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Best Pet Behavioral & Anxiety Medications

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Small Dog & Cat Supplement
Vetoquinol
Zylkene Behavior Support Small Dog & Cat Supplement
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Safe and Natural
Bottom Line

Zylkene is a safe and natural alternative to chemical sedatives often prescribed for extreme stress.

Pros

Does not contain heavy sedatives. Powder mixes readily with wet food.Active ingredient based on natural cow's milk product. Does not affect pet's alertness level. Safe for pets with sensitive stomachs.

Cons

No liquid formula, can be challenging to administer. Not effective on all breeds of dogs or cats.

Best Bang for the Buck
Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Capsules
Ark Naturals
Happy Traveler Dog & Cat Capsules
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Holistic Herbal Remedy
Bottom Line

Happy Traveler herbal supplements are ideal for pet owners who prefer a holistic, natural approach.

Pros

Uses natural herbal supplements, not strong chemical sedatives. Contains no fillers, grains, or by-products. Part of a holistic pet treatment regimen. Very effective against motion sickness.

Cons

Capsules are very large, not appealing to smaller breeds. Does not address medical conditions.

Feliway Travel Spray Management Behavior Modifier
Feliway
Travel Spray Management Behavior Modifier
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Discourages Bad Behaviors
Bottom Line

Cat's instinctively seek out familiar scents, and Feliway satisfies that need.

Pros

Mimics a cat's natural marking scent, creating a sense of familiarity. Reduces stress in carriers and veterinarian's office. Nearly instant results in many situations. No unpleasant odor for owners.

Cons

Fragrance can repel some cats. Does not discourage bad behavior in other locations.

Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate) Tablets for Dogs
Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate)
Tablets for Dogs
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Reduces Motion Sickness
Bottom Line

Cerenia is a good medication to have on hand to ward off the effects of motion sickness.

Pros

First pet medication developed specifically for canine vomiting issues. Also effective with nausea and other motion-induced conditions Pills are scored for easier dosing according to size of animal.

Cons

Addresses vomiting and nausea, but not necessarily drooling or other issues.

Clomicalm (Clomipramine HCl) Tablets for Dogs
Clomicalm (Clomipramine HCl)
Tablets for Dogs
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Separation Anxiety Relief
Bottom Line

Clomicalm has a strong sedative effect on both cats and dogs that suffer from severe separation anxiety.

Pros

Reduces many symptoms of anxiety soon after dosing. Especially effective for separation anxiety. Also works to reduce aggressive behavior triggered by stress. Very affordable price point.

Cons

Some pets may find the taste very unpleasant, difficult to administer.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Cats and dogs experience the same anxieties and stressors as their owners, but often react in very different (and sometimes unpleasant) ways. Veteriariians can prescribe medications that address these issues, but many owners are not comfortable with the idea of heavily sedating a family pet before a road trip or other social outing. There are medications on the market, however, that will reduce a pet's anxieties without causing grogginess or lack of interest in its outside environment.  Here is a shortlist of pet behavioral and anxiety medications we believe are worthy of consideration.