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Natural Remedies for Dog Anxiety: What Studies Show and What Remains Uncertain
A cautious look at what studies have observed about CBD, L-theanine, DAP and herbs for dog anxiety, with safety notes to review with your vet.
Talk with your veterinarian first. Supplements, CBD products, herbs and medications can interact with each other and with your dog’s health conditions. Please do not start, stop or combine any of them without veterinary guidance, especially if your dog takes prescription medication, is pregnant or nursing, is very young or senior, or has a medical condition. Sudden anxiety, self-injury, refusing food and house soiling can have medical causes that need an examination. PetCalmZone is an educational site, and the author is not a veterinarian. Nothing on this page diagnoses a condition, treats a condition, or replaces veterinary care. Read our full Disclaimer.
This page contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links appear in the clearly labeled section “Products Mentioned in This Article” and may also appear in the sidebar. They do not influence how studies are described. Read our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Many dog owners look for natural ways to support an anxious dog. This guide summarizes what published studies have observed about common natural remedies for dog anxiety, where the research is thin, and which safety questions to raise with your veterinarian. It does not rank products or tell you what to give your dog.
Table of Contents
- What “Natural” Does and Does Not Mean
- How to Read Research on Calming Products
- Start With the Basics: Your Vet, Routine and Exercise
- Pheromone Products (DAP)
- Daily Calming Supplements
- CBD and Hemp Products
- Herbs, Essential Oils and Melatonin
- Research Status at a Glance
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Before You Consider Any Product: Talk to Your Veterinarian
- Products Mentioned in This Article
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Bottom Line
- Sources
What “Natural” Does and Does Not Mean
“Natural” describes where an ingredient comes from, such as a plant, an animal product or a mineral. It says nothing about whether the ingredient has been tested in dogs or whether it suits a particular dog.
Natural does not mean harmless. Chamomile, an herb often sold for relaxation, is a plant the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs under the name Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile). Some melatonin sleep aids contain xylitol, which can cause serious illness in dogs. A product can also be labeled “natural” while containing several ingredients that are hard to compare with each other.
How to Read Research on Calming Products
Most studies on calming products in dogs share the same limits, so it helps to keep them in mind as you read the sections below:
- Many studies are small, some with only five or ten dogs per group.
- Several were funded or run by the company that makes the product.
- Many took place in laboratories or shelters, where dogs live very differently from pet dogs at home.
- Some had no placebo group, and owner questionnaires can be influenced by what owners hope to see.
- Results from one product do not automatically apply to another product with a similar name or ingredient.
In each section, we separate what studies observed, what remains uncertain, the limits of those studies, and safety considerations.
Start With the Basics: Your Vet, Routine and Exercise
Rule Out Medical Causes First
Pain, illness, hormonal problems and age-related changes can all affect a dog’s behavior. A veterinary examination is the first step when anxiety appears suddenly, gets worse, or comes with signs such as self-injury, destruction, loss of appetite or house soiling. Your veterinarian can also tell you whether a behavior professional should be involved.
Exercise and Daily Routine
What studies observed. A survey of 3,264 family dogs in Finland found that dogs with separation anxiety had less daily exercise on average. Daily exercise was also the environmental factor most strongly linked to noise sensitivity in that dataset.
What remains uncertain. A survey can show an association only. It cannot show whether more exercise lowers anxiety, or whether anxious dogs are simply walked less.
Study limitations. Answers came from owner questionnaires, and the study did not test an exercise program.
Safety considerations. Exercise needs differ with age, breed and health. Ask your veterinarian what type and amount suit your dog, particularly if your dog has joint, heart or breathing problems.
Pheromone Products (DAP)
Dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) products, sold as diffusers, collars and sprays, are described by manufacturers as synthetic copies of a pheromone linked to nursing dogs. They are not taken by mouth.
What studies observed. A 2010 systematic review in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association examined seven prospective studies in dogs published between 1998 and 2008. One study found sufficient evidence of reduced fear or anxiety during training. The other six, which covered noise phobia, travel, veterinary clinic visits, shelter stress and puppies, were judged to provide insufficient evidence.
What remains uncertain. Whether DAP changes anxiety in pet dogs at home, and for which situations, is still unclear. The review covers studies up to 2008, so newer research may exist, and results can differ between products.
Study limitations. The studies reviewed were small and varied in design and outcome measures.
Safety considerations. Follow the manufacturer’s label and tell your veterinarian which products you use at home. Some retail listings describe a product as “ThunderEase powered by ADAPTIL.” Check the manufacturer’s own page to see what a specific product contains before assuming it matches products used in studies.
