Top 6 Best Calming Collars for Dogs in 2023

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

– Dog pheromone collars are proven effective against dog anxiety; they're also cheaper and much safer compared to other invasive procedures

– A dog calming collar's effectiveness depends on the individual dog; hence, the average and mixed reviews on the brands listed below

– We have included 6 of the best dog collars we have found online and tried to our test dogs

Dogs of different breeds can get anxious at some point.

Throughout the years, scientists have studied different types of treatments for it.

Luckily, they found out that calming collars for dogs are extremely effective at reducing fear and anxiety!

If you're wondering, there are two types of calming dog collars: One that uses pheromones and another that uses natural essential oils and aromatherapy.

But bear in mind that calming collars could work for some dogs but only up to a certain extent.

Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for the website FiveBarks, said, “Collars work best for those who are mildly anxious and need minimal external help. For a dog with severe anxiety, a collar is not likely to have much effect.”

This could mean that if the collar didn't get the desired output, a more serious intervention, including a ‘prescribed anxiolytic medicine and behavioral modification programs,' might be needed.

But if you want to give it a go for your anxious pup, you better scroll down!

In this article, we have listed the six best calming dog collars that we find most effective for our pets.

We have also discussed:

• how dog calming collars work
• how effective is it
• how to choose the best one for your dog
• how to use a dog calming collar

Let's get to it!

Jump to the 6 Best Calming Collars for Dogs reviewed in this article:

1. Adaptil DAP Collar
2. Tllcka Calming Collar for Dogs
3. Adaptil Junior for Puppies
4. Sentry Calming Collar
5. Nurturecalm 24/7 Canine Calming Pheromone Collar
6. ThunderEase Calming Anti-Anxiety Pheromone Collar for Dogs 

How Do Calming Collars for Dogs Work?

A dog calming collar is designed to soothe anxiety and fear regardless of the source.

The collar's effectiveness in different situations will depend entirely on the animal.

As we have mentioned above, there are two types of calming collars for dogs.

Aromatherapy dog collars are natural and do not use chemicals to calm dogs.

They are also less popular and have yet to be studied well, but many pet owners find that a few have been very effective.

As the name implies, they use essential oils with scents proven relaxing in humans and dogs, too.

Lavender is one good example of a calming aroma for canines.

The other and more popular choice is a pheromone collar for dogs (a.k.a DAP or Dog Appeasing Pheromone collar).

Most veterinarians use and recommend them. And unlike natural collars, they've been scientifically proven to work (Landsberg, 2015).

Today, we know that pheromones also affect their physiology and behavior.

DAP collars mimic the pheromone naturally released by a mother dog to calm down her puppies.

All canines will recognize this throughout their lives because that's how all mammals are wired.

Cool, right?

The Effectiveness of a Dog-Calming Collar

We currently don't have any conclusive evidence yet on the effectiveness of aromatherapy-based calming collars for dogs.

Still, anecdotal evidence is there, and many pet owners and veterinarians report great results with some of them.

So, if you want to give them a go, do it by all means!

On the other hand, a dog pheromone collar has a stronger backing to it.

There is a large number of research on how effective Dog Appeasing Pheromones are for helping canines deal with anxiety and fear.

For example, these calming dog collars have been proven to:

• Help with kenneling anxiety in shelter dogs (Tod et al. 2005)
• Relieve stress in dogs during vet visits (Siracusa et al. 2010)
• Help with nausea and other car travel problems in dogs (Estelles et al. 2006)
• Treat separation anxiety in dogs (Gaultier et al. 2005)
• Reducing fear and anxiety in puppies during training and socialization (Denenberg et al. 2008)
• Treat anxiety of isolated or newly adopted puppies (Gaultier et al. 2008)
• Relieve stress and fear in dogs during fireworks (Sheppard et al. 2003)

These are just examples of scientific literature on the effectiveness of pheromone collars for dogs.

And you'd be pleased to know that many more studies are available!

But why the bad Dog Calming Collar reviews?

