As a dog owner, you want nothing more than to know that your furry friend is happy or healthy. Seeing your pup shaking is not only scary, it can leave you feeling helpless. While shaking can be harmless, in some instances, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Below you’ll find a guide to everything you need to know about why dogs shake and what you can do to help. We’ll even discuss the top 15 products you can give your pup to calm his nerves and provide natural relaxation.
- Pupper Membrane Canine Calming Soft Chew
- Finn Calming Aid
- PetHonesty Calming Hemp Chews
- Zesty Paws Ancient Elements Calming Bites
- PawMedica Calming+
- Shameless Pets Turk It Easy Calming Chews
- Paws & Pals Dog Calming Soft Chews
- KarmaPets Calming Treats
- GoodGood Calming Dog Chews
- Mount Ara Chill Bites
- Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews
- Vetnique Labs Petbliss Calming & Behavior Chews
- Trekker's Calming Treats
- Phelps Wellness Collection Keep Calm & Canine On!
- Dope Dog Calming Crunchies
Keep reading to learn more so that you and your companion can get back to worry-free days filled with cuddles and fun.
Why is my dog shaking?
There are many reasons why your dog may be shaking or shivering. It’s important to determine the cause so that you can provide the right care to your pup. Here are some of the most common reasons why your pup is shaking.
Cold - Even with plenty of fur or a warm coat, dogs still get cold! If it's chilly outside, your dog may be shivering to stay warm. The body involuntary shivers when it's cold to raise the body temperature by getting blood pumping. Small breeds are more prone to shivering simply because they have less insulation.
Stress, anxiety, and/or fear - When your dog is stressed, anxious, or is extremely scared, they may shake or shiver. Shaking releases nervous energy and provides a sense of warmth to try to comfort your dog. Addressing the source of your dog's worries, anxiety, or fear is key for alleviating this type of shaking.
Excitement - On the other hand, some dogs shake when they're extremely happy or excited! It's thought that shaking is an outward display of your pup's intense emotion. This type of shaking poses no danger and is usually temporary.
Pain/illness - Shaking can also be a symptom that your dog is experiencing pain or is sick. Many conditions like arthritis, joint injuries, and neurological issues can cause tremors. If your dog is showing other signs of distress like a loss of appetite, loss of mobility, or lethargy, consult with a veterinarian immediately.
Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia, can cause your dog to shake. Hypoglycemia can occur if your dog hasn't eaten for a long period of time or if your pup has an underlying health condition that affects blood sugar regulation. Feeding your dog small, frequent meals throughout the day and ensuring a balanced diet can help manage low blood sugar.
Old age - Senior dogs, especially small breeds, may develop benign tremors known as essential tremor syndrome. These tremors typically occur when the dog is awake and active but may improve or stop altogether when resting. While age-related tremors are generally harmless, you may still want to consult with your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Top 15 calming products for your pup
As you can see, your dog may be shaking for various reasons. However, more often than not, shaking is attributed to fear, anxiety, or stress. The good news is that there are many products available on the market today to calm your furry friend.
Below you’ll find a guide to the 15 best calming products for your dog. These supplements are made with natural ingredients that are clinically proven to take the edge off so that your pup can relax mentally and physically.
1. Pupper Membrane Canine Calming Soft Chew
No matter what's stressing your furry pal, Pupper Membrane Canine Calming Soft Chews can help. These beef and oat flavored soft bites are specially formulated to ease your pup while traveling or during fireworks, thunderstorms, or when you're separated. Each soothing chew is specially formulated with organic, natural herbs, including passion flower, chamomile, ashwagandha, and L-theanine.
This potent blend of ingredients lowers your pet's stress while also calming his nerves and reducing anxiety. The best part is that Pupper Membrane Canine Calming Soft Chews taste great and are sure to become your pup's favorite treat.
2. Finn Calming Aid
Vet approved, Finn Calming Aid is just what your dog needs to calm his shakiness. These beef livered flavored soft chews are made with organic, all natural herbs that ease stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Helping your dog chill out has never been tastier!
Finn Calming Aid is made with seven active ingredients, including passion flower, valerian root, melatonin, chamomile, L-theanine, and L-tryptophan. These chews are perfect for trips to the vet or during fireworks.
3. PetHonesty Calming Hemp Chews
Soothe and calm your anxious pup with PetHonesty Calming Hemp Chews. These chicken flavored bites make vet visits, car rides, thunderstorms, and other stressful situations a lot more tolerable for your furry friend. Each calming chew provides an optimal dose of ashwagandha, L-tryptophan, L-theanine, valerian root, hemp seed, and chamomile to ease anxious behaviors caused by stress.
With PetHonesty Calming Hemp Chews, your dog's shaking will become a problem of the past.
4. Zesty Paws Ancient Elements Calming Bites
Ancient herbs have their place in treating today’s dogs. Zesty Paws Ancient Elements Calming Bites are proof. These bison flavored chews help your dog to relax and stay calm, even during stressful situations. They're formulated with L-theanine, melatonin, and hemp seed, along with ashwagandha for ultimate mind and body relaxation.
With a base of ancient grains like amaranth, millet, and flaxseed, you can feel good giving your pup Zesty Paws Ancient Elements Calming Bites.
5. PawMedica Calming+
Treat your dog to peace and relaxation with PawMedica Calming+. These naturally flavored soft chews are exactly what your dog needs during thunderstorms, fireworks, or while traveling. Each delicious bite contains a potent formula of melatonin, chamomile, L-tryptophan, thiamin, and passion flower to help settle your pup.
