Anxiety issues are on the rise among our canine companions, with some studies estimating that up to 20% of dogs suffer from anxiety that negatively impacts their quality of life. As more pet parents seek solutions for calm, relaxed dogs, calming treats and supplements have surged in popularity. But with so many options on the market, how can you know which ingredients really have scientific support for reducing dog anxiety?
We’ll look into the scientific evidence behind common ingredients utilized in calming treats and supplements for dogs. Compounds like L-theanine, chamomile, valerian root, and other herbs are believed to work physiologically and neurochemically to promote relaxation. Our goal is to provide dog owners with scientifically-backed information to better understand how calming treats might help manage their pup’s anxiety alongside other training and management techniques. These insights into the mechanisms and effects of certain ingredients can offer helpful guidance for those making calming treats as an additional way to ease anxiety and improve their dog’s quality of life.
Understanding Canine Anxiety
Canine anxiety refers to a state of excessive fear, worry, apprehension or unease that manifests both behaviorally and physiologically in dogs. While normal short-term stress responses are healthy and adaptive, chronic anxiety becomes problematic when it is recurring, exaggerated, or interferes with normal function and behavior.
Some common signs of anxiety in dogs include pacing, panting, trembling, hiding, agitation, vocalization, destructiveness, house soiling and attempts to escape or avoid situations that induce stress. Triggers can range from loud noises like thunder or fireworks, to separation from owners, changes in routine, travel, new people or animals, and even seemingly minor disturbances.
Left untreated, anxiety puts dogs at risk for significant physical and emotional harm. The chronic stress of anxiety weakens the immune system and contributes to a range of medical issues. It also negatively impacts quality of life, as dogs are unable to comfortably partake in normal activities.
Traditional treatments for canine anxiety include behavior modification, desensitization, counterconditioning and prescription medications or supplements when necessary. But more owners are also looking into calming treats and chews as another option alongside these standard protocols, especially for mild cases. These functional treats claim to help relieve short-term stress and promote relaxation using natural ingredients and compounds.
Several ingredients can be used in calming treats to influence brain chemistry and physiological responses to reduce anxiety.
Overview of Calming Treat Ingredients
Some common ingredients that can be used in homemade treats as calming aids include:
L-theanine - An amino acid found in green tea that may increase relaxing neurotransmitters and reduce excitation in the brain.
Organic chamomile - A herb traditionally used as a mild sedative and sleep aid.
Valerian root extract - An herb with compounds that may prolong GABA activity and induce calmness.
Griffonia seed extract - A source of 5-HTP that may increase serotonin levels.
Melatonin - A naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Ginger - Traditionally used to aid digestion and possibly reduce nausea related to stress.
Thiamine - B vitamins that support nervous system health.
L-tryptophan - An essential amino acid and precursor of serotonin production.
Hemp or CBD oil - Compounds that may influence cannabinoid receptors involved in anxiety response.
Adaptil - A proprietary pheromone analogue that may provide comforting signals to the brain.
These ingredients work through several proposed mechanisms to potentially relieve anxiety, promote relaxation, and create a sense of calm. For some, the effects may be due to influencing neurotransmitters or hormones in the brain. Others may bind receptors involved in the anxiety response.
L-Theanine
Perhaps the most well-studied calming supplement ingredient is L-theanine, an amino acid found in green and black tea (Camellia Sinensis). In chemical structure, it is analogous to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and precursor glutamine, and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Its mechanisms are still not entirely clear, but several studies suggest L-theanine may increase levels of the key inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine in the brain. This changes neurochemical balance in the direction of reduced neuronal excitation. L-theanine has also been shown to increase alpha brain wave activity, indicating a relaxed but alert mental state.
In a 2019 randomized placebo-controlled study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that giving L-theanine tablets to dogs afraid of thunderstorms helped increase resting and decrease the trembling, panting, and restlessness indicative of their storm-related anxiety and fear.
A small pilot study by Colorado State University also yielded promising results, demonstrating that a diet supplemented with L-theanine reduced signs of fear and anxiety in puppies during training and socialization. Preliminary evidence supports L-theanine as a potentially useful compound for mitigating excitatory excess that underlies anxious brain states.
However, optimal dosage and long term safety require further study. Excessive doses of L-theanine may cause sedation and inability to concentrate. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before use and adhere to recommended guidelines. But overall, L-theanine shows significant potential as a natural calming agent due to its neurochemistry-modulating mechanisms.