If you talk to some pet owners or look at some pheromone dog collar reviews, you'll notice a pattern.

Some commend the effectiveness, while others say they didn't make any difference.

So, how come there's a large number of research showing the effectiveness of these collars?

The reason is that the effectiveness of Dog Appeasing Pheromones, and thereby any calming collar for dogs, will depend entirely on the animal.

Some dogs react well to them and will be highly affected, while others will experience only mild effects or none at all.

There's no way to know other than to try and observe the effects for at least one month.

You may also need to try several options until you find what works!

The bottom line is that DAP collars are still one of the very few treatments currently proven to work against anxiety, which only works in some cases.

And these best calming collars for dogs may be the cheapest option for pet owners.

There are other ways, such as anxiety vests (which have been studied, but the evidence is still not there) and more intrusive options like anxiety medication (which can have more side effects).

How to Choose the Best Dog Calming Collar for Your Pet

When picking the best calming collar for dogs, decide between the two types we have discussed above: aromatherapy or pheromone.

For an aromatherapy dog calming collar, pay attention to how long the collar will last (3 months longevity is top of the line) and what type of herbs have been used to make up the collar.

The product's page should have all those details.

For a dog pheromone collar, you also want to look at longevity, but most importantly, pay attention to the DAP composition in the ingredients list.

This number shows how much Dog Appeasing Pheromone is used, thereby, how effective it will be.

The higher the number, the stronger the pheromone mimic release.

Most pheromone dog collars use low concentration levels (average 0.02%) and aren't that effective.

Most of the best calming dog collars with DAP last no longer than four weeks.

Also, don't forget to find a proper fit once you choose a good, calming collar for a dog.

Picking the right size and ensuring it fits properly is vital to how effective a pet calming collar will be on your pooch.

How to Use a Dog-Calming Collar

Once you've picked the best dog-calming collar and found the right fit, the actual use of it is effortless and straightforward.

Directions for use:

1. Please take the dog calming collar out of its original packaging and remove everything from it (all tabs, etc.)
2. Bend the buckle in half between the holes in the buckle.
3. Wrap the calming collar around your dog's neck and feed it through the holes.
4. The collar must feel a little loose to allow movement around the dog's neck (again, see the above-linked guide on fitting a dog collar properly).
5. That's it. Remember to wash your hands afterward.

Below are the six picks of top-rated calming collars for dogs we liked the most.

The Best Calming Collar for Dogs Brands

1ADAPTIL D.A.P Collar
by Adaptil

Find it on Amazon | Find it on Chewy
Type: Pheromones
Longevity: 4 weeks
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

One of the well-known brand names among the best calming collars for dogs on our list is also often vet-recommended.

Dogs with a difficult life – such as abused dogs, street dogs, and those rescued from shelters – often show aggressive behavior and other stress-related issues due to years of trauma.

Introducing this collar will greatly ease their transition to a happier life, which is actually when veterinarians recommend it.

The pheromone-releasing quality of this collar remains potent for up to 4 weeks.

And since this is designed as a collar, it works closer to the dog and does its job uninterrupted for about a month.

Having our test dog wear the collar, he could better adapt to the social situations in a dog park, which was impossible before.

However, I'd like to point out that the improvement may only be apparent for some dog owners after a month of continuous use.

If you see no signs of betterment, the collar is likely ineffective, particularly for your Fido.

But in most cases, it's expected to work quickly and help dogs peacefully ride in cars, making them more sociable and less frightened of strange faces and sounds.

PROS: Mimics the natural pheromones released by mother dogs when they're nurturing their puppies Effective for up to 4 weeks Fits dog with neck size of about 25″ or smaller

CONS: It may take about a month for this collar to be effective for some dogs Depending on the dog's skin/fur, in rare instances, this collar may irritate a dog's neck, causing a rash (supervise)

2Calming Collar for Dogs
by Tllcka

Find it on Amazon | Unavailable on Chewy
Type: Pheromone and Aromatherapy
Longevity: up to 2 months
Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Our second best choice is a pheromone-based dog calming collar, which contains essential oils proven effective in calming canines.

