As a new year begins, you may take a fresh look at your dog’s or cat’s health and behavior. After months of holiday noise, travel, and disrupted routines, signs of anxiety often become more noticeable, restlessness, clinginess, hiding, digestive upset, or changes in sleep.
Anxiety in dogs and cats goes beyond occasional nervous behavior. Anxiety is influenced by factors such as brain chemistry, inflammation, environment, and past experiences, supporting an anxious pet often requires a whole-body approach.
Research and integrative veterinary experience show that natural strategies such as targeted herbs and supplements, dietary support, environmental adjustments, and behavior-based techniques can help calm the nervous system and improve resilience. In this article, we explore common causes and signs of pet anxiety, evidence-informed natural remedies, and practical steps to support a calmer, more confident pet.
What Are the Common Causes and Symptoms of Pet Anxiety?
Dogs and cats can develop anxiety when stress feels bigger than their ability to cope. Common triggers include being left alone, loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, poor socialization when they were young, past trauma, or hidden medical problems.
When a pet feels stressed or scared, their body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Stress hormones like cortisol rise, which leads to the anxious behaviors pet parents notice at home. By identifying what’s triggering the anxiety and recognizing the symptoms, you can choose gentle, natural ways to help your pet feel calmer and more balanced. The checklist below can help you track possible causes and visible signs as you support your pet through treatment.
Common causes of anxiety in pets include:
-
Being separated from their humans, which may cause distress or destructive behavior
-
Sudden loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms
-
Past trauma, limited social experiences early in life, or big changes in daily routine
-
Medical issues like pain or hormone imbalances that can look like anxiety or make it worse
How Does Anxiety Look Different in Dogs and Cats?
Dogs and cats experience stress in similar ways inside their bodies, but they show anxiety very differently through their behavior.
Dogs usually show anxiety outwardly. You may notice pacing, barking or whining, chewing things they shouldn’t, or constantly following their people around. Dogs often react this way because they’re trying to get comfort or help.
Cats, on the other hand, tend to become quieter and more withdrawn. An anxious cat may hide more, groom excessively, avoid the litter box, eat less, or stop interacting with family members. This is a cat’s natural way of staying safe when they feel stressed.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the right support. For example, a noisy or reactive dog may benefit from calm training and gradual exposure to triggers, while a nervous cat may need safe hiding spots, vertical spaces, and very slow introductions to change. Knowing how your pet shows stress also helps you make better choices with supplements and home adjustments.
Which Natural Supplements Are Commonly Used to Support Anxious Pets?
Many natural remedies used for anxious pets work by gently supporting the body’s calming systems. Some help balance brain messengers involved in relaxation, others support gut health, or help calm inflammation that can affect mood and behavior.
Because pet anxiety is complex, natural supports work best when layered thoughtfully rather than used as a one-size-fits-all solution. The remedies below are organized from most commonly recommended to least commonly recommended based on current veterinary-integrative evidence, safety profile, and practical clinical use.
Higher-ranked options generally have broader support for calming behavior and are well tolerated by most dogs and cats, while lower-ranked remedies rely more on traditional use or have limited species-specific research. Individual pets may respond differently, so these tools are best used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes appropriate training, environmental support, and guidance from a veterinarian, especially when combining supplements or managing severe anxiety.
|
Priority |
Remedy / Tool |
Why It’s Commonly Recommended |
Evidence & Safety Notes |
|
1 (Most recommended) |
L-theanine |
Well-tolerated amino acids used to support calm behavior and relaxed brain activity; often helpful for noise and separation anxiety. |
Multiple canine studies show reduced stress behaviors when used consistently. Very good safety profile when dosed appropriately. Suitable for short- or long-term use. |
|
2 (Most recommended) |
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) |
Supports brain cell health and helps moderate neuroinflammation that can worsen anxiety responses. |
Strong general evidence for brain and nervous system support in dogs; indirect but meaningful behavioral benefits. Safe long-term when dosed by EPA/DHA content. |
|
3 (Most recommended) |
Targeted probiotics (gut–brain axis support) |
Supports microbiome balance, which may influence stress signaling and emotional regulation. |
Emerging canine research shows improvement in anxiety scores with specific strains. Strain-specific and product quality matter. Very safe when veterinary-formulated. |
|
4 |
L-tryptophan |
Serotonin precursor that may support mood balance, especially when combined with L-theanine. |
Mixed but supportive evidence in dogs; works best as part of a broader protocol. Avoid excessive dosing or imbalanced diets. |
|
5 |
Medicinal mushrooms (e.g., Reishi, Lion’s Mane) |
Adaptogenic support for stress resilience, nervous system health, and immune balance. |
Limited direct anxiety studies in pets; used traditionally and increasingly in integrative practice. Best for long-term baseline support, not acute calming. Use veterinary-formulated products. |
|
6 |
THC-free CBD oil |
May support calm behavior via the endocannabinoid system; often used situationally for noise or travel stress. |
Growing but still limited veterinary clinical data. Choose THC-free, third-party tested products; start low and monitor for sedation or GI upset. |
|
7 |
Melatonin |
Supports circadian rhythm and calming neurotransmitter activity; sometimes helpful for noise sensitivity. |
Some evidence for situational anxiety in dogs. Best for short-term or predictable stressors. Timing and dose are important. |
|
8 (Use cautiously) |
Valerian root |
Traditional sedative herbs are sometimes included in calming blends. |
Very limited dog/cat-specific research. May cause sedation without true anxiety relief. Not ideal for long-term use. |
|
9 (Least recommended) |
Chamomile (apigenin) |
Traditionally used for mild calming and digestive support. |
Minimal veterinary clinical evidence for anxiety relief. Generally safe in low doses but effects are mild and inconsistent. |
|
Adjunct / non-nutritional |
PEMF calming devices |
Explored by some integrative practitioners as a supportive, non-drug option. |
Primarily anecdotal and practitioner-guided use; should be viewed as complementary, not standalone treatment. |
Why Some Natural Remedies Require Extra Caution in Dogs and Cats
While many natural remedies are marketed as calming, not all are equally effective, or appropriate, for both dogs and cats. Some options are ranked lower because they rely more on sedation than true emotional regulation, are not ideal for long-term anxiety management, have limited species-specific research, or affect dogs and cats differently. Understanding these differences helps pet parents choose safer, more supportive approaches.
