Natural Dog and Cat Anxiety Treatment
Pet Remedy Essential Oils Spray and Diffuser Review
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored review. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Nutter
As a professional pet behavior counselor, I see a lot of scared dogs and fearful cats. It’s sad, really. I, too, have been in this boat with my golden retriever, Theo. He suffered from dog separation anxiety and he was scared of thunder and storms. It can be really tough emotionally on the human and furry family. Luckily, dog and cat anxiety treatment is available.
I take a multi-pronged approach with each pet, whether I’m working with a client or my own pets. There are five main pillars that I address with my clients.
- Veterinary Health Check
- Management
- Behavior Modification
- Food Therapy
- Natural Calming Aids
Within the natural calming aids pillar, some of the remedies we look at can include aromatherapy, homeopathic remedies, various massage techniques, acupuncture, flower essences, calming wraps, vitamins, or calming music.
Today, I will discuss one of the products I recommend to clients and use with my own pets, Pet Remedy. Pet Remedy is a special blend of various essential oils used to help relax and calm an anxious or stressed pet.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Valerian is an herb commonly used for sleep disorders and restlessness. This herb helps to calm the nervous system and acts as a mild sedative, without decreasing reaction time. Approximately 5% of people respond to Valerian with hyperactivity. This herb has a distinct ‘musk-like’ smell.
- Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides): Vetiver is commonly used in calming blends offering a centering and grounding effect. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies states that Vetiver has a soothing effect and can help someone recover from a severe strain, shock, fear, or panic.
- Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilcum): Basil oil is a good tonic for treating nervous disorders and stress-related headaches, migraines, and allergies. It is helpful for restoring the mind’s focus and clarity.
- Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia): Spanish Sage offers a general relaxant effect. The herb can be used to help with nervousness and excitability.
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If you have read any of my reviews in the past, you know I don’t just stop with the helpful ingredients in a product. I provide the entire ingredient panel for your review.
- Pet Remedy Spray Ingredients: valerian oil, vetiver oil, basil oil, sage oil and water (pH neutral)
- Pet Remedy Diffuser Ingredients: valerian oil, vetiver oil, basil oil, sage oil, inert carrier oil (Augeo) and water (pH neutral)
But does Pet Remedy work with scared dogs or fearful cats?
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I have been using Pet Remedy with success for my own pets for quite some time. I first started using Pet Remedy with our family’s new rescue kitty, Delilah, about 3 years ago. Currently, I use Pet Remedy with Dexter.
Delilah’s story and experience: Delilah was rescued from a local cat shelter as a kitten. She came into our home very stressed and lacking any confidence. We started to use Pet Remedy by spraying her bedding and a few toys that were around the house. Delilah would always gravitate to the items that were sprayed. Whenever she lay next to the bed or the toys, it seemed to help her come out into the main part of the home. We did also add confidence-boosting flower essences to her daily routine, along with play therapy.
Now, she’s been part of the family for three years and still is not totally confident, but she is no longer fearful or stressed. Whenever we have a home event that is a bit stressful for her (family gatherings, home improvements, etc.), we spray her bedding with Pet Remedy.
Dexter’s story and experience: Dexter has no fear. He is one of the most confident dogs I know, and his fearless personality is a true blessing. However, he does have a neurological condition, and on days that his disease is a bit more painful, he scratches his head a bit obsessively because of discomfort. He also has seasonal allergies, and some days he just wants to dig at his feet.
These are the times that I use our Pet Remedy spray. I spray my hands and do a once-over rub around Dexter’s head and neck. He quickly settles down and relaxes—no more scratching or digging. The calming effects of the essential oils help to soothe and ease Dexter’s mind.
I’m definitely a fan of the Pet Remedy spray. They also have a calming plug-in diffuser. The diffuser works in a 650 square foot room, and lasts about 8 weeks. If Delilah still had ongoing anxiety, I would definitely consider using the diffuser in her bedroom. When I started using this product, I was unaware of the diffuser.