Daily Calming Supplements
Calming chews and capsules are sold as supplements, which means they do not go through the same review as veterinary drugs. Always ask your veterinarian before adding one, especially if your dog already takes medication.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. Dog studies have mostly looked at a product called Anxitane.
What studies observed. A 2007 preliminary report of 12 dogs with noise phobia described apparent improvement but did not include statistical analysis. A 2010 placebo-controlled study of laboratory beagles, with five dogs per group, found that treated dogs spent more time near an unfamiliar person after eight weeks. A 2015 open-label study followed 18 storm-sensitive dogs, and owners rated the product as successful for 12 of them.
What remains uncertain. It is not clear whether L-theanine changes anxiety in pet dogs, how it compares with other options, or how long any effect would last.
Study limitations. The groups were very small, the 2015 study had no placebo group, the beagle study used an artificial test and was funded by the manufacturer, and owner ratings can reflect expectation.
Safety considerations. Many calming chews combine several ingredients. For example, retailer listings of the label of one widely sold chew show thiamine, a colostrum-derived complex and L-theanine. Ask your veterinarian whether the full ingredient list suits your dog, especially alongside prescription medication. The same listings note that use in pregnant or breeding animals has not been established.
Alpha-Casozepine
Alpha-casozepine is a peptide derived from milk protein and is the ingredient in Zylkene.
What studies observed. A 2017 evidence review (Veterinary Evidence) identified three studies in dogs. None found a significant effect when the ingredient was given shortly before a stressor. One placebo-controlled diet study in laboratory beagles found some reduction in anxiety markers in anxious dogs, mainly cortisol. A study of 28 pet dogs fed a diet containing alpha-casozepine plus tryptophan reported improvement on five of six measures. A third study compared a daily capsule with the drug selegiline, and the reviewer judged its conclusions unreliable.
What remains uncertain. Whether longer daily use changes anxiety in pet dogs is unclear. Laboratory studies in mice suggest that parts of this peptide may interact with GABA receptors, but this has not been shown in dogs.
Study limitations. The reviewer rated the studies as being at high risk of bias. Samples were small, two of the three studies were industry-sponsored, one did not randomize dogs, and a behavior program in another study confounded the results.
Safety considerations. Ask your veterinarian whether a milk-derived ingredient is suitable for your dog, particularly for a dog with food sensitivities or one that takes other calming medication.
CBD and Hemp Products
Regulatory Status in the United States
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one drug that contains CBD, and it is a human medication. The FDA has not approved cannabis for use in animals, says it cannot vouch for the products sold for pets, and cautions pet owners about using them. It advises talking with a veterinarian. The agency also states that CBD cannot be sold as a dietary supplement and that adding CBD to animal food is a prohibited act. The American Veterinary Medical Association has called for clearer rules on labeling, quality and use of these products.
What Studies Have Observed
A 2023 placebo-controlled study from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute (Mars Petcare) tested a single dose of a THC-free CBD product in 40 research dogs, 21 in a separation test and 19 in a car-travel test. Researchers observed lower ratings of dogs appearing sad, stressed, tense or uncomfortable during separation, and less whining. In the car test, they observed lower “sad” ratings and lower cortisol. Heart rate, heart rate variability and cortisol during separation showed no clear difference.
A 2020 study of 16 dogs exposed to a fireworks sound track found no change in the main behavior measure after a week of CBD treats, and its authors concluded the results did not support an anxiety-reducing effect at the dose tested. A 2022 systematic review of randomized trials of cannabis in animals found limited evidence for behavioral problems in dogs.
Quality and Safety Considerations
What remains uncertain. It is unclear whether any CBD product changes anxiety in pet dogs at home, which products might do so, or for how long. The two studies above used different products, doses and tests, and their results differ.
Study limitations. The 2023 study was funded by Mars Petcare, used dogs that were not owned pets, and tested one product. The 2020 study used one product and one test.
Safety considerations.
- In a 26-week study of 20 healthy dogs given CBD daily, alkaline phosphatase, a liver-related blood marker, rose above the reference range in 11 dogs. Other liver markers stayed normal, and the marker returned to normal after treatment stopped. The study involved healthy dogs only, tested one product, did not test drug interactions, and was run by Mars Petcare employees.
- In the 2020 fireworks study, the cortisol-lowering effect of the medication trazodone was weaker when dogs also received CBD. This is a possible interaction signal that needs more research, and it is a good reason to ask your veterinarian before combining anything.
