Over the Counter Anxiety Supplements for Dogs

By: Dericka Haugan-Customer Service Rep at ZimmVet

Do you notice your dog is showing signs of anxiety at home, daycare or when out and about with you? While you should always discuss options with your veterinarian there are some over the counter supplements you can try. You may have seen these for sale in your veterinary clinic but what are they and how do they work?

Solliquin

Solliquin is a behavioral health supplement that helps support balanced behavior and relaxation in dogs and cats. You can get Solliquin in a soft chew for dogs and cats between 8-30 pounds or in a capsule for dogs that are 8 pounds or more. Solliquin may take 30-45 days of consistent use to see results.

How does it work?

Solliquin contains a unique blend of amino acids, medicinal plants and protein.

• L-theanine: An amino acid found naturally in green tea. It directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, which create a state of deep relaxation, wakefulness, and mental awareness.
• Magnolia / Phellodendron: The combination of Magnolia and Phellodendron extracts appears to be synergistic, with the combination controlling stress and anxiety more effectively than either compound used alone.
• Whey Protein Concentrate: Contains NMXSLQ05®, a trademarked high quality protein source which supplements ten essential amino acids including the precursors of glutathione and serotonin.

This supplement is made to be used in combination with fear avoidance, behavioral modification and anxiolytics (supplements/pharmaceuticals). You can purchase Solliquin at select veterinary clinics or online, if purchased online make sure that you are purchasing through a reputable retailer as an over the counter you would not have to have a prescription to purchase. Purchasing through ZimmVet will give you a palatability guarantee so if your dog does not like them, you can return them to the clinic for a full refund.

Purina Pro Plan Calming Care

Purina Pro Plan Calming care is a calming probiotic supplement powder to be added to your dog’s food, it is also available for cats. It is recommended to help assist in the management of dogs exhibiting anxious behavior.

How does it work?

Proprietary use of probiotic strain BL999 to help dogs maintain calm behavior

Helps support dogs with anxious behaviors such as excessive vocalization, jumping, pacing and spinning

Helps dogs cope with external stressors like separation, unfamiliar visitors, novel sounds or changes in routine and location

Helps dogs maintain positive cardiac activity during stressful events

Promotes a positive emotional state and healthy immune system in dogs

Excellent palatability

Contains a probiotic with 1×10^9 CFU of Bifidobacterium longum BL999 per packet to support balanced behavior

At select veterinary clinics or online, if purchased online make sure that you are purchasing through a reputable retailer as an over the counter you would not have to have a prescription to purchase. Purchasing through ZimmVet will give you a palatability guarantee so if your dog does not like them, you can return them to the clinic for a full refund.

This supplement is made to be used in combination with fear avoidance, behavioral modification and anxiolytics (supplements/pharmaceuticals). You can purchase Purina Pro Plan Calming Care at select veterinary clinics or online, if purchased online make sure that you are purchasing through a reputable retailer as an over the counter you would not have to have a prescription to purchase. Purchasing through ZimmVet will give you a palatability guarantee so if your dog does not like them, you can return them to the clinic for a full refund.

Adaptil

Not ready to use an ingestible supplement? Adaptil is an environmental tool that uses pheromones to help your dog feel calm and relaxed. Adaptil uses the natural pheromones similar to the ones their mothers used to give them natural comforting messages. This is also available for use in cats but be sure to get the correct species product as they do not work on the opposites.

How does it work?

Mother dogs communicate with their puppies through natural messages released into the air: “comforting messages “(called Pheromones). These odorless messages are only perceived by dogs.  Cats and people are not affected. These “comforting messages” provide a strong signal of security and comfort to dogs of all ages. ADAPTIL Calm releases “comforting messages” to help dogs feel calm and relaxed at all times. 

What not to do?

The collar is meant to be worn and should work for about 30 days, the collar should not be blocked by a harness, coat or regular collar. If it is repeatedly exposed to water, it may not work as long and should not be exposed to chlorine. The spray should not be sprayed directly on your dog and should be allowed to set for 10 minutes prior to letting your dog go into the area where they will be and should not be sprayed inside a carrier.

What is best for my dog?

There are so many options out there and the best way to decide what is best for your anxious pup is to discuss options with your veterinarian. It is best to try a supplement that will be able to be kept on the recommended schedule with each variety. You know your dog and should always advocate for their wellbeing. I hope this helps make discussing options with your veterinarian a little easier for you and helps make these products a little less confusing.