Pets, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety due to loud noises, separation, travel, vet visits, or changes in their environment. The right calming products can help them feel safe, secure, and relaxed.
We researched and tested the best anxiety-reducing pet products based on effectiveness, safety, durability, and ease of use to bring you top picks for a calmer pet and home.
🏆 Best Overall Calming Product: ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest
Best for dogs & cats with separation anxiety & noise phobias
💰 Price: $$ | 🐾 Best for: Dogs & cats | 🏡 Use for: Fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, separation
Why We Picked It
✔ Gentle, constant pressure calms anxious pets (like a comforting hug).
✔ Clinically proven to reduce stress in 80% of pets.
✔ Easy to put on & adjustable for a snug fit.
✔ Great for thunderstorms, car rides, vet visits & fireworks.
✔ Machine-washable & durable fabric.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
❌ May not work for all pets (some need additional calming aids).
❌ Takes time for some pets to adjust to wearing it.
📌 Best for: Pets who experience stress due to loud noises, travel, or separation.
💰 Best Budget Calming Product: PetHonesty Hemp Calming Chews
Best for affordable, daily anxiety relief
💰 Price: $$ | 🐾 Best for: Dogs | 🍖 Flavor: Duck or Peanut Butter
Why We Picked It
✔ Natural calming ingredients (hemp, chamomile, valerian root).
✔ Tasty soft chews that dogs love.
✔ Non-drowsy formula—soothes without sedation.
✔ Helps with hyperactivity, travel anxiety, and stressful situations.
✔ Made in the USA with vet-approved ingredients.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
❌ May take 30-60 minutes to take effect.
❌ Not ideal for severe anxiety without additional support.
📌 Best for: Pet owners looking for a natural, budget-friendly supplement to reduce anxiety.
🐾 Best Calming Bed: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed
Best for pets who love to curl up & feel secure
💰 Price: $$$ | 🐾 Best for: Dogs & cats | 🏡 Use for: Sleep anxiety, relaxation, crate training
Why We Picked It
✔ Soft, plush faux fur mimics a mother’s warmth.
✔ Raised rim provides security & head/neck support.
✔ Self-warming materials help comfort anxious pets.
✔ Machine-washable & comes in multiple sizes.
✔ Perfect for small breeds, cats, and seniors with joint pain.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
❌ Not ideal for heavy chewers.
❌ Takes time to fluff up fully after unpacking.
📌 Best for: Pets who feel safe when snuggling in a cozy, warm bed.
🎵 Best Calming Sound Machine: Pet Acoustics Pet Tunes Calming Music Player
Best for reducing stress with calming music
💰 Price: $$$ | 🐾 Best for: Dogs, cats, birds, horses | 🎵 Use for: Separation, travel, crate training
Why We Picked It
✔ Plays scientifically proven music that reduces pet stress.
✔ Portable & rechargeable—perfect for travel or home use.
✔ Great for separation anxiety, vet visits, and crate training.
✔ Can be left on all night to soothe nervous pets.
✔ Specifically designed frequencies that are relaxing for pets.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
❌ More expensive than a standard Bluetooth speaker.
❌ Limited song variety (loops the same playlist).
📌 Best for: Pets that respond well to calming music, especially when left alone.
🌿 Best Natural Calming Diffuser: ThunderEase Calming Diffuser (Powered by Adaptil & Feliway)
Best for all-day relaxation & scent-based calming
💰 Price: $$$ | 🐾 Best for: Dogs & cats | 🏡 Use for: Separation, multi-pet homes, stress reduction
Why We Picked It
✔ Mimics natural pheromones to reduce stress & aggression.
✔ Great for multi-pet households & introducing new pets.
✔ Plug-in design provides continuous calming effects.
✔ Odorless and safe for both pets & humans.
✔ Vet-recommended for stress-related behaviors (excessive barking, scratching, marking, hiding).
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
❌ Needs refilling every 30 days.
❌ Takes a few days to show full effects.
📌 Best for: Dogs & cats who benefit from pheromone-based calming support at home.
🦴 Best Long-Lasting Chew for Anxiety: Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy
Best for calming anxious chewers
💰 Price: $$ | 🐾 Best for: Dogs (All Sizes) | 🦴 Use for: Stress relief, chewing, teething
Why We Picked It
✔ Provides long-lasting chewing satisfaction for anxious dogs.
✔ Durable & flavored with real bacon, peanut butter, or chicken.
✔ Encourages self-soothing through chewing.
✔ Reduces destructive behavior & stress-related chewing.
✔ Made in the USA & vet-approved.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
❌ Not suitable for aggressive chewers.
❌ Not an edible chew—should be replaced when worn down.
📌 Best for: Dogs who need a durable chew toy to manage anxiety & prevent destructive chewing.
🔎 The Bottom Line: Which Anxiety-Reducing Product is Best for Your Pet?
| Product | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest | Best Overall | Drug-free, clinically proven, works for many pets | Takes time for some pets to adjust | $$ |
| PetHonesty Hemp Calming Chews | Best Budget | Natural, tasty, non-drowsy | Takes 30-60 minutes to work | $$ |
| Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed | Best Calming Bed | Plush, self-warming, great for burrowers | Not for heavy chewers | $$$ |
| Pet Acoustics Pet Tunes Music Player | Best Sound Machine | Scientifically proven calming music | Limited song variety | $$$ |
| ThunderEase Calming Diffuser | Best Natural Diffuser | Mimics pheromones, long-lasting effect | Needs monthly refills | $$$ |
| Benebone Wishbone Chew | Best Chew Toy | Long-lasting, flavored, reduces stress chewing | Not for aggressive chewers | $$ |
🛠️ How to Choose the Best Calming Product for Your Pet
✅ For general anxiety & noise phobias: → ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest
✅ For daily calming support: → PetHonesty Hemp Calming Chews
✅ For pets who love to snuggle: → Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed
✅ For pets who relax with music: → Pet Acoustics Pet Tunes Music Player
✅ For multi-pet homes & all-day relaxation: → ThunderEase Calming Diffuser
✅ For stress-related chewing & energy release: → Benebone Wishbone Chew
Final Verdict: Are Anxiety-Reducing Pet Products Worth It?
✔ Yes! The right calming product can make a huge difference in reducing pet stress and improving their well-being.
✔ Combination approaches (e.g., a ThunderShirt + calming chews) can be even more effective.
✔ It may take trial & error to find the perfect solution for your pet’s unique needs.
✨ Which calming product has worked best for your pet? Let us know in the comments! 🐾💙