Do Calming Dog Collars Work? Vet Tips, Reviews & Risks

Yes, calming collars can help mildly anxious dogs by releasing pheromones or relaxing scents. But they’re not a magic fix, many dogs see little to no change. Vets say they’re safe but best used with training or other tools. Some dogs hate the smell or chew them off.

But do these collars actually help calm anxious pups, or are they just wishful thinking?

What Are Calming Collars, and How Do They Work?

Two main types: pheromone-based vs scented varieties

Dog calming collars typically come in two categories: pheromone-based and scent-based. Both styles aim to calm your dog through olfactory signals, what they smell can shift how they feel. But they do it in different ways.

• Pheromone collars use synthetic versions of dog appeasing pheromones (DAP), designed to mimic the natural comfort signals a mother dog emits to her puppies.
• Scent-based collars rely on calming herbs like lavender or chamomile. While these scents may help some dogs relax, they can be irritating to others, or downright overwhelming to humans who are scent-sensitive.

Both types are worn like any standard collar, sitting close to your dog’s skin so the calming compounds can be slowly released and inhaled.

The science behind dog appeasing pheromones (DAP)

DAP is a synthetic version of the pheromone mother dogs release while nursing. Researchers believe this scent helps signal safety and bonding, like a canine security blanket. When worn around your dog’s neck, DAP collars slowly emit this pheromone to create a familiar, calming vibe.

In some studies, dogs exposed to DAP appeared less anxious during thunderstorms or vet visits. But results aren’t always consistent. While some dogs visibly relax, others show no change at all.

Why smell matters (for both dogs and owners!)

Dogs experience the world nose-first. Their sense of smell is tens of thousands of times stronger than ours, which means even subtle changes in scent can affect behavior. This also means not every scent suits every dog.

Some collars have strong herbal smells that bother sensitive pups, or their owners. If you’re scent-sensitive yourself, or if your dog tends to avoid strong odors, a pheromone-based collar might be a better bet than essential oils.

Do they work like aromatherapy for dogs?

Sort of. Calming collars are often marketed as canine aromatherapy, and in some cases, they deliver. Lavender has mild sedative properties that may soothe some dogs. But essential oils can also trigger allergies or discomfort.

And just like aromatherapy doesn’t fix a panic attack in humans, calming collars won’t eliminate anxiety on their own. They’re best thought of as one piece of a broader calming strategy.

When Do Calming Collars Actually Help?

Best for mild anxiety (fireworks, travel, separation)

If your dog gets a little shaky on road trips or startles during fireworks but otherwise seems emotionally steady, calming collars might help. They’re often used for:

• Noise sensitivity (like thunderstorms or fireworks)
• Mild separation stress
• Unfamiliar environments (travel, vet visits, new homes)

Helpful Resource -> Dogs And Fireworks: 10 Tips To Keep Them Safe & Calm

Situational stress vs chronic anxiety

There’s a big difference between a dog who’s occasionally spooked and one who lives in a constant state of stress. While collars may help with situational anxiety, they’re rarely enough for dogs with chronic or severe anxiety.

For pups who are fear-aggressive, hyper-vigilant, or show signs of long-term distress, a collar isn’t a fix. These dogs likely need a vet-developed behavior plan or medication, ideally in combination with gentle calming tools like collars or wraps.

Collars as part of a larger anxiety toolkit

Think of calming collars as one item in your dog’s anxiety toolkit. Others might include:

• Snuffle mats or puzzle toys
• Pressure wraps (like ThunderShirts)
• Training-based desensitization
• Vet-recommended calming chews or prescriptions

For some dogs, layering multiple tools makes all the difference. We’ve seen that pairing calming techniques with a well-fitted, comfortable collar can reduce frustration and overstimulation during walks or travel.

Are they better than calming treats or diffusers?

• Calming collars offer portability and round-the-clock scent exposure, which is especially helpful during travel or on walks.
  Calming treats kick in faster but usually wear off within a few hours.
• Diffusers are great for home setups, but they’re stationary—they won’t help in the car or during a vet visit.

If you live with toddlers, cats, or scent-sensitive humans, calming collars might be the most practical choice.

 Just keep in mind: some essential oils used in scented collars (like lavender or eucalyptus) can be harmful to cats. If you share your home with both dogs and cats, go for pheromone-only collars or consult your vet before using any product with essential oils.

