Trekkers Calming Dog Treats Overdose

When my Cocker Spaniel was a puppy, some random kids on bicycles tossed fireworks at him while we were out on a walk. The kids quickly sped away, but left me with a dog who freaks out at fireworks and thunderstorms to this day. Fortunately, calming treats for dogs have made a big difference in how my dog reacts to loud sounds.

If a dog becomes stressed, separated from their owner for too long, or is hyper in general, calming dog treats are a viable option to take the edge off without a prescription.

We always recommend you talk to your dog’s veterinarian before administering any calming treats or new supplements. Keeping my dog calm without turning to chemicals or traditional medication is very important to me and millions of other dog moms and dads.

Keep Calm: What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Calming Aids or Treats

As offices slowly begin to reopen and people return to their former working conditions, pets will be left at home for longer periods of time than they may be currently used to. Being that many of us have spent the last year consistently by our pets’ sides, they may experience anxiety when we have to leave them for periods of time. To avoid the stress this can put on our furry friends, some people turn to calming aids and treats for their pets. When used according to the label, these types of treats should be safe, but what happens if your pet gets into the container when you’re not home?

There are a variety of calming aids for pet parents to choose from, all of which rely on different ingredients. This means that not all overdoses look the same as the next. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) took the hard part out for you and broke down a list of main ingredients commonly seen in calming aids for pets that can cause adverse reactions if consumed in large amounts. That way, should they get into a container without your knowledge, you can have all the information you need on hand to react and help your pet.

Melatonin is often used as a calming or sleep aid in dogs and in some cases is used as a therapy for a type of skin disease. In the situation of an accidental overdose, primary symptoms include vomiting, sleepiness and lethargy. In rare cases, incoordination may occur. Luckily, symptoms from melatonin are not expected to be severe, even in overdoses. If your pet does develop incoordination, they should be confined so that they do not injure themselves.

Tryptophan is another ingredient commonly seen in calming aids. Tryptophan is used to promote calmness in dogs and cats in the form of chews, tablets, capsules and powders. It is also a natural component in egg whites, cheese, cod, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds. In a tryptophan overdose situation, your pet may experience mild digestive signs (vomiting or diarrhea) and lethargy.

Hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) are becoming more common in calming aids, treats and chews. Overdoses of these types of products may cause gastrointestinal upset, incoordination in walking, depression, sedation, lethargy and sometimes urinary incontinence. If these signs are seen, they may last from 24 to 72 hours. If your pet experiences incoordination, they should be kept confined to prevent injury. If your pet is not rousable or not able to stay sitting upright, they should be taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment and supportive care right away.

Valarian root is an herb that is often used by people as a sleep aid or as a sedative, and is used in many calming treats to decrease anxiety in pets Overdoses of Valarian root may cause sedation, incoordination, decreased body temperature and vomiting. With large exposures, there may be a concern for agitation.

Calming or sleep chews are easier to get our pets to eat but can cause changes in the sodium levels in the blood if eaten in excess. If sodium levels are too high, symptoms including increased thirst or more severe nervous system signs such as agitation, tremors and even seizures may occur. If not treated in the early stages, it could be lethal.

The best ways to protect your pet and prevent any accidental overdoses are to first, always discuss any vitamin, aids or supplements with your veterinarian before adding something to your pet’s routine. You should also keep any medicinal chews, treats or aids safely secured in a locked cabinet and well out of paws’ reach.

If your pet has gotten into a large numbers of calming chews or aids, or if your pet is unable to stand or walk, is very sedate, having tremors or if vomiting occurs more than three times, it is important to contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately so that your pet’s risks may be evaluated and your pet can be treated appropriately.

Other Ways to Help:

Best Homeopathic Calming Formula for Dogs

Active Ingredients	5 x dilution of: Prunus cerasifera HPUS (Crab Apple), Clematis vitalba HPUS (Clematis), Impatiens glandulifera HPUS (Impatiens), Helianthemum nummularium HPUS (Rock Rose), Ornithogalum umbellatum HPUS (Star of Bethlehem)
Other Ingredients	80% glycerine, 20% water
Dosage	4 drops in mouth or added to dog’s food or water
Treat Type	Tincture

While this calming formula for dogs may not be your typical “treat,” Bach Rescue Remedy has been a trusted all-natural pet stress reducer for years. This tincture uses a blend of five different natural flower essences to alleviate anxiety symptoms in dogs, cats, and other pets. The formula was developed by a doctor and it’s plant-based and free of sugar, artificial flavors, gluten, and major allergens. Because it is natural, this tincture can be used in conjunction with other stress relief supplements and products, but make sure to discuss it with your veterinarian before administering it.