I will continue to use it for my own pets and will continue to recommend the product to my clients working with pet anxiety. If you have a pet with anxiety, I urge you to seek professional help to learn how to help your pet cope and build up confidence. You can safely add Pet Remedy to your training program with confidence.
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References:
- DVM Kidd, Randy (2000 ) Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care
- Plants Journal
- Bell, Kristen Leigh (2002) Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals
Have you used essential oils with your pets? Tell me in the comments.
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Sadly, our Milo is up in heaven now, but when he was with us he had SUCH bad anxiety. He was a rescue, so I don’t know if it was just his personality or something happened before we got him.
Oh, Robin. I’m so sorry to hear about Milo. Pets can have extreme stress from their past and uncertainty. <3
I have a pet German Shepherd and she is usually quite confident and outgoing. The only time she gets funny is around new people that come to the house. In particular young boys, she’s find with girls. But often hides under the table or in our bedroom if my younger boy cousins come around. Will have to look into this spray as it looks like it might be something she could benefit from.
Hi, Amanda. Thanks for the comment. I would certainly add the Pet Remedy spray. The nice thing about the spray is you can use as needed. Here’s also a search of my blog on fear, I write a lot about the topic. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=fearful
I love that there are natural treatments for our pets. We used to have a dog who was so anxious when it came to thunderstorms!
I am so sorry. My golden, Theo was extremely fearful when it came to thunderstorms. I have a few articles that might help. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=thunder
Our dog lets out nervous farts when she is anxious. This is usually when we leave her in the car for even a short time.
Oh, no. At least it’s farts and not diarrhea!
Oh this is really interesting with bonfire night coming up, my dog gets really anxious! I’ll be looking this up!
Oh, no! Bonfire night doesn’t sound fun for an anxious dog. I’d definitely suggest giving Pet Remedy a go.
I’d definitely want to do everything I could to make my pets feel safe and calm. I think diffusing some Pet Remedy would be helpful!
Thanks, Liz. I’m with you. I add everything that is safe into the mix.
It is so wonderful that there are more options out there now to help our doggies (and cats) with anxiety. They also get sad, anxious and have feelings.
Thanks, Brandy. Yes, our pets are very emotional and complex beings. <3
Aw bless them, having anxiety as a dog or cat must be hard as they might struggle to communicate how they feel. Valerian sounds like an ideal remedy if they need to sleep but need to be soothed first.
It’s terrible to watch our pets in distress. I’m just glad there are natural solutions to help. 🙂
I have three dogs. Oddly enough, the two rescue dogs are pretty calm while the purebred is anxious and scared of everything.
🙂 Ya, you never know who may have anxiety.
Wow, I didn’t know that they made these products for pets. I’m going to recommend this to my brother-in-law who has a cat.
Hi, Anita. So glad to share with you and that you are sharing with your brother. 🙂
The only essential oil product I have ever tried was one for my dog. It was supposed to calm him in the car but it did absolutely nothing each time I tried it so I threw it out.
Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error. I will say, that most calming aids don’t fix problems without the other 5 things being addressed.
Wow that is so interesting! As a human with severe anxiety issues I use a lot of these for myself. I wonder if my diffuser is having a positive impact on my dog I didn’t know about! I am a huge fan of valerian drops. They really help me get to sleep every night. I never thought of using a spray … and never thought of using it for my dog. Very cool. Montecristo is pretty chill as it is but I am tucking this info for use should the need arise.
Thanks, Sonja. Yes, your diffuser can be assisting your pets. Assuming they are oils that are safe for pets, some are not. I’m one of the 5% with the valerian, pills keep me up. Never thought about drops. hmmmm
It’s good to know this Pet Remedy spray worked so well for both your cat and dog. I had no idea Sweet Basil has benefits like relieving migraines. It always amazes me the wonder advantages natural remedies have for us and our pets. I love that this comes in a room diffuser option too. Very convenient for pet parents.
