- โฑ๏ธ 7 min read
- ๐ถ Dogs
- ๐ฑ Cats
- โ๏ธ Options compared
- ๐ฆ Holiday hosting
You are hosting this year, and your pet does not love a crowd. You have seen calming chews everywhere, and you have also seen owners call them a waste of money. Before you buy anything, you want to know what a chew can really do on a busy holiday afternoon, and what else might help more.
The honest answer from Petstone: results from calming chews vary a lot from pet to pet. A chew may help support calmer behavior for a known event, but it works best next to a quiet room, a plan for your guests and a talk with your vet. This guide compares the main options so you can choose by your own dog or cat.
Quick answer
- Calming chews have no standardized formula, and pet supplements are not tested to the same standard as human ones, according to the AKC.
- Some owners notice a calmer pet; others notice no change. Try one on a quiet day before the big day.
- Follow the label timing. UBACALM, for example, is given 30 to 60 minutes before a known event.
- A quiet retreat room and calm guests help every pet, with or without a chew.
- See your vet for anxiety that is persistent, severe or getting worse.
Do calming chews work, and what do they not do?
Calming chews are soft treats that contain ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, ginger root, L-tryptophan, L-theanine and thiamine. The American Kennel Club notes that research usually looks at single ingredients, not finished products, and that there is no standardized formula across brands.
So the fair answer is "sometimes". A chew is a gentle extra, not a fix. The AKC says calming treats should be paired with training, enrichment and routine, and that some dogs need prescription medicine from a vet.
๐ Pros of calming chews
- Easy to give: most pets take them like a treat
- Can be timed for a known event, such as guests arriving
- Some are made for both dogs and cats
- No plug, collar or setup needed
๐ Cons of calming chews
- Results vary, and some pets show no change
- Some pets refuse a chew after the first try
- They add calories and can contain ingredients some pets react to, such as beef
- They do not teach your pet anything; training and setup still matter
๐ฏ Best for: pets with mild unease around a predictable event, alongside a quiet room and a calm plan.
Calming chew, diffuser, quiet room or vet: which suits your pet?
Most pets do best with a mix. Use this table to match each option to your situation.
| Option | How it helps | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calming chew | Given ahead of an event, at the time the label states | Known events like guests, car rides, fireworks | Results vary; check ingredients and calories |
| Pheromone diffuser | Plugs in and stays on in one room | Ongoing support at home and pop-in visits | Needs to be set up ahead and refilled |
| Quiet retreat room | Gives your pet a safe place away from the noise | Every pet, especially cats who hide | Water, bed and, for cats, a litter box inside |
| Chew toy or lick mat | Gives your pet a calm job to do | Dogs that need to settle on a mat | Supervise; pick a size that suits your pet |
| Exercise before guests | A long walk or play session can tire a pet out | Energetic dogs and playful cats | Plan it shortly before guests arrive |
| Vet-prescribed medicine | Your vet chooses a short-acting option for the event | Pets with strong or lasting fear | Book the visit well before the holiday |
The quiet room, a long walk beforehand and checking in with your vet all come from Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine. For a closer look at diffusers, see Petstone's guide Diffuser vs Calming Treats vs Thundershirt vs Comfort Toys.
What to check on a calming chew label
- Species: is it made for dogs, cats or both?
- Active ingredients and amounts per chew, listed clearly
- Flavor and base ingredients, if your pet is sensitive to beef, chicken or dairy
- A dose chart by weight and a clear daily maximum
- Timing directions for known events
- Calories per chew, if your pet is watching their weight
The AKC adds that labels like "all-natural" do not guarantee safety, so read past the front of the pack.
According to UBAVET, each 2 g beef-flavored chew contains chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, ginger root, thiamine, colostrum, L-tryptophan and L-theanine, at 8 kcal per chew. It is made for dogs and cats, with one weight chart from 1 to 6 chews a day, given 30 to 60 minutes before a known event.
See the UBACALM soft chewsFor the full weight chart, pack sizes and who should skip it, read UBACALM Soft Chews for Dogs and Cats: Dosing, Timing and Fit.
How to try a calming chew before the holiday
Testing on a calm day tells you two things: whether your pet will eat the chew, and how they act afterward.
- Ask your vet first if your pet takes other medicine or has a health condition.
- Pick a quiet day a week or so before the event.
- Give the label amount for your pet's weight, 30 to 60 minutes before a small, mild trigger, such as one visitor or a short car ride.
- Watch and note how your pet eats, settles and moves over the next few hours.
- Change one thing at a time, such as timing, so you can tell what made the difference.
Owners describe very mixed results. Some say a chew before company leaves their dog more relaxed but not sleepy. Others say their pet treats it as a snack and nothing changes, and a few say their pet would not eat the same chew a second time. That is why a quiet-day test matters.
Safety: other medicines, sensitivities and when to see a vet
- Before starting any calming chew, as the AKC advises
- If your pet takes other medicine or has a health condition
- If fear is persistent, severe or getting worse, or your pet growls, snaps or stops eating
- If your pet hides for long periods or tries to escape the house
Your vet can suggest a plan that fits your pet, including short-acting medicine for an event if needed.
Shop this guide at Petstone
Options for a calmer holiday, from chews to a plug-in diffuser.
UBAVETUBACALM Calming Soft ChewsFor dogs and cats facing a known event.View product
PetstoneDog Calming Diffuser KitFor dogs who need support in one room all week.View product
SodaPupAutumn eMat Lick MatA calm licking job for dogs and cats while guests settle in.View product
๐ Buy any 2 items and save 5%, applied automatically at checkout. Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Related Petstone guides
FAQ
How long do calming chews take to work?
It depends on the product, so follow the label. UBACALM, for example, is given 30 to 60 minutes before a known event. The AKC notes that how long the effect lasts also varies by formula.
Are calming chews safe for cats?
Only use a chew labeled for cats, at the dose for your cat's weight, and ask your vet first. Never give a cat a dog-only product.
Can I combine a calming chew with a diffuser?
Many owners use more than one approach, such as a diffuser in the quiet room plus a chew before guests arrive. Check with your vet before combining products if your pet takes other medicine.
What if a calming chew does nothing for my pet?
Some pets show no change. Focus on the quiet room, calm guests and exercise beforehand, and ask your vet about other options, including prescription medicine for events.
Sources
- AKC: Dog Calming Treats: Uses and Alternatives (common ingredients, no standardized formula, supplement testing, "all-natural" labels, talk to your vet first)
- Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine: Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips (quiet retreat, exercise before guests, vet options for anxious pets)
- UBAVET: UBACALM Soft Chews product page (UBACALM ingredients and calories)
Prepared by the Petstone team from product information, brand specifications and common owner questions, drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a person before publishing.