Keep Calm and Nom On: Calming Pet Foods and Treats

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  July 14th, 2019
Dude, just chew and chill! If your pet is high strung, there are foods and treats that will help calm them down. Here are a few of our favorites.


On my last visit to the vet, we had an in-depth conversation about my felines and their challenging behaviors. FiFi tends to piddle in areas beyond her litter box and in spite of being neutered when he was just a kit kid, Simon continues to spray from time to time. Luckily, he’s old (18), super slow and I’ve been able to jump into action for an immediate clean-up when I see it happen. The key words being “when I see it”. And yes, I’ve tried pheromone plug-ins with mixed results.


My vet explained that in a multi-pet household it was less likely to be behavioral but more stress-related. Then he recommended a special kibble to help take the edge off my cranked-out cats. It seems that Royal Canin is all over this type of emotional behavior and has produced a dry food called “Calm” that yes, does just that when consumed by anxious kitties. You see, it includes a relatively low dose of Tryptophan – that same ingredient in turkey that makes us snooze after a big Thanksgiving dinner. But for felines, it just gives them a little buzz.


Related: How to Relax a Stressed Cat


Which got me thinking… what other brands are cooking up batches of mood-altering foods and what secret ingredients do they use to calm the savage beast that is your Fluffy.


For example, an organization called VetriScience Laboratories is tackling feline nastiness one treat at a time with their “ Composure Calming Formula”. It comes in bite-sized chews with the composure part of the equation kicking in within 20 to 30 minutes of consumption. They claim to be veterinary approved and you can double or even triple the dose to “achieve the desired result”. Hmm… Their secret ingredient is Colostrum – the nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammary glands immediately after giving birth and prior to the milk flowing. Which may invoke a sense of comfort and nurture in anxious pets.


I’m intrigued, so onward.


Then there’s a NaturVet Quiet Moments cat treats. Not only do these soft chews include Tryptophan and Chamomile, but they’ve also added a dash of Melatonin to truly cover all the bases when attempting to take the edge off your kit-kat’s stressful day. I’m thinking the addition of soothing Chamomile may be designed to appeal to those of us who are herbal tea drinkers?


Well-known cat food brand Nutramax has also stepped up to the plate with their Solliquin Calming soft chews for dogs or cats. With key ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicines such as Magnolia Officinalis –known for its relaxing properties and ability to treat depression – as well as Phellodendron amurense (not to be confused with the house plant philodendron) which is considered to be an effective stress-reliever, these bite-sized tid-bits are ideal for bringing calm to your household. And for the herb-lover, you’ll be pleased to know that they also contain Rosemary and Green Tea extracts.


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PetNaturals is another brand that has come up with a special recipe designed to take the crazy out of your kitty (their words, not mine) without the need for those often-sedating prescription chemicals. Apparently, their “high potency” ingredients that are all-natural and can be used on a daily basis if your pet is typically the skittish type. Or, if she’s super reactive only during high-stress situations such as thunderstorms, car-rides / car carrier trips, you can slip her a treat or two (or three) to bring a full-blown freak-out down a peg or two. Now, they reference three key ingredients that work together to deliver a special, non-personality-altering, calming effect, but beyond Rosemary Extract, I couldn’t find out what they were. They’re just that secret!


The name says it all with Ark Naturals Happy Traveler soft chews. These all-natural treats are ideal for dogs or cats and because they are free from wheat, corn and soy, they won’t upset sensitive tummies. In addition to German Chamomile and L-Tryptophan, the brand uses the natural medicinal properties of plants such as Valerian – considered an effective sedative as well as St. Johns Wort which is often used as an anti-depressant for humans. These easy to eat treats are great for easing motion sickness which, as any pet parent can attest, ultimately makes for a stress-free drive for pets and owners.


Let’s shift away from treats for a while and take a look at some of the calming supplements that can be added to your pet’s existing brand of wet or dry food.


If you’re committed to going the herbal route, Dr. Mercola’s Zen Pet Dietary Supplement might be the product for you. In addition to including a custom blend of Organic Holy Basil and German Chamomile, it features Rhodiola Rosea – a plant that is known for being a natural adaptogen. As the name implies, adaptogens help your body adapt to stress and for your dog or cat, it will help keep them chill during troubling times – such as thunder storms or when going to the vet, the groomer or just being stuffed into a travel carrier. It’s a powder you simply sprinkle on their food – daily, or as needed – and while it relaxes your pet, it won’t cause drowsiness. So, they can still operate heavy machinery if needed!


Related: Cats and Car Rides: How to Get Them To Mix


Of course, we can’t talk about “chill” without including some of the hemp-based products out on the market. For an all-round product that tackles not only stress but joint, fur and heart health, there is Zesty Paws. This brand offers a Refined Virgin Hemp Seed Oil supplement (not to be confused with the more powerful CBD oil). for dogs and cats that includes Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. For my crew, you had them at “salmon”, but there’s so much more because together these oils deliver a wealth of nutrients and omega fatty acids. In addition to supporting a shinier coat, this easy-pump supplement helps both dogs and cats feel calm and comfortable without the drowsy side-effects of drugs.