Thanks, Kamira. Yes, when I read that, I actually now know to try Pet Remedy for myself for headaches! I’ve used other oils for me, but this would be very convenient. 🙂
This article came at the perfect time for me. My cat will be making a few trips to the vet, which are always so stressful for her. This is a product I’m definitely going to check out. Thanks for sharing a great review.
Great. Oh, the vet trip for kitties can be so stressful. I would introduce the spray first, then add it to their travel bedding.
I’m so glad that Pet Remedy has been able to help Delilah and now Dexter. I love that it’s made with such natural ingredients too! I’ll definitely keep this in mind!
Thanks, Debbie. Yes, I feel safe using Pet Remedy as often as needed. 🙂
I have heard such good things about Pet Remedy. A couple of my kitties could definitely benefit from the diffuser! Thanks for sharing!
You bet!
Do you think it would work if I used the spray on my dog before taking her a ride or a walk? She’s fine at home, but she gets really stressed out in the real world.
Hi, Beth. Absolutely! I am assuming you are working on behavior modification along with her walks. Here are some other training tips- https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=anxiety+
I will have to look for this spray for Henry and Jack. One is under the bed, and the other paces continuously during thunder storms.
Oh, so sorry. I can totally relate. Although, my golden wanted to escape. It’s very scary. Here are some other articles on thunder phobia- https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=thunder
Pet Remedy looks like a great product. The video was very helpful – although I have had similar sprays that go right on the beds, I guess I never thought about spraying my hands and then petting Ruby. This is a great tip, which I will definitely try.
Thanks! I’m glad the video was helpful. Yes, adding the calming aid directly to the pet on their fur or a collar allows the remedy to stay with them.
I’ve never heard of this particular product before, although I feel like we’ve run the gamut with similar products. One of my dogs has some fear issues that we’re working through, thankfully with the help of an amazing vet behaviorist. He’s made SO much progress so far. I’ll have to look into this product, thanks for sharing it.
I hear you. My last dog was very severe. We too worked with a veterinary behaviorist and applied behaviorist. It can be a lot of trial and error in working with the 5 points and with severe anxiety, it may never totally go away. Here are some other articles you may find helpful. Food therapy has been a great asset with my clients. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=anxiety+
This looks a lovely product and I like that it’s natural. It looks reassuring!
Your video is neat too, I like the demonstration a step up from ‘you do this or that’!
Thanks! I’ve been working on a variety of video techniques. 🙂
I love any product that incorporates natural calming relief. I created a recipe and manufacture my own Serenity Spray that we use on our dogs and horse clients. Different oils but the same purpose. I love vetiver for my own personal use. It’s my favorite for anxiety.
That’s great! Yes, lots of oils to choose from, depending on what the goals of the spray are. 🙂
I have read a lot about these because like you I love natural as much as possible but because of Layla’s environmental allergies am a little nervous of the smells (I have finally got them under control) but next time I am in the Pet Store am going to see if they have them and try one to see her reaction first.
I’m not sure if you will find Pet Remedy in your local store. They do have a small trial size you can order from their site or Amazon. I would suggest spraying a piece of fabric, so if she does have an issue, you can remove it.
We’be been using lavender essential oil for a calming effect for a while now. Not sure how much it works exactly but it smells nice.
Love the smell of lavender oil. It’s not in the Pet Remedy spray.
I don’t think I’ve heard of Pet Remedy, but it sounds like a wonderful product. I use Feliway diffusers and spray in the house and in the pet carriers when traveling. The girls aren’t too fearful, but it does have a calming effect on them.
Thanks. I too recommend Feliway for a variety of issues. And, like you, I’m proactive in my use of calming remedies.
Great information. All pets respond differently to these things. My Lucy didn’t respond to essential oils, however my cat did. I will encourage people to try your recommendations.
Thanks, Jodi. It really is about starting somewhere and being flexible and willing to keep trying until the right combination is found. 🙂
My kitty magic had the worst anxiety ever! She was the first animal I ever had that I had to find anxiety treatments for
Aww, poor Magic. I hope she is ok now.
