For people, the end of the year means celebrations. For many dogs and cats it means fireworks, doorbells, unfamiliar visitors, suitcases coming out and long car journeys. If your pet hides under the bed, trembles, paces or stops eating when the house gets busy, you are not alone, and there are gentle products designed to help.
Online pet pharmacy Canada Vet Express lists a dedicated behavioural section for dogs and cats. Earlier posts covered its sales and our general review of the store; this guide focuses only on calming products. We compare pheromone, nutritional and herbal options, explain how each one works according to the product pages, and show the prices we saw on 4 November 2026. Always speak to your veterinarian before starting a new supplement, especially if your pet takes other medication.
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In this guide
Why the Holiday Season Is Hard on Pets
Animals rely on routine. Sudden loud noises, new smells and changes to feeding or walking times can all trigger stress. Fireworks are the classic example, but grooming appointments, boarding, moving house and the arrival of a new pet can have the same effect. Most calming products are meant to be used before the stressful event, not after your pet is already panicking, so planning ahead matters.
Common signs of stress include panting when it is not hot, pacing, hiding, excessive licking or grooming, loss of appetite, toileting accidents and destructive chewing or scratching. Cats may also over-groom or spray. If these signs appear suddenly or are severe, book a vet check first to rule out pain or illness, because anxiety products are designed to support everyday stress rather than treat medical problems.
Three Ways Calming Products Work
- Pheromones: copies of natural comforting signals that animals recognise, such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats.
- Nutritional supplements: ingredients such as milk protein (Zylkene) or L-theanine (Anxitane) that support relaxation without sedation.
- Herbal and vitamin blends: traditional herbs, B vitamins and amino acids, such as Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian or Lamberts Calming Tablets.
Zylkene: Milk Protein Capsules
Zylkene is based on casein, a natural milk protein. The Canada Vet Express listing describes it as non-drowsy and free from sedatives, and suggests it for loud noises, travel, grooming and new places. For short-term use, the directions say to start one to two days before the stressful event, though some pets need six to seven days. Capsules can be given directly or opened and mixed into food.
Prices started at $26.65 for 20 capsules of the 75mg strength for cats and small dogs, with 225mg and 450mg versions for medium and large dogs.
Anxitane and the Adaptil Collar
Anxitane chewable tablets contain L-theanine, an amino acid the listing says helps pets stay calm during long drives, festive occasions, thunderstorms and fireworks. Dosing for dogs is half a tablet twice daily under 22 lbs and one tablet twice daily above 22 lbs, and the page recommends using it for at least 60 days for maximum results. It is not suitable for breeding or pregnant animals. Packs of 30 started at $34.65.
The Adaptil Collar releases calming pheromones as your dog’s body warms the collar. It is odourless and non-sedative, and the product page says it can be used alongside other medication. You leave it on at all times with a two-finger gap, and each collar lasts up to four weeks. It should be removed before bathing. Prices started at $37.65 for the small size, and the store also lists an Anxitane and Adaptil Collar combo.
Feliway Spray for Cats
Cats express stress differently, often through scratching, urine marking or hiding. Feliway mimics the facial pheromones cats leave when they rub against furniture, which signals that an area is safe. The listing recommends it for travel, scratching, marking and introducing a new cat to a multi-cat home. You spray it about 4 inches from walls, furniture, carriers or the inside of the car, keeping the bottle upright, and away from food.
Herbal and Vitamin Options
Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian tablets combine mistletoe, valerian, scullcap and gentian. The product page describes it as a herbal supplement for the symptomatic relief of anxiety, nervousness, excitability and travel sickness. The listed dose is one tablet per 5kg of bodyweight daily. A pack of 100 tablets was $19.65, or $17.68 with auto delivery.
Lamberts Calming Tablets for Dogs combine B vitamins, magnesium, passionflower and lemon balm extracts, and L-tryptophan. The listing says they suit dogs bothered by changes in routine or afraid of fireworks and travel. A 90-tablet pot was $17.65, or $15.88 on auto delivery.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | For | Starting price seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zylkene | Milk protein capsules | Dogs and cats | $26.65 (20 caps) |
| Anxitane | L-theanine chewables | Dogs and cats | $34.65 (30 tabs) |
| Adaptil Collar | Pheromone collar | Dogs | $37.65 |
| Feliway Spray | Pheromone spray | Cats | See site |
| Scullcap and Valerian | Herbal tablets | Dogs and cats | $19.65 (100 tabs) |
| Lamberts Calming | Vitamin and herbal tablets | Dogs | $17.65 (90 tabs) |
Practical Tips for Stressful Days
- Start supplements early, as the directions for Zylkene and Anxitane suggest.
- Create a quiet den with bedding and familiar toys away from windows and doors.
- Walk dogs before dark on fireworks nights and keep cats indoors.
- Draw curtains and play gentle background sound to mask bangs.
- Ask your vet before combining products or if anxiety is severe.
Browse Behavioural Products for Dogs and Cats
Final Thoughts
No product replaces a calm owner and a safe space, but the right support can make fireworks night or a long holiday drive much easier for your pet. Canada Vet Express advertises free shipping on all orders, so you can compare options and order ahead of the busy season. Visit Canada Vet Express online or go straight to its behavioural care range to check current prices and pack sizes.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Product information and prices come from canadavetexpress.com, were checked on 4 November 2026 and may change. This article is not veterinary advice.