The Role of Herbal Ingredients
In addition to L-theanine, some calming, traditional herbal ingredients like chamomile and valerian root have historically been used as sedatives and anxiety relievers.
Chamomile is one of the most popular and well-known soothing herbs. Derived from the daisy-like flowers of the Matricaria Recutita plant, chamomile has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep. Its mild sedative effects are attributed to a flavonoid compound called apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Like prescription benzodiazepines, apigenin helps increase GABA activity, resulting in calming of excitation and anxiety. Additional compounds like luteolin also contribute to chamomile’s mellowing effects.
Studies examining chamomile’s clinical efficacy are limited. Some small human trials show modest anti-anxiety benefits, while animal studies yield mixed results. A 2006 study did find reduced anxiety-related behaviors in rats given chamomile extract, but claimed effects in dogs are unknown. Given the long historical use and tolerable safety profile, chamomile remains a popular natural anxiety aid. But more controlled research on proper dosage and efficacy in dogs is still needed.
Valerian is another herb commonly included in calming supplements for its sedative properties. Derived from the root of the Valeriana Officinalis plant, valerian has been used for sleep issues since ancient Greece and Rome. Its bioactive constituents include valerenic acid and antioxidants called valepotriates.
These compounds are believed to prolong the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Higher GABA activity lowers neuronal excitability and promotes relaxation. Valerenic acid and valepotriates also seem to inhibit reuptake of GABA from the synapses between neurons. This amplifies GABA signaling and reduces anxiety.
However, like chamomile, clinical research on valerian is sparse. Small, older human and animal studies report anti-anxiety benefits, but robust data on appropriate dosing and efficacy in dogs is lacking. Anecdotal evidence suggests valerian may be mildly helpful for nervousness or insomnia. But given limited pharmacokinetic and toxicological data, its safety and ideal usage in dogs remains unclear.
While L-theanine has promising clinical research, more rigorous double-blind controlled studies are still needed on herbal ingredients like chamomile and valerian to substantiate their efficacy and proper dosing in canine anxiety relief. Responsible oversight and administration from pet owners and veterinary guidance is advised.
Efficacy and Safety of Calming Treats
While individual ingredients like L-theanine show genuine potential to mitigate canine anxiety, more research is still needed to fully validate both the efficacy and safety of most calming treats as a whole.
There is encouraging early clinical evidence that some ingredients like L-theanine may help dogs relax by influencing brain chemistry and neurotransmitters. Although most calming treats contain blends of multiple ingredients, controlled studies isolating the distinct effects and ideal dosages of each individual component are still lacking. The combined impact of herbal and supplement mixtures is difficult to parse.
Additionally, dogs have huge variability in size, metabolism, and source of anxiety that impact appropriate dosing and response. Most calming homemade treats provide general dosage recommendations based on weight, but effects likely depend on the individual dog. Things like sensitivities, medical history, concurrent medications, and the severity of a dog’s anxiety can all influence how well calming aids work and the optimal dose for that dog.
While most ingredients seem relatively safe in typical quantities, misuse or overdose raises concerns about sedation or harmful side effects. L-tryptophan, for example, can exacerbate problems in dogs with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions. Prolonged CBD usage may cause digestive upset. Overuse of chamomile may potentiate other sedatives to dangerous levels.
For these reasons, it’s crucial pet owners work with their veterinarian to find the lowest effective dose when using any calming supplements in their homemade treats. Observation for adverse reactions like agitation, hyperactivity, digestive issues, drowsiness or lack of coordination is also advised. Moderation and diligent oversight helps maintain both efficacy and safety.
While an appealing option, calming treats should still be viewed as just one possible component of a comprehensive anxiety management plan guided by a vet's advice. When used responsibly alongside behavior modification, training, medication and environmental changes, calming aids may provide additional support for dogs with anxiety.
Conclusion
As more pet parents seek drug-free options to ease canine anxiety, calming homemade dog treats and chews have surged in popularity. These functional treats encourage relaxation and reduce stress by utilizing ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, valerian and other compounds that influence brain chemistry and physiology.
A science-based understanding allows pet parents to make informed choices when considering these products as an additional way to help dogs lead happier, more relaxed lives.