Another brand offering the calming benefits of hemp oil is Fur Goodness Sake. Their HempGold oil supplement can be used on either your pooch or puss to help de-escalate those testy moments we know they can display when under stress. A few drops of the organic hemp oil in your pet’s food or water dish is all it takes to help calm frazzled (or about to be frazzled) nerves. Now, these products do not produce the same effect as cannabis, so never worry your pet will get “stoned”. But they do deliver an extraordinary level of omega 3 6 and 9 fatty acids which is ideal for your pet’s overall health as well as calming components that are non-GMO and completely free of pesticides.


Note that other than Royal Canin’s Calm dry kibble, none of these have actually been tested for their effectiveness. If you’re interested in exploring other brands and some of the other calming ingredients available on today’s market, check out Chewy.com.

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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The number of Americans embracing a pet-friendly lifestyle is on the rise, and we’re here for it! We read announcements and news articles daily about businesses introducing pet policies and welcoming our furry friends into their establishments.However, if you’ve been traveling with your pup, you know that not all cities are created equally. Some locations truly shine—not only welcoming dogs but also creating an environment where they can live their lives to the fullest. From dog-friendly patios and shops to beautiful park spaces, these cities are rolling out the red carpet.Interested in finding the best locations for our best friends? MarketWatchGuides studied the country's 98 biggest cities, ranking them based on seven dog-friendly metrics, including:Number of pet activities per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly apartments per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly weather days (days where the high did not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the low did not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit)Number of dog parks per 100,000 peopleNumber of vet offices per 100,000 peopleAverage vet costsUsing these findings, they gave each city a ranking out of 100 in 3 categories—Dog Friendliness, Dog Walkability, and Pet Health—as well as an overall score out of 100, allowing them to rank the cities from most dog-friendly to least dog-friendly. The findings may have you reconsidering what part of the country you call home!According to the study, Raleigh, North Carolina, was the most dog-friendly city in the United States, with an impressive overall ranking of 80.3. While the city did rank low on a couple of factors (namely, the number of dog-friendly weather days and the number of dog parks), it scored high enough in the other metrics to earn the top spot.Most impressively, the city scored 91.2 on the Pet Health Score, which considered the number of vet offices and average vet costs.Other cities that managed to earn a spot in the top 10 most dog-friendly cities included:Nashville, Tennessee (78.2)Madison, Wisconsin (77.4)Lexington, Kentucky (76.7)Boise, Idaho (76.5)Austin, Texas (74.3)Portland, Oregon (73.9)Cincinnati, Ohio (73.4)Seattle, Washington (72.6)Greensboro, North Carolina (71.1)Of course, ranking these cities on an overall score may not appeal to every dog parent. While one may prioritize finding a city with the lowest vet costs, another may be willing to pay a little more to enjoy a location with more dog-friendly restaurants.Recognizing this, they then broke down a few fun stats to consider:The city with the most dog-friendly restaurants per capita was Orlando, Florida. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, North Las Vegas, Nevada, took the title of the fewest dog-friendly restaurants per capita.The most accessible pet health care in the United States can be found in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Does your dog love heading out for a “Pup Cup” on a warm day? The Starbucks chain first popularized this tasty treat, referring to the small cup of whipped cream as “Puppuccinos.” If the very mention of a Pup Cup has your dog’s tail wagging, you may want to visit Atlanta, Georgia, where you can find the most locations offering pup cups per capita.Wherever your pet-friendly travels take you, check out our list of Dog Travel Essentials to set you (and your dog) up for success!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?

Have you ever been warned about there being too much of a good thing? While water is essential for the health and well-being of our dogs, it also presents a surprising and often unknown danger: water intoxication.A serious and potentially fatal health concern, water intoxication (hyponatremia) is a risk that every dog parent should be aware of – especially those with pups who enjoy water-related activities like swimming in the pool, catching water from the hose, or even visiting the dog beach.In this guide, I’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of water intoxication in dogs. Take a moment to read it through carefully. This information could save your furry friend’s life. What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?Water intoxication, or hyponatremia, is a medical condition that occurs when your dog ingests too much water in a short time. This impacts the electrolyte balance within the cells—more specifically, the sodium levels. It also causes the cells to swell.When the cells of the brain swell, this can have a severe and life-threatening effect on the central nervous system.Unlike some medical conditions that develop slowly over time, hyponatremia escalates very quickly. Medical treatment is needed as soon as possible. Even with quick action and veterinary care, not all dogs will recover.Can a Dog Drink Too Much Water?One of the first concerns that many pet parents have is the possibility of excessive water drinking in dogs. But is it possible for your dog to actively drink too much water, leading to water intoxication?A healthy dog will not continue drinking water to the point of threatening their own life, although some have been known to gulp down enough to cause stomach upset. This usually happens after being overly active or engaging in heavy exercise.If you notice your dog drinking excessive amounts of water, it could be a red flag of a more significant medical issue. Diseases and illnesses like diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease, and Cushing’s disease are all associated with increased thirst. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is drinking enough water to raise a concern.How Common is Water Intoxication in Dogs?If this information has you panicking or feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Water intoxication is life-threatening for dogs, but it’s also incredibly uncommon. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t familiarize ourselves with the risks, warning signs to look out for, and steps we can take to prevent a problem from developing.

