Jessica
Welcome to WeLovePetz, your number one source for all things pets.
Introduction: The Fourth of July Survival Kit
For many dogs, the world is a scary place. Thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, and even car rides can trigger a panic response that leaves them shaking, panting, and pacing. As owners, we feel helpless. While prescription medication is an option for severe cases, many pet parents prefer a gentler, over-the-counter approach first.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Soft Chews are designed to bridge this gap. Formulated with Melatonin and a blend of calming herbs, they promise to take the edge off stressful situations without heavy sedation. But does a “natural” supplement actually work when the thunder rolls? In this review, we analyze the ingredient profile, the timing required for effectiveness, and whether these chews can bring peace to a chaotic household.
Features and Ingredient Analysis
The efficacy of any calming chew lies in its active ingredients. NaturVet uses a synergistic blend rather than relying on a single compound.
The Sleep-Inducing Melatonin
The inclusion of Melatonin is significant. This hormone regulates sleep-wake cycles and is widely used to promote relaxation. In dogs, it can help settle them down for the night or reduce the panic associated with loud noises. However, it can cause drowsiness, so these are best used when you want your dog to rest, not just “chill out” while playing.
Ginger for Sensitive Stomachs
Stress often manifests as nausea in dogs (drooling, vomiting). NaturVet wisely includes Ginger, a natural antiemetic. This makes Quiet Moments particularly well-suited for travel anxiety, addressing both the mental stress of the car and the physical motion sickness.
The Calming Blend: Chamomile, Thiamine, & L-Tryptophan
This trio works on the nervous system. Chamomile: Mild sedative properties. Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Supports the central nervous system. L-Tryptophan: An amino acid that helps produce serotonin (the “feel good” chemical). Together, they aim to lower the baseline anxiety level without drugging the dog into a stupor.
Hands-On Experience: The Thunderstorm Test
We tested these chews on a 50lb Boxer mix with severe noise aversion during a summer storm season.
Timing is Everything
The instructions suggest giving the chews 30 minutes before a stressful event. In our experience, this is the minimum. It takes about 40 to 60 minutes for the effects to fully kick in. If you wait until the fireworks start to give the chew, it is too late; the adrenaline will override the supplement. Pre-planning is essential.
The “Quiet” Effect
Did it knock the dog out? No. Did it help? Yes. Instead of pacing and scratching at the door, the dog settled onto his bed. He was still alert to the thunder, but the physical symptoms of panic—shaking and panting—were noticeably reduced. He was able to lay down and eventually drift off. It took the edge off the panic, turning a 10/10 fear response into a manageable 4/10.
Palatability
The soft chews smell strongly of vitamins and yeast, but the savory flavoring (Bacon/Chicken) masked it enough for our dog to eat them like treats. However, pickier eaters might need them wrapped in cheese.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective Blend: Combines multiple calming agents (Melatonin, Tryptophan) for broader relief. | Timing Required: Must be administered 30-60 mins before the event to work effectively. |
| Stomach Support: Ginger helps prevent stress-vomiting, making it great for car rides. | Drowsiness: Melatonin can make dogs sleepy, which isn’t ideal for all situations. |
| Cost Effective: 65 count jar provides a good supply for occasional use. | Texture: Soft chews can crumble in the bottom of the jar. |
| Veterinarian Formulated: Ingredients are chosen based on known physiological effects. | Not a Cure-All: Severe anxiety may still require prescription medication. |
Competitive Comparison
How does NaturVet compare to hemp-based alternatives and simpler aids?
| Feature | NaturVet Quiet Moments (This Review) | Zesty Paws Calming Bites | ThunderShirt (Wearable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Agent 🌿 | Melatonin + Ginger | Hemp + Suntheanine | Physical Compression |
| Best For 🎯 | Travel / Nighttime / Storms | General Anxiety / Hyperactivity | Constant Anxiety |
| Onset Time ⏱️ | 30-60 Minutes | 30-45 Minutes | Immediate |
| Sedation Level 💤 | Moderate (Sleepy) | Mild (Relaxed) | None |
| Price 💰 | Affordable | Premium | One-time Purchase |
Analysis: If your dog gets carsick or needs help sleeping through fireworks, NaturVet is superior due to the Melatonin and Ginger. Zesty Paws is better for general daytime anxiety where you don’t want the dog to fall asleep. The ThunderShirt works well in conjunction with either supplement for a multi-modal approach.
Final Verdict
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Soft Chews are a reliable tool for specific situational anxiety. They are not a magic pill that will cure separation anxiety forever, but for predictable stressful events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or road trips, they are highly effective. The inclusion of ginger makes them the standout choice for dogs prone to motion sickness.
If you have a dog that paces and pants during storms, keeping a jar of these on hand is a small investment for their comfort (and your sanity). Just remember to give them early!
Recommendation: Highly recommended for travel anxiety and noise phobias.