PawMedica Calming+ are non-GMO and don't contain any ingredients derived from soy or dairy. They're also proudly made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility using GMP manufacturing standards.
6. Shameless Pets Turk It Easy Calming Chews
Available in turkey and salmon flavors, your anxious pup will experience calm and relaxation with Shameless Pet Turk It Easy Calming Chews. These soft bites are loaded with calming herbs and botanicals that help your pup to reach pure zen. This means you can finally relax too!
Shameless Pet Turk It Easy Calming Chews are made with hemp seed powder, vlaerian root, chamomile, thiamine, and other nerve-calming ingredients.
7. Paws & Pals Dog Calming Soft Chews
Relieve your pup's anxiety, calm their nerves in new environments, and provide a sense of calm with Paws & Pals Dog Calming Soft Chews. Reducing stress and tension has never tasted so good! These bites are made with a relaxing blend of melatonin, thiamine, L-tryptophan, and ginger. Not only do these ingredients ease your dog's nerves, they also support sensitive stomachs and promote rest and relaxation.
Paws & Pals Dog Calming Soft Chews can be used as a daily treat to keep your pup calm, or given before an expected stressful situation.
8. KarmaPets Calming Treats
Life is so much better when your dog isn't stressed or anxious. With KarmaPets Calming Treats, you can make day-to-day life much more enjoyable for the both of you! These vegan treats are specially crafted for dogs who need a little extra TLC. Each soft chew contains 100% organic ingredients, including chamomile, passionflower, and organic hemp oil.
Thunderstorms, fireworks, and vet trips are no match for KarmaPets Calming Treats.
9. GoodGood Calming Dog Chews
Don’t let stress and anxiety keep your furry friend from living his best life. GoodGood Calming Dog Chews are made with a special formula that's designed to calm your pup and put his mind and body at ease. Whether it's separation anxiety or thunderstorms, these soft chews can fix your frazzled friend.
GoodGood Calming Dog Chews contain all natural ingredients like passion flower, chamomile, L-tryptophan, and ginger. With a delicious peanut butter banana flavor, your canine is sure to go crazy for these calming bites.
10. Mount Ara Chill Bites
Settle your uneasy pup in the most stressful situations or environments with Mount Ara Chill Bites. These tasty peanut butter flavored treats are made with powerful ingredients like melatonin and chamomile. They're perfect for trips to the vet, thunderstorms, or when you're separated.
With Mount Ara Chill Bites, your rambunctious furball will finally settle down and find a sense of peace and relaxation.
11. Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews
From scary trips to the vets to loud thunderstorms, Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews are formulated to reduce stress and anxiety using a blend of functional, vet-recommended ingredients. These functional chews promote balanced behavior and calmness with proven ingredients like hemp seed oil, passion flower, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, and valerian root.
Help your pup thrive and enjoy a stress-free life with Open Farm Calming Supplement Chews.
12. Vetnique Labs Petbliss Calming & Behavior Chews
When your dog is stressed or anxious, Vetnique Labs Petbliss Calming & Behavior Chews can help. These hickory chicken flavored soft chews are just what your pup needs to experience furry friend zen. Each chew promotes balanced behavior along with a calm and relaxed demeanor, thanks to a potent blend of soothing botanicals.
Vetnique Labs Petbliss Calming & Behavior Chews are specially formulated with valerian root, thiamine, chamomile, lemon balm, passion flower, L-theanine, and L-tryptophan to support your pet in stressful situations.
13. Trekker's Calming Treats
Keep calm and trek on with Trekker's Calming Treats. These delicious daily calming treatments are made with a blend of delicious ingredients and soothing botanicals to ease your pup into a calm disposition. Each peanut butter flavored treat offers a soft, tempting texture along with proven ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, passion flower, and hawthorn berry.
Trekker's Calming Treats don't contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They're also made in small batches to ensure quality in each bite.
14. Phelps Wellness Collection Keep Calm & Canine On!
Help your dog achieve a state of calm and relaxation with Phelps Wellness Collection Keep Calm & Canine On!. These calming chews are perfect for your unsettled dog. Not only do they offer a delicious chicken flavor, each chew is loaded with herbs and botanicals to ease your dog into a state of calmness, including passion flavor, chamomile, and L-theanine.
Phelps Wellness Collection Keep Calm & Canine On! chews are made with real chicken and don't contain any soy, corn, wheat, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
15. Dope Dog Calming Crunchies
Dope Dog Calming Crunchies are a tasty way to help your dog chill out. If hugs and distractions just aren't working, these crunchy bites may be just what your pup needs. Each treat is made with six wholesome ingredients, including CBD extract, coconut oil, and rosemary. The drool-worthy peanut butter flavor is sure to have your dog's tail wagging with each crunch.
Dope Dog Calming Crunchies are made in small batches and don't contain any corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors or colors.
Final thoughts
When your dog is stressed, you’re stressed! If you’re struggling to ease your dog’s shaking, the 15 products above can provide much needed relief. No matter if your pup is afraid of car rides, thunderstorms, loud noises, or new environments, these supplements work fast to relax your dog so that you can both get back to a sense of calmness and serenity.
If your dog isn’t stressed and is shaking for some other reason, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your vet. While shaking is generally harmless, it can sometimes be a symptom of a serious underlying health issue. Only a vet can properly diagnose and treat your furry friend.