- Product quality varies. An analysis of 29 over-the-counter hemp supplements for pets found wide variation in cannabinoid content, and four products contained heavy metals. Several of that study’s authors worked for a CBD company.
- Products made from hemp may contain THC, which can cause sedation and other signs in dogs.
Please speak with your veterinarian before giving your dog any CBD or hemp product.
Herbs, Essential Oils and Melatonin
Valerian
What studies observed. We did not find a controlled study of valerian given to dogs for anxiety. A 2019 conference poster (28 dogs, no control group) looked at a diffuser that contains valerian. It reported that 43% of owners felt behavior improved, but found no significant difference in how often anxious behaviors occurred.
What remains uncertain. Whether valerian has any effect on anxiety in dogs, and in what form, is not established.
Study limitations. The poster used owner questionnaires, had no control group and tested a mixed product rather than valerian alone.
Safety considerations. A veterinarian-reviewed article notes that dosing in dogs has not been established in trials and that valerian may interact with anesthetics, sedatives and anti-seizure medication. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has received valerian before any procedure.
Chamomile
What studies observed. In a 2005 study of 55 shelter dogs, diffusing chamomile or lavender was associated with more resting and less barking than with the other scents tested, which were rosemary and peppermint.
What remains uncertain. The shelter study looked at a diffused scent. It did not test chamomile that a dog eats or drinks, and it is unknown whether the results apply to pet dogs at home.
Study limitations. The study took place in one shelter and measured behavior over short periods.
Safety considerations. The ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plants database lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis, also called Roman or garden chamomile) as toxic to dogs. It names the toxic principles as volatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid and tannic acid. The clinical signs it lists are contact dermatitis, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite and allergic reactions, and it states that long-term use may cause bleeding tendencies. If you suspect your dog has eaten chamomile, the ASPCA page advises contacting your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison control line as soon as possible. This listing describes the plant. It does not tell us how a specific product that contains a chamomile extract affects a dog, so ask your vet about any product that lists chamomile.
Lavender and Essential Oils
What studies observed. The same 2005 shelter study linked diffused lavender with more resting and less vocalizing. Other lavender studies exist but were not reviewed for this article.
What remains uncertain. The size and duration of any effect, and whether it applies in homes, are unclear.
Study limitations. The shelter setting and short observation periods limit what the results can tell us about pet dogs.
Safety considerations. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises that concentrated essential oils should never be applied directly to pets. It notes that active diffusers release droplets that can settle on fur and be swallowed during grooming, and that essential oil exposure can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy and breathing problems. Ask your veterinarian before diffusing oils around a dog, and keep oils out of reach.
Melatonin
What studies observed. The ASPCA’s professional site states that veterinarians occasionally use melatonin for several purposes, including anxiety. We did not verify controlled studies of melatonin for anxious pet dogs for this article.
What remains uncertain. Whether melatonin changes anxiety in dogs, at what dose, and for which situations, is unclear.
Safety considerations. Melatonin alone can cause vomiting, sedation and unsteadiness. Many sleep aids contain other ingredients, including xylitol, which can cause severe low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Check every ingredient with your veterinarian before giving a melatonin product, and keep gummies out of reach.
Research Status at a Glance
This table describes the state of the research. It does not rate products or suggest that any option will change your dog’s behavior.
| Option | Types of studies found | Research status | Main caution to discuss with a vet |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD and hemp | Two placebo-controlled studies with different results, one systematic review | Mixed and limited | Not FDA-approved for animals, quality varies, possible drug interactions |
| L-theanine | Small preliminary, laboratory and open-label studies | Limited | Multi-ingredient products, medication overlap |
| Alpha-casozepine | Three studies in a 2017 review | Limited, low quality | Milk-derived ingredient, no short-term effect found |
| DAP pheromones | Systematic review of seven dog studies up to 2008 | Mixed | Product naming, newer studies not reviewed |
| Exercise | Survey of 3,264 dogs | Association only | Suitability for age and health |
| Valerian | No controlled dog studies found | Not established | Interactions with sedatives and anesthetics |
| Chamomile | One shelter study of a diffused scent | Very limited | Listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA |
| Lavender and essential oils | One shelter study reviewed | Very limited | Risks from concentrated oils and diffusers |
| Melatonin | Not verified | Unclear | Xylitol in some products |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming natural means harmless. Chamomile and some melatonin products are examples of natural-sounding items that carry real risks for dogs.
