Top supplements recommended by Australian behaviour veterinarians.

A Guide to Dog Behavior Calming Supplements: What Works and Why?

In today's fast-paced world, our canine companions often face stress and anxiety, leading many pet owners to seek effective calming solutions. While a plethora of supplements claim to soothe anxious dogs, it's crucial to discern which are truly effective and endorsed by veterinary behaviorists in Australia.

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Alpha-Casozepine (e.g. AC for Dogs™ and Zylkene)

• How It Works: Alpha-casozepine is derived from casein, a protein found in milk. This compound mimics the calming effects that puppies experience when nursing from their mother. It interacts with receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation without causing sedation.
• Why It’s Recommended: Extensive studies and anecdotal evidence support its efficacy in reducing anxiety-related behaviors in dogs. Consequently, many Australian veterinary behaviorists frequently recommend supplements containing alpha-casozepine, for situations like noise phobias, travel stress, or general anxiety. To see some of the evidence, have a look here: https://www.companicalm.com/pages/research-about-alpha-casozepine

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Dog-Appeasing Pheromones (e.g. Adaptil)

• How It Works: Adaptil is a synthetic version of the natural pheromones that lactating female dogs emit to comfort their puppies. These pheromones signal safety and security to the dog’s brain, helping reduce stress and promote calmness in various situations.
• Why It’s Recommended: Backed by robust research, these pheromones have shown to be effective in situations such as thunderstorms, separation anxiety, and adjusting to new environments. Their non-invasive nature makes them a go-to option for many behaviorists.

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Supplements with Limited Evidence

Several other supplements are marketed for canine anxiety, but they lack substantial scientific backing and are seldom recommended by veterinary behaviorists. Here’s how they are thought to work and why they fall short:

1. L-Theanine (e.g., Anxitane):

   • How It Works: L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves, believed to increase alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation.
   • Why It’s Less Recommended: While it may have calming effects, studies on its efficacy in dogs are limited and inconsistent.

2. L-Tryptophan (e.g., Calmex, Royal Canin Calm Diet):

   • How It Works: L-Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. The theory is that more serotonin leads to a calmer dog.
   • Why It’s Less Recommended: Evidence for its effectiveness in dogs is sparse, and results may vary greatly between individuals.

3. CBD Oil (Cannabidiol):

   • How It Works: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, stress, and pain responses.
   • Why It’s Less Recommended: Despite its popularity, there is insufficient high-quality research specific to dogs, and legal issues in Australia further limit its use.

4. Valerian Root (e.g., Pet Remedy):

   • How It Works: Traditionally used as a sedative in humans, valerian root is believed to enhance GABA activity in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with relaxation.
   • Why It’s Less Recommended: Minimal evidence supports its efficacy in dogs, making it an uncommon choice for behaviorists.

5. Passionflower and Chamomile Blends:

   • How It Works: These herbs are thought to have mild sedative effects by enhancing GABA activity or reducing stress hormones.
   • Why It’s Less Recommended: Scientific evidence is scant, and their effects on dogs remain largely anecdotal.

6. Ashwagandha:

   • How It Works: Known as an adaptogen, ashwagandha is thought to help the body manage stress by modulating cortisol levels.
   • Why It’s Less Recommended: There is very limited research on its safety or efficacy in dogs, making it an unreliable option.

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Dietary Alternatives

7. Prescription Diets (e.g., Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress or Royal Canin Calm):
   • How It Works: These diets often include a combination of L-tryptophan and other calming ingredients to promote relaxation through daily meals.
   • Why It’s Occasionally Used: These diets may support dogs with mild stress when used as part of a broader behavior modification plan, but their effectiveness varies greatly between individuals.

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Conclusion

Navigating the myriad of canine calming supplements can be challenging. It’s essential to prioritize products with solid scientific backing and professional endorsement. Alpha-casozepine supplements (such as AC for Dogs™) and dog-appeasing pheromones stand out as reliable, evidence-based options that are frequently recommended by veterinary behaviorists in Australia.

Always consult with a qualified veterinary behaviorist before introducing new supplements. Most importantly, remember that supplements are most effective when combined with a comprehensive behavior modification plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs. By understanding how these products work and their level of evidence, you can make informed decisions to ensure your dog’s well-being and happiness.