by Team WellJoy
“Not long after we adopted Pippa, we noticed that she was scared of strangers. By keeping an eye on her body language, giving her the space she needed and introducing some of her favorite treats, we’ve gradually helped her understand that new people aren’t so scary after all. Now she loves the postman almost more than she loves us.”
For some pets, it might simply be genetics, while for others it could be traumatic experiences, ongoing stress, or even medical problems (be sure to rule this out together with your veterinarian). Cats, in particular, are very sensitive to changes in their environment or routine. Whatever the cause, anxiety is an emotional response that your pet doesn’t have control over.
That anxiety can show up in different ways, including emotional signals such as being restless, antisocial or hypervigilant as well as everyday behaviors like overgrooming, hiding or being destructive.
As a Pet Loyalist, it can be challenging to see pets struggling, but it is possible to help. Embracing consistent routines, encouraging them to use their natural instincts, and introducing a supplement like WellJoy Calming+ for Cats and for Dogs can all make a difference.
Are there any ground rules to make for anxious pets?
Pets are happiest when they have a regular, safe routine and they know what’s happening next. If you have an anxious cat or dog, the first step can be committing to a really consistent schedule, so they can understand what each day looks like.
Ensure they have their own safe space at all times, whether that’s a bed or a quiet room they can retreat to if things are getting too much. Cat Loyalists should make sure there’s plenty of up-high spots, like cat trees or shelves, while Dog Loyalists might want to set up a cosy crate.
Tapping into natural behaviors like sniffing or licking can also help reduce anxiety. Cats love play that lets them mimic hunting behavior, while dogs often enjoy foraging and using their nose.
Are calming supplements worth investing in?
Supplements, like WellJoy’s Calming+ for Cat and for Dogs, can help to support anxious pets. They aren’t a standalone solution, but by combining them with other strategies, they can take the edge off, and help your pet cope more easily.
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How do WellJoy’s calming supplements work?
Calming supplements support your pet’s nervous system, helping them feel more relaxed. WellJoy Calming+ supplements contain ingredients chosen to have a direct calming effect:
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Valerian Root: this helps to reduce stress signals by promoting relaxation, and reducing nervous system excitability.
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Melatonin: this natural hormone is part of the normal sleeping cycle, and promotes a sense of calm to help pets settle.
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L-Theanine: this amino acid increases calming neurotransmitters in pets’ brains.
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Ashwagandha: this supports the stress response, and may improve resilience to ongoing stress.
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L-Tryptophan: this is a precursor to serotonin, and helps support your pet’s general mood.
These ingredients all work together to help pets feel calmer without making them feel drowsy or sedated.
Importantly, all WellJoy supplements contain a foundational layer of gut support –our GutBoost® biotic blend. This contributes to a healthy, balanced microbiome, something that can also positively influence pets’ mood and behavior, as well as powering up the calming-specific ingredients.
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Do pets, especially anxious ones, like taking supplements?
WellJoy is proud to say our supplements are pet-loved! Tested by pets, and loved by Pet Loyalists, because they taste good and do good.
Here are some words from the cat and dogs’ mouths aka their Pet Loyalists’ words of support for WellJoy…
"Not only does my cat love these Calming+ chews, they’re effective as well! I’ve noticed my cat’s usual skittish demeanor has calmed down significantly after finishing a container of WellJoy Calming+. These are definitely a repurchase in my household."
Megan P - Cat Loyalist
"Love at first bite! The Dobies really enjoyed the Calming + Gutboost. We're very particular about what we give our Dobies, they live as close to an Organic lifestyle as we do so the WellJoy products were very fitting for us! We utilized the Calming + Gutboost to help sooth the separation anxiety many Dobermans suffer from which allowed us to feel more confident going on date nights"
Alex Kotowski - Dog Loyalist
What else can I do?
Helping an anxious pet requires a multi-pronged approach (and a lot of patience). If you’ve already ruled out any medical problems with your veterinarian, and set up a stable routine, you’re probably wondering what else you can do.
Dog Loyalists might want to enlist the help of a professional dog trainer, or take a training class. This can help identify the signs of anxiety – which can sometimes be subtle – to better understand when a pet is showing those signals, and when to intervene.
Gradual desensitization can also help pets with specific anxieties, by exposing them to triggers at tiny, manageable levels and gradually building up from there:
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For pets that don’t like being alone
It’s heartbreaking to check the pet camera, and see your pet crying, pacing, or nervously sitting by the door.
You can build their independence in small, incremental steps. Start by leaving them for a minute or two, and as they get used to the idea, extend those absences gradually. Be calm and low-key when you leave and return, and consider leaving a food puzzle or delicious chew, so they develop positive associations with alone time.
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For pets that are sensitive to noise
Fireworks, thunderstorms and even normal household sounds can all unsettle pets. If you know scary noises are coming up, make sure your cat or dog has a safe, den-like space like a covered crate or a quiet room. White noise or calming music can help filter out unexpected noises as well.
Importantly, always allow your pet to hide if they choose to, and never insist they ‘face’ the noise, as this can make them more fearful. To help your pet over the long-term, you can play very low levels of noises and pair it with positive reinforcement, to gradually desensitize.
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For pets that are nervous of strangers
In these situations, it’s essential your pet sets the pace. Give them the chance to observe from a distance, and decide if and when they’d like to say hello. Pet Loyalists should be ready to step in, to prevent strangers from approaching a cat or dog that is feeling unsure or threatened.
Letting strangers gently toss treats, or rewarding your pet for calm behavior, can create positive associations, and slowly build confidence.
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For pets that are unsure of children or busy environments
Sudden movements and loud noises can be frightening for pets, and children in particular can be unpredictable. They might love the idea of hugs, but this is often stressful for an animal.
In this situation, it’s helpful to teach children how to behave calmly, and how to recognize pet body language. Always let your pet decide whether they’re ready to interact, and when they’d like time to themselves. Over time, keeping these interactions positive and unstressful can build trust and reduce fear.
An ode to patient Pet Loyalists
Helping an anxious pet takes time, care and sometimes a lot of dedication. So if you’re helping your cat learn to love strangers, or carefully showing your dog that being alone isn’t so bad after all, well done. Persevering can make a world of difference to your pet.
“The goal isn’t to change who your pet is. It’s to help them feel safe and supported in their world. For many pets, that means managing anxiety so they can live comfortably and confidently. Some pets are naturally more sensitive, but with the right approach, we can almost always make meaningful improvements in how they feel day to day.”
Kathryn Miller DVM, CVFT, CPFFCP, CVNAN, PCQI, PAS Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners.
We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.
