What Are the Best Treatments for Dogs and Cats with Anxiety?
By now, you’ve learned about signs and symptoms of cat and dog anxiety, read books and watched videos about it, and next we’re going to dive into products and solutions to help treat your pet’s anxiety.
Many pets will need more than one treatment. For example, a dog that’s afraid of noises may need to wear a ThunderShirt and get treated with a medication.
A cat that’s stressed over visitors may need pheromone therapy and a designated zen zone in the home.
Always discuss your pet’s anxiety with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan that works for you and your pet.
ThunderShirt helps reduce anxiety in dogs in a drug-free way.
The patented design applies gentle, constant pressure to calm most types of anxiety, fear, and stress in dogs.
ThunderShirt is proven to be over 80% effective in reducing anxiety for loud noises, separation anxiety, travel, vet visits, and problem barking.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
- Noise anxiety
- Reactivity
- Travel anxiety
- Anxiety surrounding vet visits
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Snoozer® is the maker of the viral Cozy Cave® bed, a unique bed for dogs tailored to their desire to burrow, or create a den. It’s like a hug for your dog!
Unlike regular beds, the Cozy Cave can help your dog to create their very own “zen zone,” or spot where they feel safe and protected, by providing a hood under which your dog can lay.
The covers are removable, washable, and replaceable and the cedar/poly filling is eco-friendly.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
- Noise anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
Sleepypod is a certified Fear Free Pets® product. It’s recommended here at PAAW for its comforting design, plush cushioning, and safety.
Many dogs not only fear the vet, but the car ride as well. By providing them with their own mobile pet bed, they can travel with ease.
Even better, Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Lisa Radosta says much of the examination at your vet can be done right in the Sleepypod by unzipping the top half of the carrier.
Best for small dogs with:
- Travel anxiety
- Anxiety surrounding vet visits
- Social anxiety
- Noise anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Crate training, when done properly, provides your dog with their very own comfort zone. A crate should be a haven for your pet, a place where they can go and be assured nothing will bother them.
Never use a crate to punish a dog and never leave them in a locked crate for extended periods of time.
Petmate® has crates for pets of all sizes. They’re affordable and easy to set up.
Best for dogs with:
- Travel anxiety
- Anxiety surrounding vet visits
- Separation anxiety
- Reactivity
- Noise anxiety
- Social anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Create a “Zen Zone”
Your dog should have a spot in the home where they feel safe and secure. A few tips to creating a zen zone include:
- Provide a comfortable bed.
- Keep it dark if your dog prefers that.
- Do not shut the door to the room where the zen zone is located, but allow them to come and go as they please.
- Put on calming music or sounds, white noise, or television, such as DOGTV.
Get Plenty of Exercise
You may have heard that exercise is good for our mental health as humans. The same is true of our dogs!
An exercised dog is a happy, calm dog.
Most dogs love walking and enjoy sniffing “all the things” along the way. This physical stimulation helps them focus their energy on their environment in a positive way.
However, if your dog is usually a couch potato, try taking them for short walks at first. Get them used to increased activity and slowly build up to longer and more active sessions.
Medications
In some instances, medication may be the best treatment for your dog. Or, your dog may need a layered approach to their anxiety, using medication and other therapies.
The medication mentioned in this blog post can effectively control signs of anxiety from noises.
For dogs with separation anxiety, a medication, such as the one mentioned in this blog post, may be the most effective.
When speaking to your veterinarian about which medication is right for your dog, it can be helpful to bring the following:
- A list of symptoms your dog displays when anxious
- Video or images documenting your dog’s anxiety
- A list of treatments or therapies that you’ve already tried
- An explanation of when the symptoms began and what triggers them
DOGTV is created specifically for dogs to help relax and entertain them when home alone or in anxious situations.
The sights and sounds that DOGTV provides enriches the dogs’ environment and allows them to experience happy stimulation and relaxation.
To get 30 days of DOGTV for free, go to dogtv.com and enter the code: PETLIVING.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
- Noise anxiety
- Reactivity
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Try free with code: PETLIVING
Brightkins Puzzle Toys
Exercising your dog’s brain helps keep anxiety at bay. Mental activity, as well as physical activity, can tire them out and help keep them calm.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
- Anxiety resulting from boredom
Piggy Poo and Crew Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats work much like puzzle toys and keep your dog’s brain engaged. Hide treats in the soft fabric and watch them snuffle away.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, try adding treats their snuffle mat before you leave the house. This can keep them occupied and associate your leaving with something positive – yummy treats!
