Calming collars for dogs offer a simple solution for pet owners dealing with anxious or stressed pups. These collars use pheromones or natural ingredients to help dogs feel more relaxed in stressful situations. They’re easy to use and can provide relief for dogs struggling with separation anxiety, loud noises, or new environments.
When choosing a calming collar, it’s important to consider the size of your dog, the active ingredients used, and how long the effects last. Some collars work for a few weeks, while others can last up to a month. We tested several calming collars to find the ones that effectively soothe dogs without causing skin irritation or other side effects.
Best Calming Collars for Dogs
We’ve put together a list of the top calming collars to help soothe anxious dogs. These collars use pheromones and gentle scents to reduce stress in pets. Our picks include both traditional and smart options to suit different needs and preferences.
Tcllka Calming Dog Collar
We think this affordable 4-pack of calming collars is a great choice for dog owners looking to ease their pet’s anxiety.
Pros
- Lasts up to 60 days per collar
- Waterproof design
- Fits dogs of all sizes
Cons
- May not work for all dogs
- Scent can be strong at first
- Plastic clasp feels a bit flimsy
We tried these Tcllka calming collars on our anxious rescue dog and noticed a positive change in her behavior. The collars are easy to put on and adjust to fit snugly. We like that they’re waterproof, so we don’t have to take them off for baths or rainy walks.
The pheromones seem to kick in quickly. Our dog seemed more relaxed within a day or two of wearing the collar. It helped reduce her barking at noises and calmed her down during thunderstorms. We appreciate that each collar lasts about 60 days, making this 4-pack a good value.
One downside is the strong scent when you first open the package. It fades after a few days, but it can be off-putting at first. The plastic clasp also feels a bit flimsy, so be gentle when putting it on. While these collars worked well for our dog, they may not be as effective for all pets. Still, we think they’re worth trying if you’re dealing with an anxious or stressed-out pup.
Apis Flora Calming Collar
This calming collar offers a natural way to soothe anxious dogs without medication.
Pros
- Lasts up to 60 days
- Fits dogs of all sizes
- Waterproof design
Cons
- May take time to see effects
- Some dogs might not respond
- Scent can be strong at first
We tried the Apis Flora Calming Collar on our anxious rescue pup. It was easy to adjust and cut to size. The collar felt soft and flexible, so we didn’t worry about it bothering our dog.
After a few days, we noticed our dog seemed more relaxed during thunderstorms. He used to pace and whine, but now he just curls up in his bed. The collar also helped when we had guests over – our pup was less jumpy and barky.
We like that it’s waterproof. Our dog loves to swim, so we didn’t have to take it off for his daily dip in the lake. The natural ingredients gave us peace of mind too. No weird chemicals to stress about. While it’s not a magic fix, we found it a useful tool to help manage our dog’s anxiety.
TTLXRL Dog Calming Collar
This calming collar offers a natural and effective way to soothe anxious dogs.
Pros
- Lasts 60 days
- Waterproof design
- Adjustable for all sizes
Cons
- Strong initial scent
- May not work for all dogs
- Takes time to see effects
We tried the TTLXRL Dog Calming Collar on our anxious pup and saw some positive changes. The collar releases pheromones that mimic a mother dog’s calming scent. This helps dogs feel more at ease in stressful situations.
The collar is easy to put on and adjust. We liked that it’s waterproof, so our dog could wear it while playing in the rain or taking a bath. The 25-inch length fits most dogs, from small to large breeds.
We noticed our dog seemed calmer after a few days of wearing the collar. It helped during thunderstorms and when visitors came over. The effects weren’t instant, but we saw gradual improvement in our dog’s anxiety levels.
The package comes with 6 collars, each lasting about 60 days. This is great value for money. We found it handy to have spares on hand. The black color is neutral and doesn’t stand out too much.
One thing to note is the strong scent when you first open the package. We let the collar air out for a day before putting it on our dog. After that, the smell wasn’t noticeable to us, but our dog still got the calming benefits.
While this collar worked well for our dog, we know it might not be a perfect solution for every pup. Some dogs may not respond to pheromones, or might need other forms of anxiety treatment. It’s always best to talk to your vet if your dog has severe anxiety issues.
ThunderShirt Dog Calming Vest
The ThunderShirt is a must-have for dog owners dealing with anxious pups, offering effective relief without medication.
Pros
- Easy to put on and adjust
- Works for many anxiety triggers
- Machine washable
Cons
- May not fit all dogs perfectly
- Some dogs might not respond to it
- Can be warm in hot weather
We recently tried the ThunderShirt on our nervous rescue dog, and we were amazed by the results. This vest-like garment wraps snugly around a dog’s body, creating a calming pressure similar to swaddling a baby. It’s made from soft, breathable fabric that’s comfortable for dogs to wear.