It contains lavender and chamomile essential oils to help relieve tension and anxiety.

This dog pheromone collar from Tllcka is hypoallergenic and is made of high-quality TPE material.

While it could last up to 60 days, changing them every four weeks is still recommended for best results.

Since it's 25 inches long, it can fit dogs from small to extra large. Just trim the excess after properly fitting it on your Fido.

This DAP collar is also available in two colors: purple or grey.

If you've already tried pheromone dog collars and were disappointed, this may be the best calming collar for dogs in your household.

If you don’t let it go wet and keep it in a sealed plastic bag when not in use, this collar could last even longer and be potent.

Our dogs also smelled like calming tea and weren't complaining about that.

PROS: All-natural composition Has both pheromone chemicals and calming essential oils Available in 2 color options Lasts for at least 2 months

CONS: Was not effective for all dogs The smell is particular and strong, and some may not like it

3 Adaptil Junior for Puppies by Adaptil

Find it on Amazon | Unavailable on Chewy
Type: Pheromones
Longevity: 4 weeks
Rating: 3.3 out of 5

As our third-best calming collar for dogs, this collar is the best option for puppies.

It is the only dog-calming collar mentioned here that works specifically for our younger furry ones.

Adaptil JR's collar, like other pheromone dog collars, will modify the behavior of stress-related origins and is somewhat effective.

This collar contains pheromones slowly released over 30 days.

The lavender chamomile scent adds to the overall soothing effect of the collar.

The collar is long enough for a 6″ neck circumference with a few extra inches to spare.

If worn continuously, this popular dog calming collar will help normalize a pup's reaction to usual stress triggers, providing a reassuring atmosphere for the dog.

Adaptil Jr.'s Calming Collar is a humane substitute that small puppies immediately sense in the absence of a protective mother.

PROS: Mimics the natural pheromones released by mother dogs when they're nurturing their puppies Effective for 4 weeks Lavender and chamomile scent Fits puppies with a 6″ neck circumference

CONS: The smell of this third calming collar for dogs was too overpowering It was not effective for every pet

4Sentry Calming Collar
by SENTRY Pet Care

Find it on Amazon | Find it on Chewy
Type: Pheromones
Longevity: 4 weeks
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Sentry is a well-known pet healthcare brand, but their pheromone dog collar isn't their best product.

Ranking only as the fourth-best calming collar for dogs on our list, this DAP collar has a minuscule 0.02% DAP composition.

It's currently the most popular and best-selling dog calming collar on Amazon and Chewy, with many reviews.

This collar was developed through the Good Behavior Pheromone technology to release pheromones similar to those naturally released by mother dogs as they nurture their puppies.

The controlled release is sustained over 30 days, which is the approximate time the collar stays effective.

The Sentry's calming collar has a lavender chamomile scent, which adds a soothing effect, too.

It's made of a stretchy material and has a buckle that fastens to a good fit.

Because of its low DAP concentration, it can still be used as part of a holistic behavior modification program. It's a more popular choice among dog trainers.

Other than for training, it's also a popular choice for thunderstorms or fireworks anxiety in dogs.

PROS: Developed to release pheromones similar to those naturally released by mother dogs as they nurture their pups Effective for about 30 days Lavender/chamomile scent

CONS: Low DAP concentration It won't be effective for all dogs Our buckle broke early while we were putting the collar on our dog

524/7 Canine Calming Pheromone Collar
by Nurturecalm

Find it on Amazon | Find it on Chewy
Type: Pheromones
Composition: DAP 0.02%
Longevity: 4 weeks
Rating: 3.6 out of 5

Nurturecalm 24/7 Calming Pheromone Collar is an option you may want to consider if none of the above worked for whatever reason.

It's slightly more expensive than other brands and has a low DAP concentration.

According to the company, this dog calming collar works round the clock to help anxious dogs settle down, but there's nothing new in its design we have yet to see in other collars.