- Using human products. Human supplements can contain ingredients such as xylitol, and amounts that suit people are not guidance for dogs.
- Starting several products at once. If something changes, you will not know why, and overlapping ingredients are easy to miss. Ask your veterinarian how to introduce and track any new product.
- Using products to replace training and veterinary care. A behavior plan and a medical check are usually the foundation. Ask your veterinarian about prescription options.
- Giving CBD, herbs or essential oils without veterinary input. The safety considerations above are the reason to ask first.
Before You Consider Any Product: Talk to Your Veterinarian
Everything above is general information, and your dog is an individual. Your veterinarian knows your dog’s age, weight, health history and current medication, and can say whether a pheromone product or supplement is reasonable to try, whether it could interact with something else, and whether a veterinary behaviorist or certified trainer should be involved. Bring a list of everything your dog receives, including supplements, treats with added ingredients, and any diffusers or oils in the home. Useful questions include:
- Could pain or illness be contributing to my dog’s anxiety?
- Is this product suitable alongside my dog’s current medication and health history?
- Which behavior changes should I track, and when should we review them together?
- Should a veterinary behaviorist or certified trainer be involved?
The products listed in the next section are named in this article for reference only. Their inclusion is not a recommendation, and no product described here is a treatment for anxiety or any other condition.
Products Mentioned in This Article
This section lists three commercial products named above so you can look at their labels. It is separate from the research discussion. Listing a product is not a recommendation, and nothing here suggests a product will change your dog’s behavior. As an Amazon Associate, PetCalmZone earns from qualifying purchases. Please review any calming product with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog takes medication or has a medical condition.
VetriScience Composure Bite-Sized Chews. Retailer listings of the label show thiamine, a colostrum-derived calming complex and L-theanine. Directions are set by the manufacturer by weight. See the L-theanine section for what studies have and have not shown.
Vetoquinol Zylkene. Contains alpha-casozepine, a milk-protein-derived ingredient. See the alpha-casozepine section for a summary of the limited studies. Ask your veterinarian whether a milk-derived ingredient is suitable for your dog.
ThunderEase pheromone diffuser (powered by ADAPTIL). Retail listings describe this as a pheromone diffuser for dogs. Research on DAP products is mixed, as described in the pheromone section. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and mention the product to your veterinarian.
Affiliate disclosure: these links are Amazon Associates affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can natural remedies replace veterinary care for dog anxiety?
No. Anxiety in dogs can be linked to pain, illness, age-related changes or behavior problems that need professional assessment. Signs such as self-injury, destruction, refusing food when alone or sudden changes in behavior are reasons to book a veterinary visit. Your veterinarian can discuss all options, including whether a veterinary behaviorist or certified trainer should be involved and whether prescription medication is appropriate.
Is CBD approved for dogs in the United States?
No. The FDA has not approved any CBD product for animals and says it cannot vouch for the products sold for pets. The agency advises pet owners to speak with a veterinarian. It also states that CBD cannot be sold as a dietary supplement or added to animal food.
Can I use several calming products at once?
Ask your veterinarian first. In one small study, the cortisol-lowering effect of the medication trazodone was weaker when dogs also received CBD, which shows why combinations deserve professional input. Many chews also contain several ingredients, so overlap is easy to miss. Bring product labels to your appointment.
How long do these products take to change anything?
There is no reliable timeline. Studies used different products, durations and measures, and several found no clear effect. Rather than expecting a result by a set date, ask your veterinarian how to track your dog’s behavior and when to review it together.
Are CBD and supplement products checked for quality?
Oversight is limited. An analysis of 29 over-the-counter hemp supplements for pets found wide variation in cannabinoid content, and four products contained heavy metals. A label alone cannot confirm what is in a product, so ask your veterinarian about any product before using it.
Can herbs and essential oils cause problems for dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to dogs and names contact dermatitis, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite and allergic reactions among the clinical signs. Veterinary toxicology references advise against putting concentrated essential oils on pets and note that diffusers can irritate airways or leave droplets on fur that dogs swallow while grooming. If you suspect a reaction, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
The Bottom Line
Research on natural options for dog anxiety is limited. For several options, the studies are small, short or funded by manufacturers, and for others there are no controlled dog studies. Some options carry safety concerns, and CBD products are not approved for animals in the United States.
A veterinary examination, a behavior plan and a conversation with your veterinarian about any product are the most reliable starting points. If you decide to look at a specific product, bring the label to your appointment first.
