Being a dog parent, in this era where our pets are basically our kids, can be confusing. You want to give your pets what they deserve, and that often means looking beyond Western medicine to holistic health and wellness. If the Instagram algorithm knows you’re a dedicated pet parent, you likely get targeted ads about the holistic products you should get for your dog or cat to keep them healthy, happy, and safe – But it’s tough to know which of those products are actually the ones for your pet.

We want our clients to feel that they can confidently choose food, treats, supplements, and more. Katie, the owner of Happy Dog Boutique, opened our holistic practice and retail space as a way to create an ongoing resource for pet parents to find products that are not only safe and effective, but exceed the current standards in pet care.

This curated guide of some of our favorite calming products includes everything from full-spectrum CBD to CBD alternatives. I hope this guidance helps take some of the questions out of your life as a pet parent and helps ensure your dog or cat lives their best life, stress-free and healthy.

CBD, Hemp, and Hempseed Oils

Holistapet Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats

Holistapet, an industry leader in holistic wellness pet products, offers one of the best full-spectrum hemp oil for dogs & cats on the market. Made with natural ingredients, Holistapet combines the powers of both hempseed and hemp oil in a convenient tincture bottle to easily drop into your pets mouth or in their water/food.

What’s the Difference between Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?

Both hempseed oil and hemp oil (better known as CBD oil) are 2 products from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa, though hemp oil and hempseed oil come from different parts of the plant — and they each have totally different properties. 

• Hemp oil (or CBD oil)  is also known as full-spectrum hemp oil or broad-spectrum hemp oil. It’s obtained from the whole hemp plant including stalks, leaves and flowers. Hemp oil for dogs can help manage a number of health conditions, including cancer, pain and seizures.

• Hemp seed oil is only made from the seeds of the plant. Hemp seed oil’s benefits come from its nutritional content, as it contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the perfect 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio which can help the body metabolize fat (if you're into that sort of thing).

Now that you have a better understanding of each oil derivative and its benefits, Holistapet’s human grade hempseed and hemp oil extract is the ultimate blend to offer your pet maximum support in their joint health, GI health, pain management, and anxiety relief.

Pet Releaf Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

Pet Releaf’s Hemp Oil contains two active ingredients: Organic full spectrum hemp extract and organic ashwagandha; specifically designed to help dogs maintain a relaxed disposition during situational stress. The active hemp oil also helps digestive function, support healthy joints and mobility, and even skin related issues; while ashwagandha is an adaptogen that promotes normal hormone balance and soothe nervousness, hyperactivity, and environmentally-induced stress.

CBD Alternative Calming Chews and Tinctures

If you’re looking for a CBD alternative, you can help your pup manage everyday stress with a daily health supplement with natural, calming ingredients designed to help your pup keep their cool.

Bocce’s Bakery Calming Supplement

We love these calming chews for many reasons, aside from their effectiveness: Bocce’s worked with an animal specialist to create supplements that are functional, fun, and flavorful, and they’re straightforward without any artificial preservatives, weird flavorings, or fillers. Bocce’s Calming Chews contain a unique blend of all-natural herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, L-theanine, and melatonin, to soothe stressed out pups and promote relaxation.

*These calming chews in particular are perfect for restless pups at bedtime, as they help regulate the sleep cycle so your furry-friend can catch their best z’s.

Animal Essentials Tranquility Blend Herbal Formula Dog & Cat Supplement

This calming formula is the perfect soother for pets that get anxious during thunderstorms, in large crowds or when separated from their owners. The sweet tasting supplement contains extracts of valerian root, skullcap, passion flower herb and oat flowering tops to promote a calm and restful state, without any drowsy effects. All of Animal Essentials’ premium-quality supplements for dogs and cats are formulated by leading experts in holistic pet care to support your pet’s overall health and well-being, just as they deserve.

Natural Rapport’s Calming Chews - Duck Flavored

If your pup’s taste buds aren’t a fan of most things sweet, Natural Rapport’s Calming Chews are a great alternative to Tranquility Blend. Containing a very similar blend, in chew form, Natural Rapport’s Calming Soft Chews use a proprietary mix of essential fatty acids paired with chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root, that with continued use, are known to help alleviate anxiety, effectively generate a calming effect & aid in improving overall well-being. Natural Rapport’s no water, no pressure, no heat process allows it to maintain the full integrity, viability and flavor profile of all the ingredients.

Things to keep in mind

• Consistency is key. When choosing a calming product, remember that most supplements take time to show effective, maximum results. Before doing away with a product, give it a good and true trial run for about 6-8 weeks before deeming ineffective for your pup.

• Consult with your veterinarian. Before giving any complimentary calming aids to your dog, it’s important to talk to your vet first. They can advise you what kind of calming aid would best for your dog and ensure that there are no potential interactions with any medications or health issues your dog may have.

• Look for natural options. Natural options such as hemp oil variants, chamomile and valerian root are less harsh on your dog’s bodily system and have fewer side effects than some prescription medications.

• Consider the cause of anxiety. IT’s important to identify the root cause of your dog’s anxiety, as this will help you choose the right approach and product(s). For example, if your dog is anxious during thunderstorms, a calming aid that helps with noise phobia may be more effective than a general anxiety medication.

• Choose the right form. Calming supplements come in many forms, such as chews, tinctures and sprays. Consider your dog’s preferences and lifestyle.

• Start with a small dose. When introducing a new supplement to your dog, start with a small dose and monitor their behavior closely. If you notice any negative side effects, discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.

• Combine with behavioral training. Calming aids can be a helpful tool in managing your dog’s anxiety, but they should not be relied upon as the sole solution. Combing calming aids with behavioral training, such as desensitization techniques or counter-conditioning, can be an effective way to address your dog’s anxiety in the long term.