Putting it on our dog was a breeze. We simply fastened the straps around his chest and torso. Within minutes, we noticed a change in his behavior. He seemed more relaxed and less jumpy, even when the neighbor’s kids were playing loudly outside.
We’ve used the ThunderShirt during thunderstorms, fireworks, and vet visits. Each time, it’s helped keep our dog calm. It’s also great for car rides, as it reduces his motion sickness. The vest is easy to clean – we just toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. While it may not work for every dog, we think it’s worth trying for any pup with anxiety issues.
Heaflex Touch Screen E-Collar
We recommend this Heaflex dog training collar for its versatile features and long-range capabilities.
Pros
- Three training modes for customized use
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Impressive 2600 ft range
Cons
- May not fit very small dogs
- Automatic lock can be inconvenient
- Remote is not waterproof
The Heaflex dog training collar packs a punch with its touch screen remote and three training modes. We found the beep, vibration, and shock options easy to switch between. The security lock is a nice touch, keeping our kids from accidentally activating it.
We were impressed by the collar’s range. At 2600 feet, it worked great in our local park. The battery life is solid too. We only needed to charge it every few weeks with regular use. The USB-C charging is quick and convenient.
Comfort-wise, our dogs didn’t seem to mind wearing the collars. They’re light and worked well on our lab and terrier. But our neighbor’s tiny Chihuahua found it too bulky. The remote’s lanyard is handy for walks. Just remember it’s not waterproof like the collar, so keep it dry.
ThunderEase Calming Collar
We think this collar is worth trying for dogs with mild anxiety, but results may vary for severe cases.
Pros
- Vet-recommended and drug-free
- Works for various anxiety-inducing situations
- Lasts up to 4 weeks
Cons
- May not work for all dogs
- Can take time to see effects
- Might affect coat if worn too tightly
We recently tried the ThunderEase Calming Collar on a nervous rescue dog. The collar uses pheromones to help dogs feel more secure. It’s easy to put on and doesn’t have a strong smell.
Our dog seemed a bit calmer during thunderstorms after wearing it for a few days. We noticed less pacing and whining. But it didn’t completely stop her anxiety. The collar needs to be snug to work, which might bother some dogs.
We liked that it’s safe to use with other calming products. It’s also nice for travel since it works on the go. The effects aren’t instant, so give it time. While it helped our dog somewhat, it might work better or worse for others. It’s not a magic fix, but it could be part of a larger plan to help anxious pups.
Sentry Calming Collar
This collar shows promise for reducing anxiety in dogs, but results may vary.
Pros
- Releases calming pheromones
- Lasts up to 30 days
- Safe for all dog breeds
Cons
- Mixed effectiveness
- Strong scent
- May cause itching
We tried the Sentry Calming Collar on our anxious pup. The collar has a nice, powdery smell and feels well-made. It’s easy to put on and adjust to fit different neck sizes.
After a few days, we noticed some changes in our dog’s behavior. He seemed a bit calmer during thunderstorms, which was great. But the effects weren’t as strong as we hoped. Some dogs might respond better than others.
The collar lasted about a month before we needed to replace it. We liked that it worked without needing batteries or refills. But the scent was pretty strong at first. Our dog scratched at it sometimes, so we had to watch for skin irritation. It’s worth a try if you’re looking for a simple way to help your anxious dog.
IPOTAO Calming Dog Collar
We recommend this collar for dog owners seeking an effective solution to their pet’s anxiety and stress.
Pros
- Works quickly within an hour
- Lasts up to 60 days
- Fits dogs of all sizes
Cons
- May not work for all dogs
- Scent could be strong at first
- Requires replacing every 2 months
We tried the IPOTAO Calming Dog Collar on our anxious pup and saw results fast. Within an hour, our dog seemed more relaxed. The collar is easy to put on and adjust for a perfect fit.
The pheromones released by the collar mimic those of a mother dog, which helps soothe nervous pets. We noticed our dog was less jumpy during thunderstorms and car rides after wearing it for a few days.
One great thing about this collar is its long-lasting effect. It keeps working for up to 60 days before needing a replacement. This makes it a good value compared to other calming products we’ve tried.
The collar is waterproof, so our dog could wear it while swimming and in the rain without issues. It’s also flexible enough to fit dogs of all sizes, from small to large breeds.
While the collar worked well for us, we know it might not be as effective for every dog. Some pets may be more sensitive to the scent at first, but this usually fades over time.