Sources
Sources were reviewed in October 2026. Where we could only read a summary of a study, the entry says so.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD): Questions and Answers. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- American Veterinary Medical Association. AVMA voices veterinary needs to FDA about cannabis products. https://atwork.avma.org/blog/avma-voices-veterinary-needs-fda-about-cannabis-products
- Hunt ABG, Flint HE, Logan DW, King T. A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2023. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604/full
- Morris EM, Kitts-Morgan SE, Spangler DM, McLeod KR, Costa JHC, Harmon DL. The impact of feeding cannabidiol (CBD) containing treats on canine response to a noise-induced fear response test. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2020. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.569565/full
- Bradley S, Young S, Bakke AM, et al. Long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol is well-tolerated by healthy dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.977457/full
- Lima TM, Santiago NR, Alves ECR, Chaves DSA, Visacri MB. Use of cannabis in the treatment of animals: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Animal Health Research Reviews. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35703023/
- Wakshlag JJ, et al. Cannabinoid, terpene, and heavy metal analysis of 29 over-the-counter commercial veterinary hemp supplements. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 2020. (Reviewed via trade press summary.) https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/article/15466788/pet-hemp-supplement-cbd-levels-vary-4-with-heavy-metals
- Frank D, Beauchamp G, Palestrini C. Systematic review of the use of pheromones for treatment of undesirable behavior in cats and dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20550445/
- Bertesell V, Michelazzi M. 2007 and Araujo JA, et al. ANXITANE tablets reduce fear of human beings in a laboratory model of anxiety-related behavior. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2010. (Reviewed via SkeptVet summary.) https://skeptvet.com/2014/10/anxitane-l-threanine-for-anxiety-in-dogs/
- Pike AL, et al. 2015 open-label study of L-theanine in storm-sensitive dogs. (Reviewed via Today’s Veterinary Practice, Journal Club: Focus on Canine Noise-Induced Fear.) https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/journal-club-focus-on-canine-noise-induced-fear/
- Is alpha-casozepine efficacious at reducing anxiety in dogs? Veterinary Evidence. 2017. https://www.ivis.org/library/veterinary-evidence/veterinary-evidence-vol-2-n%C2%B03-sept-2017/alpha-casozepine-efficacious-at-reducing-anxiety-dogs
- Anxiolytic activity and brain modulation pattern of the alpha-casozepine-derived pentapeptide YLGYL in mice. Nutrients. 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7285003/
- Tiira K, Lohi H. Early life experiences and exercise associate with canine anxieties. PLoS ONE. 2015. (Reviewed via Purdue Canine Welfare Science summary.) https://caninewelfare.centers.purdue.edu/resource/early-life-experiences-and-exercise-associate-with-canine-anxieties-2
- Graham L, Wells DL, Hepper PG. The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2005. (Reviewed via Purdue Canine Welfare Science summary.) https://caninewelfare.centers.purdue.edu/resource/the-influence-of-olfactory-stimulation-on-the-behaviour-of-dogs-housed-in-a-rescue-shelter
- Lloyd K, Wills A, Taylor S. The anxiolytic effects of valerian on the domestic dog. Conference poster, Hartpury. 2019. https://pure.hartpury.ac.uk/en/publications/the-anxiolytic-effects-of-valerian-valeriana-officinalis-on-the-d/
- PetMD. Valerian Root for Dogs (veterinarian-reviewed article). https://petmd.com/dog/wellness/valerian-root-dogs-does-it-work
- ASPCA. Chamomile. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/chamomile
- ASPCApro. The Most Common Sleep Aid Toxicities in Cats and Dogs. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/most-common-sleep-aid-toxicities-cats-and-dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicoses from Essential Oils in Animals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/toxicoses-from-household-hazards/toxicoses-from-essential-oils-in-animals
- Retailer listing of the VetriScience Composure label (check the manufacturer’s page for current details). https://www.revivalanimal.com/product/composure-soft-chews
- Retailer listing of ThunderEase Powered by ADAPTIL (check the manufacturer’s page for current details). https://www.chewy.com/thunderease-powered-by-adaptil/dp/159755
Related Guides
- Dog fireworks anxiety: how to help before, during, and after
- Dog Separation Anxiety from One Person: When Your Dog Only Panics About You
Emma Reynolds is the founder of PetCalmZone and a dog lover who adopted Milo, an anxious rescue dog, in 2021. She is not a veterinarian or trainer. She writes clear guides that cite veterinary and behavior sources to help other owners understand and support their anxious dogs.