Check out our review of several dog snuffle mat options here.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
- Anxiety from boredom
ThunderEase® for Dogs mimics the calming pheromone that a mother dog releases while nursing her puppies, which helps your dog to feel calmer, more secure, and more comfortable.
Your dog’s body heat activates the calming pheromones in the ThunderEase® Calming Collar and delivers the scent, which is undetectable to humans, directly to your dog.
Pheromones are a great, natural way to calm your dog without making them feel drowsy.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
- Noise anxiety
- Reactivity/social anxiety
- Travel anxiety
- Anxiety surrounding vet visits
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
ThunderWunders® Calming Chews for Dogs contain:
- Thiamine, a B vitamin that supports a healthy nervous system
- L-tryptophan, a calming amino acid
- Melatonin, a hormone that supports healthy sleep
- Chamomile, an herb that promotes relaxation
- Passionflower, an herb used for centuries to reduce anxiety
- Ginger, to calm upset stomach
ThunderWunders come with dosing instructions for your dog’s size. The ingredients are natural and proven safe for dogs.
Give your dog their dose of ThunderWunder 30 minutes before a stressful situation.
These supplements are made in the USA and are trusted by thousands of pet parents.
Best for dogs with:
- Noise anxiety
- Reactivity
- Grooming anxiety
- Travel anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Not established
Zylkene is derived from the milk protein, casein, and contains naturally occurring calming compounds.
It’s a natural product that’s typically well tolerated because it comes from a food source. The active ingredient in Zylkene is hydrolyzed milk protein and is typically well tolerated even among animals who are sensitive to dairy products.
Best for dogs with:
- Travel anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Vet anxiety
- Noise anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Companion is an AI device that monitors your dog’s behavior at home and keeps them engaged with reward-based activities.
A bored dog is more likely to develop anxious behavior, so Companion keeps your dog busy with an enriching environment.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
Veterinarian Recommended: Yes
Calmer Canine from Assisi/Zomedica is wearable tech that helps your dog with separation anxiety.
It works by delivering targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF) signals to the area of the brain that causes signs of anxiety.
By doing this, your dog’s anxious brain is returned to a more balanced emotional state – with long-lasting effects.
Best for dogs with:
- Separation anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Fear Free® Pets
Fear Free was founded by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling.
Their programs and courses provide veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet parents with the knowledge and tools to help anxious pets.
Learn more in the video below:
Click the button below to find a certified Fear Free veterinary practice, groomer, dog walker, or pet sitter near you.
Behavior Bits by PRN® Pharmaceutical
Behavior Bits are 3-5 minutes videos designed to help your dog overcome separation anxiety, vet anxiety, and other fears using specific training methods.
The Real Dog Nerds
The Real Dog Nerds offer online courses to help dogs with:
- Reactivity
- Noise fear/phobia
These courses are best for pet parents who need next-level guidance from veterinary professionals who specialize in animal behavior.
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board for veterinarians who are specialty trained in animal behavioral health.
They can be called upon for mild, moderate, and severe cases of anxiety in dogs and may help prevent a mild case from turning severe.
They have extensive knowledge of anti-anxiety medications for animals, their uses, potential side effects and interactions with other medications, and are licensed to prescribe them when indicated.
Find a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist near you by clicking the button below.
Cat caves, like this one from Mau Pets, provide your cat with a safe place to hide when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
This cave is made from 100% felted wool and can hold a cat up to 24 lbs. Alternatively, it can be flattened and used as a bed.
Best for cats with:
- Social anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
Dharma Dog Karma Wool Pet Basket
These cozy caves are made from felted wool and come in a variety of adorable styles.
Best for cats with:
- Social anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
Sleepypod is a certified Fear Free Pets® product. It’s recommended here at PAAW for its comforting design, plush cushioning, and safety.
At least 16% of pet parents avoid the vet because of their cat’s fear of vet visits and 30% of pet parents avoid traveling with cat because of their cat’s travel anxiety.
Sleepypod’s mobile pet bed helps cats feel at ease wherever they are so your cat can get the care they need and deserve.
