's Rescue Remedy combines gentle flower and herb extracts to ease shock, anxiety, and stress in cats and dogs. It can be administered by adding drops to food, water, or by gentle application to ear flaps, where it is absorbed through the skin and inhaled. Always check with your vet before use, especially if your pet is on other medications.
4. Behavioural therapy and root cause identification
Understanding the source of your pet’s distress is crucial. Observe interactions with other animals, feeding arrangements, and environmental stressors such as garden visitors that may unsettle them. Sometimes, changes in territory or routine help.
If problems persist, professional assessment from a veterinary surgeon or certified behavioural therapist can provide tailored strategies. These experts decode your pet’s signals to implement behavioural modifications and environmental enrichment, fostering long-term calm and happiness. Though potentially costly, this investment greatly benefits your pet’s quality of life and your peace of mind.
5. Additional calming options recommended by vets
Recent vet-approved options include calming treats or chews containing ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile, which promote relaxation safely. Calming oils, such as CBD-infused products, can also support anxious pets without over-stimulation.
Pheromone diffusers such as Feliway MultiCat and similar dog products help in multi-pet households to reduce conflicts and encourage harmony.
Remember, any new calming aid or treatment should be discussed and monitored by a veterinary professional to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet.
By combining nutritional, environmental, and behavioural strategies, pet owners can effectively support anxious cats and dogs, helping them live contentedly and healthily.
