Do Dog Stress Supplements Work?
Do Dog Stress Supplements Work? Vet Explains What to Expect
If your dog is showing signs of anxiety — trembling during storms, barking excessively, or struggling with separation — you may be considering a stress supplement to help. Stress and anxiety in dogs are increasingly common, and understandably, pet parents are turning to natural supplements for support.
But can a supplement really help your stressed dog? The short answer: yes, but not in the way some marketing might lead you to believe.
Let’s unpack what stress supplements can and can’t do, what to look for, and how to set your dog up for real success.
What Do We Actually Mean by “Stress” in Dogs?
Stress in dogs isn’t just about being “anxious.” It can present as:
- Restlessness or panting
- Hyper-vigilance or excessive barking
- Hiding or freezing
- Digestive upsets (like diarrhoea or gurgling bellies)
- Over-grooming or licking
- Sleep disturbances
- Destructive behaviours (especially when left alone)
Stress affects the whole body, especially the gut and immune system. Chronic stress can lead to long-term inflammation, behavioural changes, and reduced quality of life.
How Supplements Fit Into the Picture
A good supplement is not a magic cure for anxiety. In fact, no ethical supplement brand should ever claim to “treat” anxiety unless it’s undergone formal drug-level trials and is registered with the APVMA (in Australia).
Instead, think of a stress supplement as part of a multi-pronged approach to calming your dog. It’s a support tool — one that may:
1. Help regulate your dog’s stress response
2. Nourish the nervous system
3. Support gut health (which influences mood via the gut-brain axis)
4. Improve sleep quality and resilience to triggers
It’s one piece of the puzzle — alongside diet, exercise, behavioural training, environmental management, and sometimes, medication.
Not All Stress Supplements Are Equal
In Australia, any product that claims to treat or prevent anxiety in pets must be registered with the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority), similar to a pharmaceutical drug. Most over-the-counter supplements — including ours — are not registered medicines but are legally sold as complementary animal health products.
That’s why we don’t make exaggerated claims. Instead, we formulate based on research around stress resilience, gut-brain support, and traditional herbal use, and we always stay within APVMA’s guidance for appropriate messaging.
Many calming chews or powders make bold promises but don’t explain the science or sourcing behind their ingredients.
1. The Research Behind the Ingredients
Some ingredients like L-tryptophan, L-theanine, valerian root, and medicinal mushrooms do have clinical research behind them. But:
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Studies are often on single ingredients, not full products
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Doses and extraction methods vary enormously
- Ingredients interact in complex ways
Honest Tip: Always ask if the product is APVMA-registered. If not, it’s a supplement — and that’s fine — but you should expect transparency, not miracle claims.
2. Whole-Body Support vs Sedation
Some products aim to simply sedate or dull a dog’s responses. Others focus on nourishing the nervous system and restoring balance.
Look for supplements that have the following benefits:
- Supports the gut-brain axis
- Includes adaptogens like Astragalus
- Promotes anti-inflammatory pathways, especially in allergy-prone dogs
3. Your Dog’s Unique Needs
Some dogs respond well to calming herbs. Others need probiotics or behavioural support. For dogs with severe issues like trauma or aggression, supplements are just one part of a vet-guided plan.
Our Philosophy: Honest, Vet-Formulated Support
At Shy Tiger, we believe in honest marketing. We won’t tell you our supplement will “fix” your dog’s anxiety — because no supplement can do that alone.
What we will tell you is that:
- Our formulas are vet-developed to support the gut-brain axis
- We use 30:1 extract forms of medicinal mushrooms
- Ingredients are chosen for synergy, not trendiness
- Our products are made in Australia, certified organic, and designed for holistic support
The Takeaway
Yes, a supplement can help your stressed dog — if:
- You’re using the right ingredients for the right reasons
- You’re realistic about what it can and can’t do
- You combine it with diet, enrichment, and behavioural support
Stress is a whole-body experience for your dog. So let’s support them that way — with nourishment, calm routines, and connection.
If you want to learn more about our stress supplements and how you can incorporate them into your dog's daily routine, please feel free to visit our link here! Soothe + Calm Stress Supplements
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