Chamomile
Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that interacts with receptors in the central nervous system and may support relaxation.
-
In dogs, chamomile may help with very mild, short-term nervousness, especially when anxiety is accompanied by digestive upset.
-
In cats, effects are less predictable. Some cats may tolerate chamomile well, while others may show little benefit or mild gastrointestinal sensitivity.
Because veterinary-specific studies are limited, chamomile is generally considered a low-impact option that may support comfort but rarely provides meaningful relief for moderate or severe anxiety.
Valerian Root
Valerian root contains compounds such as valerenic acid, which influence GABA-related pathways involved in nervous system inhibition.
-
In dogs, valerian may reduce outward activity, particularly during travel or noise exposure, but this effect often reflects sedation rather than reduced anxiety.
-
In cats, valerian can be unpredictable. Some cats become calmer, while others may experience paradoxical stimulation or excessive lethargy.
Because valerian can suppress behavior without improving emotional regulation, it may interfere with training or mask ongoing stress rather than resolving it.
These herbs should only be given in veterinarian-formulated products, not home preparations, and avoided in pregnant animals or pets taking other central nervous system depressants.
Medicinal Mushrooms and CBD Oil: Different Roles for Dogs and Cats
Medicinal mushrooms and CBD oil are sometimes grouped together, but they support anxiety in very different ways and should be used with species-appropriate expectations.
Medicinal Mushrooms (e.g., Reishi, Lion’s Mane)
Medicinal mushrooms are best viewed as long-term stress resilience supports rather than immediate calming agents.
-
In dogs, mushrooms are commonly used in integrative care to support nervous system balance, immune health, and stress adaptation over time.
-
In cats, they may support overall resilience, but responses can be more subtle, and dosing must be especially conservative.
Mushrooms work gradually and are most helpful for pets with chronic stress patterns, poor stress tolerance, or inflammatory contributors, not for acute panic events like fireworks.
THC-Free CBD Oil
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in stress signaling and inflammation in both dogs and cats.
-
Dogs tend to have more predictable responses, with some showing improved calm behavior during situational stress when THC-free products are used appropriately.
-
Cats may respond at lower doses, and effects can vary widely. Careful monitoring is essential.
Important safety points for both species:
-
Use only THC-free, third-party tested products
-
Start with very low, weight-appropriate doses
-
Monitor appetite, energy, and digestion
-
Consult a veterinarian, especially if your pet takes medications or has liver concerns
CBD should be considered situational support, not a replacement for behavior work or foundational nutrition.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Pet Anxiety?
You should contact a veterinarian or qualified professional if your pet’s anxiety is intense, ongoing, or affecting their health and safety.
Seek help right away if you notice:
-
Self-injury or extreme behaviors
-
Sudden changes in appetite or bathroom habits
-
Collapsing, seizures, or severe weakness
-
Aggression that could harm people or other animals
A professional can check for medical issues, such as pain, hormone imbalances, or digestive problems, that may be causing or worsening anxiety. If your dog or cat continues to struggle with anxiety despite thoughtful changes at home, working with a holistic pet health coach can provide added clarity and support. These professionals are trained to look at the whole picture, nutrition, environment, behavior patterns, and underlying imbalances, and help you create a personalized plan that fits your pet’s unique needs.
A holistic pet health coach can also help you:
-
Prioritize which natural supports make the most sense to try first
-
Adjust supplement timing and combinations safely
-
Identify lifestyle or dietary factors that may be contributing to ongoing stress
-
Collaborate with your veterinarian when medical care is needed
For many pet parents, having a knowledgeable guide can make the process feel less overwhelming and more confident, especially when navigating long-term or complex anxiety concerns.
Putting It All Together: A Thoughtful, Whole-Body Approach to Pet Anxiety
Supporting anxiety in dogs and cats is not about finding a single “calming fix,” but about understanding the whole picture, your pet’s triggers, stress patterns, physical health, and emotional needs. Anxiety often reflects an imbalance across multiple systems, including the nervous system, gut, immune function, and environment.
Natural remedies such as targeted supplements, nutrition, and supportive tools can play an important role, especially when they are chosen intentionally and layered appropriately. Higher-priority options may help support calmer brain signaling and resilience, while lower-priority remedies may offer mild or situational support but require greater caution. Just as important are non-supplement strategies, such as predictable routines, environmental enrichment, gentle training, and meeting species-specific needs for safety and comfort.
Every dog and cat responds differently. What helps one pet may do little for another, and responses can change over time. For this reason, it’s best to:
-
Start with foundational support (nutrition, routine, and environment)
-
Introduce supplements slowly and one at a time
-
Monitor behavior, appetite, digestion, and energy
-
Reassess regularly and adjust as needed
Most importantly, work with a veterinarian or a certified holistic pet health coach, ideally one familiar with integrative or holistic care, especially if anxiety is severe, long-standing, or accompanied by physical symptoms.
With patience, observation, and a personalized plan, many dogs and cats can become more resilient, comfortable, and confident, allowing them to navigate stress with greater ease and enjoy a better quality of life.