Highlights

Doctor developed and all-natural

Plant-based formula without additives

Can be used for all breeds and all sizes

Can be administered to cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and lizards, too

Things to Consider

Some dogs may not like being given drops in their mouths

Could be a little messy for travel

Active Ingredients	Ginger root, St. John’s wort, chamomile, L-tryptophan, melatonin
Other Ingredients	Brewer’s yeast, citric acid, lecithin, natural peanut butter & banana flavor (non-allergenic), organic date paste, organic flaxseed, sweet potato flour
Dosage	Up to 2 bars daily depending on your dog’s size
Treat Type	Supplement bar (soft texture)

The Anxious Pet hits a homerun with this unique variety for dogs who love to chew on something more substantial. Produced in a certified cGMP (certified Current Good Manufacturing Facility) in Kansas, the bars come in packs of 5, 15, or 30. The peanut butter flavor used in the bar is non-allergenic to keep pets with peanut allergies safe.

Highlights

3rd party tested and made in the USA

Contains TAP30, a proprietary blend of ginger root, St. John’s wart, chamomile, L-tryptophan, and melatonin.

Easy to pop in a purse or backpack for easy, safe portability.

Individually packaged.

Ideal for dogs who need relief during typical stressful situations.

Veterinarian formulated and recommended.

Things To Consider

Only available in peanut butter flavor.

Each bar can be scored into three, so pet parents may need to experiment on how much to feed for desired effect.

Some dogs may require up to two bars daily.

Not to be used as a meal replacement.

Best Calming Dental Sticks For Dogs

Active Ingredients	Suntheanine, melatonin, magnesium citrate, chamomile, valerian root, taurine, hemp seed
Other Ingredient	Chickpea, tapioca flour, coconut glycerin, hemp protein, brewer’s yeast, bone broth powder, lactic acid, kelp meal, sorbic acid, magnesium citrate, rosemary, peppermint oil, citric acid
Dosage	Up to 25 pounds = ½ stick, 26-50 pounds = 1 stick, 50+ pounds = 1-2 sticks
Treat Type	Dental stick

Some dogs love to sit and work on a treat, so Zesty Paws created a dental stick snack that helps to clean teeth as dogs gnaw on it. As a bonus, the sticks contain melatonin, magnesium citrate, chamomile, and valerian root to help calm nervous pups.

To support periodontal health, Zesty Paws includes peppermint oil, rosemary extract, and kelp in the sticks to keep doggy breath at bay. Feed your dog a Zesty Paws stick before a thunderstorm, car ride, or vet visit and minimize stressful situations.

Highlights

Zesty Paws is a member of NASC (National Animal Supplement Council).

Made in the USA from globally-sourced ingredients.

Simple to dispense with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Smaller dogs get one stick where larger pets over 75 pounds require up to 3 sticks.

Amounts can be split between morning and night.

Things to Consider

12 to 13 sticks per bag can get expensive to dispense regularly, especially for larger dogs.

Contains bone broth powder but not clear on flavor.

Some dogs may not like the peppermint taste.

As with all dental chews and sticks, dogs should be supervised when chewing on these.

Active Ingredients	Taurine, inositol, chamomile, passion flower, L-theanine, thiamine, magnesium
Other Ingredients	Dicalcium phosphate, isomalt, liver, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, natural flavor
Dosage	Under 25 pounds = .5-1 tablet, 25-50 pounds = 1-2 tablet(s), 50+ pounds = 2-4 tablets
Treat Type	Tablet supplement

Some pet parents (and dogs) prefer palatable tablets to avoid caloric treats. Maxxidog’s calming tablets for dogs are designed to work in tandem with training your dog to better behavior. Designed to promote a balanced dog without inducing drowsiness, taurine and inositol are two of the active ingredients.

Highlights

Use at the rate of one tablet per 25 pounds.

Designed to relax dogs and not make them sleepy.

Contains 120 liver-flavored tablets.

Many multiple-star reviews on Amazon.

All-natural ingredients.

Things to Consider

Dogs over 50 pounds require two to three tablets daily.

Available in liver flavor only.

Contains taurine, an amino acid found naturally in fish and meat.

Manufacturer recommends using it for a few weeks before a specific stressful event.

FAQ

Can dogs overdose on trekkers calming treats?

How many calming treats can you give a dog?

What happens if my dog eats too many dog treats?

Can I give my dog calming treats everyday?