🐾 Anti-Anxiety Products for Cats and Dogs
Helping Pets Feel Safe, Calm and in Control
Just like people, cats and dogs can experience anxiety. Some have short-lived phobias; others feel unsettled for weeks or months due to changes in their environment or routine.
😟 Common Triggers
Short-term fears or phobias:
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Thunderstorms ⛈️
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Loud renovation noises (like nail guns) 🔨
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Separation anxiety (fear of being left alone)
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Fear of unfamiliar people or animals
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Trips to unfamiliar places, including the vet
Longer-term anxiety:
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Moving house
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Changes in household members or pets
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Environmental disruption or illness
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we’re often asked for products that help reduce anxiety in pets. While many unproven options are available online, we only recommend evidence-based products that we know can help.
🧴 Products That May Help
🐱 Feliway® Diffuser – For Cats
A synthetic version of the calming facial pheromone cats produce when rubbing their cheeks on furniture or people.
Useful for cats who are:
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Hiding or withdrawn
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Spraying or toileting inappropriately
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Fighting with other cats
Plug into the main room where your cat spends time. Combine with safe hiding spaces and calm handling. We use Feliway® ourselves in the Pittwater Cat Hospital to help reduce stress.
🐶 Adaptil® Collar – For Dogs
Releases a pheromone similar to the one released by a mother dog when nursing.
Best for:
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New puppies adjusting to a home
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Dogs meeting for the first time
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Mild anxiety or new routines
Each collar lasts about one month. Especially useful alongside training and enrichment (taught in our Puppy School classes).
🧥 ThunderShirts®
These vest-like garments apply gentle, constant pressure to your dog’s chest—like a calming hug.
Helpful for:
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Thunderstorm phobia
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Noise sensitivity
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General anxiety
Train your dog to wear the shirt during calm times, so they don’t associate it only with scary events. Storm preparation using weather apps can also help.
🥛 Zylkene® – Natural Support
A capsule supplement made from milk protein (casein) believed to help calm young animals.
Good for:
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Temporary stress (e.g., boarding or travel)
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Introducing a new pet
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Cats moving house
Mix into food daily starting a few days before a stressful event.
💊 Prescription Behaviour Medications
Prescription anxiety medications may be appropriate for some pets, especially those experiencing ongoing distress. These require a consultation and physical examination with one of our veterinarians.
Dr Jill King has a special interest in behaviour, and all our vets are happy to guide you through available options and any necessary behaviour modification plans.
Need Advice?
We can help tailor a calming strategy for your pet.
📞 Call us on 9913 7979
📧 Or email reception@pittvets.au
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Make an Appointment with the Vet →