Even better, much of the examination at your vet can be done right in the Sleepypod by unzipping the top half of the carrier.
Best for cats with:
- Travel anxiety
- Anxiety surrounding vet visits
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Recommended Cat Enrichment Toys
For cats, boredom often turns to stress, which leads to anxiety. The right kind of toys keep your cat entertained and active.
Catit® Pixi Spinner
The Catit® Pixi Spinner is an interactive spinning treat dispenser that even includes a night light. The toy is paw-activated and will enter standby mode between play sessions to conserve power.
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety due to boredom
- Separation anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
Catit® Senses Design Series
These mix-and-match toys are designed specifically to stimulate your cat’s senses and keep them engaged. You can use as a standalone toy or piece them together for hours of entertainment.
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety due to boredom
- Separation anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian Recommended: Unknown
Recommended Cat Perches and Trees
For cats, boredom often turns to stress, which leads to anxiety. Perches and trees keep your cat entertained and active.
Mau Pets Houdini Cat Shelf
Cats love to climb and jump and doing so helps keep them physically and mentally active, which staves off boredom and the resulting stress and anxiety.
This cat shelf is not only functional, but beautiful and comfortable. The soft fabric will conform to your cat’s body and supports up to 24 lbs.
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety resulting from boredom
- Social anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
Mau Pets Alba Cat Tree
Mau Pets makes beautiful and functional cat trees that are made to last. The Alba cat trees features two plush perches, a cozy hideaway, interactive fluff balls, and scratching posts. The tree base is made from a real tree, so it feels natural to your cat. In addition, for every tree used in production, a new one is planted.
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety due to boredom
- Social anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
Cat Window Perch with Suction Cups
This perch allows your cat to experience the outdoors right from the safety and comfort of their home.
It fastens to your window and is easily removed.
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety due to boredom
- Social anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
More Cat Enrichment
Toys, games, and activities aren’t just for your cat’s fun and entertainment. They keep your cat physically and mentally active and can stimulate your cat’s natural instincts.
The Doc and Phoebe Indoor Hunting Feeder was created by a veterinarian and caters to cats’ natural hunting instincts. Cats that don’t have the opportunity hunt for the food or just for play, can become bored, which may lead to anxiety.
Simply add your cat’s treats to the feeder and let them hunt away!
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety due to boredom
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Videos for Cats
Below are recommended videos that will keep your cat engaged for hours!
The bSerene diffuser boosts your cat’s mood using a blend of two different pheromones, including the F3 facial pheromone and the Maternal Appeasing Pheromone.
The bSerene spray includes catnip oil and is convenient to use in the car or other places your cat may feel anxious.
Best for cats with:
- Anxiety from multi-cat homes
- Separation anxiety
- Vet visit anxiety
- Travel anxiety
- Social anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Unknown
FELIWAY is Vet Recommended and the #1 selling solution for feline stress and anxiety.
The pheromone diffuser helps reduce signs of stress in cats such as scratching, urine spraying, hiding and home changes. It mimics the natural calming messages known as pheromones that your cat produces to help your cat feel more comfortable and secure to reduce signs of stress.
Best for cats with stress or anxiety from:
- Guests (fur and human)
- Multi-cat homes
- Vet visits
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Zylkene is derived from the milk protein, casein, and contains naturally occurring calming compounds.
It’s a natural product that’s typically well tolerated because it comes from a food source. The active ingredient in Zylkene is hydrolyzed milk protein and is typically well tolerated even among animals who are sensitive to dairy products.
Best for cats with:
- Travel anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Vet anxiety
- General anxiety
Veterinarian recommended: Yes
Fear Free® Pets
Fear Free was founded by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling.
Their programs and courses provide veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet parents with the knowledge and tools to help anxious pets.
Learn more in the video below:
Click the button below to find a certified Fear Free veterinary practice, groomer, dog walker, or pet sitter near you.
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board for veterinarians who are specialty trained in animal behavioral health.
They can be called upon for mild, moderate, and severe cases of anxiety in cats and may help prevent a mild case from turning severe.
They have extensive knowledge of anti-anxiety medications for animals, their uses, potential side effects and interactions with other medications, and are licensed to prescribe them when indicated.
Find a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist near you by clicking the button below.