Better Alternatives (or Additions) to Calming Collars

• Pressure wraps like ThunderShirts:These work through gentle compression, like a weighted blanket for dogs. Many dogs with noise or travel anxiety benefit from a pressure wrap during stressful events.
• Calming chews and vet-prescribed meds: For dogs with ongoing stress, calming chews with L-theanine, tryptophan, or hemp can provide short-term relief. For serious anxiety, your vet may suggest anti-anxiety medications.
• Snuffle mats, training plans, scent games: Mental stimulation can help nervous dogs reset. Snuffle mats, licky mats, and daily scent games offer interactive ways to redirect anxious energy. Pair these with positive training sessions to reinforce calm behaviors.

Custom-fit, comfort-first gear (like ours!)

Sometimes, anxiety starts with discomfort. A stiff, scratchy collar can make walks miserable. We handmake every collar to order, with options like soft velvet, waterproof biothane, and breakaway safety styles.

Our collars are built with personalization in mind, because comfort and calm start with fit. Plus, our customers tell us their dogs act calmer simply wearing something that feels good.

How to Choose a Calming Collar That’s Actually Safe

Note: Mimi Green does NOT sell calming dog collars, but we do have some helpful tips on how to keep your dog calm, especially during fireworks.

Materials to avoid (scratchy nylon, rigid plastics)

An anxious dog doesn’t need another irritant around their neck. Yet many mass-produced calming collars use abrasive nylon or stiff, rubbery plastics that rub, pinch, or trap heat. If your dog has sensitive skin or a history of hot spots, these materials can make things worse, sometimes even mimicking anxiety symptoms like scratching or chewing.

Look for soft, breathable materials that feel good to the touch. Comfort really does matter when your goal is calm.

Breakaway vs traditional buckle

Safety should always come first. Dogs left alone for long hours, or those prone to catching their collar on crates or furniture, may benefit from a breakaway-style collar. These are designed to detach under pressure, reducing risk of choking or injury.

We offer both breakaway and traditional buckle styles, because the right fit depends on your dog’s habits and lifestyle.

If your dog is scent-sensitive, read this first

Not every pup loves the smell of lavender. For scent-sensitive dogs (or humans!), strong herbal collars can cause more harm than help. Some dogs actively avoid their bed or refuse to wear a collar that smells too strong.

If you notice head shaking, sneezing, or sudden avoidance behaviors, the scent might be too intense. Opt for low-odor pheromone collars or better yet, calming collars that allow you to insert your own scented pad, or none at all.

Consider custom-fitted, handmade options

A calming collar should never stress your dog out.

That’s why fit matters as much as function. We have tons of customization options for each. Size, material, buckle style, etc. Whether your dog is petite, fluffy, lanky, or barrel-chested, their collar fits just right. With materials like velvet, waterproof biothane, or laminated cotton, you get options that soothe the skin as well as the spirit.

We also offer engraving options to cut down on noisy tags, which can help dogs prone to sensory overload.

Are Calming Collars Worth It?

Great starter tool, but not a solo solution

Calming collars offer a gentle, low-risk entry point into managing anxiety. For mild cases or short-term stressors, they can absolutely help. But they’re not a standalone fix, especially for dogs with deep-rooted fears or reactivity issues.

Ideal for calm-seeking, style-conscious pet parents

If you’re a dog parent who wants more than a utilitarian fix, someone who values comfort, aesthetics, and individualized solutions, then calming collars can fit your approach. Especially when paired with thoughtful tools like training, toys, or therapeutic gear, they offer a softer path to emotional balance.

Every dog owner should know that there isn’t a tool that can replace your pups need for connection with its owner. Calming collars may help 

Track, test, and trust your instincts (and your vet)

No two dogs respond exactly the same. The best advice we can offer? Test a calming collar alongside a behavior log or short videos, and consult your vet if progress stalls. What works for your neighbor’s goldendoodle might flop for your pug, and that’s okay.

Still Unsure? Let’s Find a Paw-fect Fit

If you’re still navigating the maze of options, we’re here to help.

Your dog deserves more than a mass-produced, scratchy, one-size-fits-all solution. We believe calm starts with comfort. Whether your pup needs a lighter-weight collar, a breakaway design, or soft-touch velvet that feels like a hug, they’ll find it here.

Why choose Mimi Green?

• Handmade to order in the USA: no stiff plastic or generic sizing
• Personalized fit and fabric options: including velvet, waterproof, cotton, and hypoallergenic picks
• Breakaway collars, martingales, or Fi-compatible models: tailored for sensitive, skittish, or stylish pups

Whether your dog’s collar helps soothe anxiety or just feels really good around their neck, it should be a piece they enjoy wearing. And one you’re proud to put on them.

👉Explore our range of custom-fit, handmade collars at Mimi Green to find the perfect match for your dog’s comfort and style.