Products to Calm Your Dog

Dogs get stressed just like their human partners, but are unable to fully comprehend what is going on around them. They will sometimes hide in small dark places, become "clingy" to their owners or even urinate inappropriately. Such causes of stress for dogs can include thunderstorms, loud noises such as fireworks or even a trip to their vet and separation anxiety. This article contains six products that can help your pet endure even the most stressful situations. All of these products can be found at either your local pet supply store or online.

1. Comfort Zone Plug In (Suggested Retail Price $35). Diffuses a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) (much like the natural pheromone that a mother dog produces to calm and reassure her puppies) into a room where the dog spends much of their time. It is not detectable by humans, just their pets.

2. Comfort Zone Spray (Suggested Retail Price $40). Much like its plug in counterpart, this product also DAP, but only in a portable spray bottle for stress relief on the go. It can be spray on anything that to dog comes in contact with such as its bed or even a bandana. This is especially helpful when visitors come to the home or a new pet is introduced into the home.

3. Doctors Foster and Smith Ultra-Calm Biscuits (Suggested Retail Prices $12 to $30). Made from valerian extract, inositol, chamomile and vitamin C, this beef liver flavor helps calm your pet while traveling. Your pet will think it is a treat and be calm no matter the situation.

4. Bach Rescue Remedy (Suggested Retail Price $23 for drops and $22 for spray). Much easier to give than a pill or treat during extremely stressful times for your pet. Using herbs and natural ingredients, it can be placed directly on the dog's tongue or in their water dish to maintain a clam during extended periods of stress like a thunderstorm.

5. Vita-Treat Pet Calm (Suggested Retail Price $13). A natural blend of herbs, vitamins and minerals. If a pet will take a pill well, this option is ideal before any stressful situations starts, such as trips to the vets or at the onset of a storm or other loud noises.

6. Excel Calm-Quil Soothing Spray (Suggested Retail Price $25). This combination of pheromones and aromatherapy helps calm your pet. Made from Ayurvedic plants extracts as well as flower essences. Spray on the dog's pet or in your vehicle where the pet rides and the soothing scents will help calm your pet during their stress.