Bless you for all your work with rescue pets! We have 11 (minus the 3 who have left us) – 3 dogs and 8 cats. We have one dog especially who gets very anxious and scared during thunderstorms, fireworks, gunshots, or any other loud noises. She is a lab-whippet mix, and is small enough to fit under the couch! I should look into these products to see if they help ease her anxiety and fear.
Oh, I can so relate. My last dog was very thunder phobic. Really extreme. Here are some other articles to help. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=thunder
Wow I didn’t even knew this existed! My dog has anxiety, so I’ll definitely look this up. I love that it’s natural too.
Glad to share, Juliana. Lots on my blog about anxiety, so feel free to search anxiety. 🙂
I don’t have any pets but if I did I would want to make sure they are as least stressed as possible
🙂 Thanks for visiting the blog, Katrina.
This is great! We have been using some aromatherapy for everyone in the house! Lately I love lavender and lemon on towels with down time! It’s the best!
Awesome. If you have cats, you might want to research lemon essential oils, some say it’s toxic.
This is awesome! I never would have thought to use essential oils for the pets. Genius! I would love to try it and see what works with ours .
Thanks, Bernadette. Good luck!
I have rescued Border Collie siblings. As breeders say, BCs are so wispy! They can get very anxious and worried over the silliest things. I also have a feral kitten we rescued this spring. He is making slow progress but I am positive that calming oils would definitely help him too.
Good luck, Mary. Wispy, great word!
I would love to win this to try on my boy & girl (Bart & Lela). Both are terrified of thunder and lightening. We also live in the country and the yahoos around here are constantly shooting off their guns. Bart is terrified of the sound and it takes us forever to get him calmed down each time.
So sorry. I’ve written a lot on storm phobia. I too had a dog who was extremely thunder phobic. I also offer phone sessions if you would like more help. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=storms
We’re flying to get a puppy soon so we want to make sure her transition into our home is less stressful. Thank you for this offer.
Congratulations! Yes, adding a natural calming aid would be great.
i go to a homeopathic vet and have been using homeopathic products for many years. my oldest does not like the vet and gets very upset when we visit. she is a terror at trying to clip her nails. she was fine when she was a baby, but the previous vet did something and she was a mess afterwards, she has to be sedated now so maybe these products will help. i hate to sedate her everytime i do her nails.
Good luck! I wrote this article that might help with the nails- https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/trim-dog-nails
I have 5 cats who don’t get along which can stress my dogs out and start them barking. This would be great to help get some peace and quiet!
Good luck. I would recommend working with a professional on behavior modification as calming aids alone don’t typically cure all issues. I do offer phone sessions.
My sister has a cute little Yorkie and he is so nervous when he gets groomed! This should help him. We also just adopted a sweet kitty!
Good luck! Here’s an article I wrote that might help. https://ppgworldservices.com/2016/02/10/stress-free-dog-brushing
I want to win so I can use it to help our dogs relax and be more calm.
🙂 Good luck Deborah. Don’t forget to search around my blog, I’ve written a lot about dog anxiety. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=anxiety
We have a chihuahua and she is getting older in age and of course being the breed she is she has high level of anxiety anyway. She needs this. I have seen her have a panic attack before it scares all of us to.
That’s awful. I have a lot of topics on anxiety and offer phone/Skype sessions too. You don’t want her to have panic attacks. https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=anxiety+
I would love the calming spray because my Butch is hyperactive but only when people come over
Good luck!
my dog doesn’t like loud noises like thunder or firecrackers
I can totally relate to that. I’ve written on those topics- https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/?s=thunder+
I could use this for our boy Bailey he gets nervous and this would be amazing for him
Sweet Bailey.
Would love to win for my Chihuahua, thank you
Chihuahuas are so cute.
This looks like a great product
It’s amazing!
I want to be a winner because I have 3 Pugs 1 is very calm and the other 2 are hipper and make her stress out. I would like to naturally help them with that.
Pugs are great!
It was a great article.We should feed our pets with food that is best suited for them.Supplements are very essential for treatment of dogs from various health issues.
Thanks. Very true.