Unlike plug-in pheromone diffusers, the pheromone collar stays on the dog wherever it goes, making the collar more effective.

The Nurturecalm collar comfortably fits dog necks of up to 23 inches in circumference.

Like the natural dog pheromone that dogs associate with the nurturing they experienced from their mothers, this pheromone calms and reassures them through stressful situations.

Nurturecalm calming collar did, in fact, help lessen stress and modify our dog's behavior.

We also liked that it can be paired with and work alongside anxiety vests.

However, be cautious that the collar must always be kept dry and very sensitive to water.

When bathing the dog, it must be removed to prolong its effectiveness. This is a drawback when going outdoors with a potential for rain.

We suggest that the Nurturecalm calming dog collar be kept as a closer fit around the dog’s neck but not too tight.

One finger (not the usual two) must easily slip between the collar and the dog’s skin.

It removed their edginess, and therapy has become easier to carry out in tested dogs.

PROS: Fits dogs with a neck circumference up to 28.” Releases pheromones similar to those naturally released by mother dogs Effective for up to 30 days

CONS: Very low DAP concentration Sensitive to water, not suitable for outdoors in high humidity, and getting the collar wet will reduce its effectiveness Not effective for all pets

6

Calming Anti-Anxiety Pheromone Collar for Dogs by ThunderEase

Find it on Amazon | Unavailable on Chewy
Type: Pheromones
Longevity: 4 weeks
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The newest addition to our list of best dog-calming collars is another DAP collar with a 5% appeasing pheromones concentration and other ingredients.

Like the others, the ThunderEase dog collar was designed to replicate the mother dog's pheromones, which works similarly to others.

In fact, some veterinarians are beginning to recommend this one.

No wonder because this is powered by Adaptil.

This collar is available in two sizes: small (14 inches) and large (24 inches).

This collar worked within about a day's use in our tested dog.

However, other pet owners report different times—anywhere from one hour to 1 week to no effectiveness at all.

PROS: Average DAP concentration Vet recommended Designed to replicate the pheromones nursing dogs secrete Adjustable size Releases pheromones similar to those naturally released by mother dogs Effective for up to 30 days

CONS: Not going to work for every dog

FAQs about Dog Calming Collars

How do you calm an anxious dog?

Calming an anxious dog requires patience, understanding, and a gentle approach.

Here are some tips for calming an anxious dog:

1. Identify the cause of the anxiety
2. Provide a safe and secure environment
3. Use calming techniques such as massage, aromatherapy, and music
4. Use positive reinforcement such as treats and praise
5. Consult with a veterinarian

It's important to approach your dog with patience and understanding and to work with them to develop a plan that helps them feel safe, secure, and calm.

What are the side effects of calming collars for dogs?

While calming dog collars are generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential side effects to be aware of.

Some dogs may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the collar material or the pheromones.

Others may also experience a decrease in appetite or lethargy.

What's important is to monitor your dog closely while they are wearing the collar (especially for first-timers!)

Consult with a veterinarian if you notice any concerning side effects.

Lastly, follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure the collar is properly fitted and adjusted for your dog's size and breed.

Can you use a calming collar on a puppy?

Sure, calming collars can be used on puppies.

However, follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a veterinarian before using calming products on your puppy.

Puppies have delicate skin and may be more sensitive to collar material or pheromones, so monitoring your puppy closely for any signs of irritation or allergic reactions is important.

Additionally, puppies may have different needs and require other calming products than adult dogs.

It's important to work with a veterinarian to develop a plan for managing your puppy's anxiety and to ensure that any products you use are safe and appropriate for their age and size.

Using the Best Calming Collars for Dogs: Before You Go…

Related Articles:

• The Best Dog Anxiety Vests
• 12 Best Dog Anxiety Medications: Over-the-Counter and Calming Supplements For Dogs
• 6 Tips on Using Over-the-Counter Dog Anxiety Medication
• Dog Sedatives For Anxiety During Grooming
• Study: Dogs Are The Best Natural Anti-Anxiety Treatment

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