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

What Should I Do if My Rabbit Stops Eating?

Rabbits are adorable creatures but can also be hard to care for. Why? They are delicate and sensitive creatures that are also masters of hiding when something’s wrong. Often, by the time rabbit lovers recognize there’s a problem, it has already progressed into something much more severe.If you have recently noticed your beloved bunny isn’t munching on their usual hay or rabbit pellets or turning their nose up to their favorite treats, that’s a red flag!In this guide, I will explore some of the most common reasons a rabbit may stop eating, including potential health risks, causes of stress, and more. Plus, I’ll share steps to help your furry friend feel better quickly.What is a Healthy Rabbit Diet? Rabbits are strict herbivores, meaning their diet only consists of plant-based foods. But this doesn’t mean that all vegetables and plants are a healthy option. To provide your rabbit with the best possible quality of life, you should provide them with a balanced diet, including hay or grass, leafy greens, and a small amount of commercial rabbit pellets. Plenty of fresh hay is one of the most essential elements of a healthy rabbit diet. Like water, Timothy grass hay or oat grass hay should be available to your rabbit at all times. Remove and replace your rabbit’s hay if it has been sitting long enough that it no longer looks and smells fresh. But what about vegetables? After all, everyone knows that rabbits love carrots. Right? Many fruits and vegetables can be offered as a tasty treat for your rabbit, but they shouldn’t be a staple of their diet. Some safe snacks that can occasionally be offered to your rabbit include carrots, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, apples (without seeds), strawberries, bananas, and melons. How Will I Know If My Rabbit Isn’t Eating? Feeding a rabbit isn’t quite the same as feeding a dog. You aren’t going to fill a dish full of kibble or pellet, place it in front of them, and watch them empty the bowl. Instead, most rabbits enjoy nibbling at their hay slowly throughout the day. With this routine, how will you know if your rabbit isn’t eating? Will it be noticeable? Keep Track of the Food You’re OfferingPay attention to how much food you are giving your rabbit each day. How much of the food (hay and pellets) being placed in their cage or enclosure is being eaten? How much are you removing and replacing due to it sitting untouched? If you suspect trouble, you may want to limit the food offered, giving smaller amounts and checking or topping it up frequently throughout the day. This can make it easier to spot if anything is being consumed, allowing you to better understand the situation. Pay Attention When Cleaning When cleaning your rabbit’s cage, take a moment to assess how much waste you are removing. The amount of fecal matter being produced and the size/quality of this waste can provide insight into your rabbit's health.Your rabbit’s poop should be small, brown balls that are somewhat dry due to the large amount of hay. Any change in that texture is a sign of trouble, including sticky, rock-hard, watery, soft, or smaller waste. If your rabbit has stopped eating, it will eventually stop going to the bathroom entirely. Other Warning Signs The loss of nutrition that occurs when a rabbit stops eating can lead to other changes. These warning signs include weight loss, teeth grinding, or decreased activity. How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Eating? Rabbits have very elaborate and complex digestive systems that need consistent and regular food to avoid uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening illnesses. While some rabbits can, in extreme situations, go without food for a couple of days, the risk of illness increases drastically after just 12 hours. Considering this timeframe, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your rabbit hasn’t eaten anything in more than eight hours.  

Why Does My Herding Dog Nip People?

Does your playful pup turn into a little velociraptor anytime they are around guests or even family members (especially children)? It’s a common struggle with herding dogs, but it doesn’t have to continue frustrating you for the rest of their lives! Herding dogs were bred with strong instincts to manage and control the movement of livestock. While that behavior is helpful when working in the fields, it can translate into unwanted nipping in everyday life. In this article, we’ll explain why herding dogs nip and, more importantly, how to train them to show their affection in a more acceptable way. What are the Personality Traits of a Herding Dog? Before focusing on this specific problem behavior, let’s take a step back and start at the beginning. What is a herding dog, and what personality traits are they most known for? Dogs classified in the Herding Group were bred specifically to gather, herd, and protect livestock. This means that they were bred with instincts that would help them perform their jobs safely and effectively. Some of the more common herding breeds include: Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Belgian Malinois Border Collie Collie German Shepherd Dog Old English Sheepdog Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shetland SheepdogThese dogs are athletic and agile, allowing them to work with livestock on any terrain. They are also incredibly smart and can learn to follow even the most subtle hand movements. This means they are highly trainable but also have high exercise needs. Why Does My Herding Dog Nip People? Okay, these dogs are highly intelligent and full of energy – but how does that translate to nipping? If this is your first time living with a herding dog, you may be concerned that your dog has aggressive tendencies after seeing them nip at peoples’ ankles. You may be relieved to learn that this isn’t actually a sign of aggression. When your herding dog nips at someone’s feet or heels, they are tapping into their natural instincts. They are attempting to herd that person, just as they would with livestock in the field. Understanding this can help you view their behavior in a different light. The herding behavior is more likely to be triggered when someone mimics livestock in their eyes, running or playing around. Children are often on the receiving end for this reason, which can create a concerning situation.

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