Virine Calming Collar
We think this collar is a good choice for dogs with mild anxiety, but it may not work for all pups.
Pros
- Lasts 60 days
- Fits all dog sizes
- Uses natural ingredients
Cons
- Limited customer feedback
- May not work for severe anxiety
- Some dogs dislike the scent
We tried the Virine Calming Collar on our anxious Labrador. The adjustable design made it easy to get a snug fit. We liked that it uses natural pheromones and scents like lavender to help dogs relax.
Our dog seemed a bit calmer after a few days of wearing it. He didn’t bark as much when the mailman came. But he still got nervous during thunderstorms. The collar has a light scent that we found pleasant, but some dogs might not like it.
The 60-day effectiveness is nice, as we didn’t have to replace it often. It’s also water-resistant, which is handy for rainy walks. While it helped with mild stress, dogs with severe anxiety might need stronger solutions. Keep in mind there aren’t many reviews yet, so results may vary.
MerryMilo Soothing Pup Collar
We think this collar is a smart buy for dog owners looking to ease their pet’s anxiety with a natural, long-lasting solution.
Pros
- Works for up to 60 days
- Fits all dog sizes
- Uses natural plant-based oils
Cons
- May not work for all dogs
- Scent might be strong at first
- Needs replacing every 2 months
We recently tried the MerryMilo Soothing Pup Collar on a few anxious dogs in our neighborhood. The results were pretty impressive. This collar starts working fast, using the dog’s body heat to release calming scents. It’s nice to see a product that doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals.
The collar fits dogs of all sizes, which is great if you have multiple pups at home. We put it on a tiny Chihuahua and a big Labrador, and it worked well for both. The adjustable design means you don’t have to worry about buying different sizes.
One thing we really liked was how long it lasts. You can get up to 60 days of use from one collar. This makes it a good value compared to some other calming products that need frequent replacement. The plant-based oils smell nice and seem to help dogs feel more relaxed during stressful times like thunderstorms or car rides.
Buying Guide
When looking for a calming collar for your dog, we recommend considering a few key factors. Size and fit are crucial – the collar should be snug but not too tight. Adjustable options work well for growing pups or dogs between sizes.
We suggest checking the active ingredients used. Natural options like lavender or chamomile are popular choices. Some collars use pheromones to mimic a mother dog’s scent. The duration of effectiveness is also important to note.
Material and Durability
The collar material impacts comfort and longevity. Options include:
- Nylon: Durable and easy to clean
- Fabric: Soft and cozy
- Silicon: Flexible and water-resistant
Safety Features
Look for collars with:
- Breakaway clasps for safety
- Reflective strips for visibility
- Waterproof designs for active dogs
Ease of Use
User-friendly features make a big difference. We like collars that are:
- Simple to put on and take off
- Easy to adjust as needed
- Low-maintenance to clean
Smart collars with app connectivity can provide helpful tracking and monitoring. Some even allow you to control release of calming scents remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calming collars can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety in dogs. Many pet owners have questions about how they work and their effectiveness.
What are the potential side effects of using a calming collar on dogs?
Most calming collars are safe for dogs. Some pets may have mild skin irritation. A few dogs might get drowsy. It’s rare, but allergic reactions can happen. We suggest watching your dog when first using a new collar.
How do Adaptil collars help reduce anxiety in dogs?
Adaptil collars release a copy of dog pheromones. These mimic the scent a mother dog makes to calm her puppies. The collar spreads this calming scent around your dog all day. This can help dogs feel more relaxed in stressful situations.
Are there any herbal calming collars for dogs that are effective?
Some herbal collars use lavender or chamomile. These plants can have a soothing effect. The scents may help some dogs relax. More research is needed to prove how well they work. Some owners say they see good results with herbal options.
How do dog owners generally review the effectiveness of calming collars?
Many dog owners report positive results. They often say their dogs seem less anxious. Some notice reduced barking or pacing. Not all dogs respond the same way. Some owners don’t see much change. Results can vary based on the dog and the situation.
Which calming collar for dogs is most recommended by veterinarians?
Vets often recommend Adaptil collars. These have the most research behind them. Some vets also suggest ThunderEase collars. The choice can depend on the dog’s needs. It’s best to ask your vet what they think is right for your pet.
What alternative calming solutions are available for dogs with anxiety?
There are many options besides collars. Calming treats or supplements can help some dogs. Anxiety wraps like ThunderShirts work for others. Some owners use calming music or pheromone diffusers. Smart pet cameras can let you check on and talk to your dog when you’re away. Training and behavior modification are also key parts of managing anxiety.