Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats Anxiety: Holistic Approaches

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. 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?

Common causes or possible trigger of anxiety in pets include:

• Being left alone or changes in routine

• Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks, construction, traffic)

• New environments, people, or animals

• Poor socialization during puppy or kittenhood

• Past trauma or negative experiences

• Travel or vet visits

• Household stress or tension

• Lack of mental stimulation or exercise

• Sudden changes (moving, schedule changes, new pets or family members)

• Underlying or undiagnosed medical issues

The checklist below can help you track visible signs of anxiety and identify supportive steps you can take to help your pet feel calmer and more secure.

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• Cats, on the other hand, tend to become quieter and more withdrawn.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.

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.

Individual pets may respond differently, so these remedy 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.

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.

There is some scientific research exploring chamomile’s calming effects in dogs, but direct, controlled clinical trials on chamomile alone for anxiety in dogs or cats are limited. Most available evidence comes from studies of olfactory (aromatherapy) enrichment in dogs, rather than chamomile given orally or as a standardized extract

Valerian Root

Valerian root contains natural compounds such as valerenic acid, that help calm the nervous system by supporting the brain’s own “calming signals,” which can make pets feel more relaxed and less on edge.

• 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 may suppress behavior without improving emotional regulation, it may interfere with training or mask ongoing stress rather than resolving it.

Medicinal Mushrooms and CBD Oil for Anxiety

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 thought of as long-term stress and resilience supporters, not quick calming fixes. To better understand the difference between short-term stress responses and ongoing anxiety, and how to support each, read our guide on acute vs. chronic anxiety.

• 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 isn’t about finding a single “calming fix,” but about understanding the whole picture, your pet’s triggers, stress patterns, physical health, and emotional needs.  Since anxiety often reflects imbalances across multiple systems, including the nervous system, gut, immune function, and environment. Thoughtfully chosen natural remedies such as targeted supplements, nutrition, and supportive tools can play a meaningful role when layered appropriately, with higher-priority options supporting calmer brain signaling and resilience, and lower-priority remedies offering mild or situational support with greater caution. Equally important are non-supplement strategies like 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

Reference:

Bijaoui EMM, Zimmerman NP. Efficacy of a Novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain (LP815TM) in Reducing Canine Aggression and Anxiety: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial with Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment. Animals (Basel). 2025 Aug 4;15(15):2280. doi: 10.3390/ani15152280. PMID: 40805070; PMCID: PMC12345577.

Rahimi Niyyat, M., Azizzadeh, M., & Khoshnegah, J. (2018). Effect of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc on canine behavioral disorders: Results of a pilot study. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 33(4), 150–155. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2018.08.006

Michelazzi, Manuela & Berteselli, Greta & Minero, Michela & Cavallone, Elena. (2010). Effectiveness of L-theanine and behavioral therapy in the treatment of noise phobias in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research - J VET BEHAV-CLIN APPL RES. 5. 34-35. 10.1016/j.jveb.2009.10.020.