Key Takeaway
The ALZOO calming collar for dogs is a cheap, low-risk thing to try if your dog gets stressed by fireworks, storms, car rides or a new pet. It costs around $18 for four weeks and uses valerian and lavandin instead of synthetic pheromones. Just don't expect miracles, because there's very little proof it works. The ALZOO plant-based flea and tick collar for dogs is a reasonable natural option if you live somewhere with few ticks and want to avoid pesticides. But it only repels pests and doesn't kill them, and its reviews are split. If you live in tick country, where Lyme disease is a real risk, ask your vet about a stronger option.
My Thoughts
If you've ever watched your dog shake through a Fourth of July or try to climb into the bathtub during a thunderstorm, you know how helpless it feels. And if you've ever pulled a tick off your dog after a walk, you know that feeling too. So when I came across ALZOO, a brand that makes natural collars for both problems, I wanted to know if they actually deliver or if "natural" is just good marketing.
I'll be upfront: I went in hopeful and came out with a more mixed opinion. Here's what I found.
Background: Who Is ALZOO?
ALZOO is a pet care brand that has been around since 1971 and makes plant-based products for dogs, cats and even horses. ALZOO says its products are formulated by veterinarians, chemists and entomologists, third-party lab tested and made in the USA. The company is also B Corp certified and partners with the Humane Society.
Its whole angle is "natural." Instead of synthetic pheromones or pesticides, ALZOO uses plant extracts. That's appealing to a lot of pet owners, but natural doesn't automatically mean more effective, or even safer. I kept that in mind while I dug into the details.
The ALZOO Calming Collar for Dogs
Check price on the ALZOO Calming Collar for Dogs
- Active ingredients: valerian and lavandin (a type of lavender) extracts
- Length: 23.6 inches, trim to fit
- Lasts: up to 4 weeks
- Waterproof, so there's no need to remove it for baths
- No synthetic pheromones, PVC or phthalates
- Price: around $18
What I like: It's simple. You put it on and leave it on, with no pills, plug-ins or treats to remember. Valerian and lavender are both commonly used for relaxation, and at around $18 it's an inexpensive experiment before something like a big storm season or a move. The scent is meant to be gentle, and since it's waterproof, a rainy walk won't wash it out.
What could be better:
- Little proof it works. ALZOO says the extracts reduce anxiety-driven behavior, but I couldn't find independent studies behind that claim for this collar. The few customer reviews I found were positive, but there are only a handful.
- It needs replacing monthly. At about $18 every 4 weeks, it adds up over a year.
- One size for most dogs. The listing says it fits extra-small to medium breeds, so owners of big dogs should check the length.
- It won't fix serious anxiety. If your dog is destructive, hurting itself or panicking when left alone, that's a conversation for your vet or a trainer, not a collar.
The ALZOO Plant-Based Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs
Pick by your dog's weight:
Quick specs:
- Active ingredients: cedarwood oil (4.3%) and peppermint oil (4.3%)
- Lasts: up to 4 months
- For dogs 4 months and older
- Free of PVC and phthalates, made in the USA
- Price: around $17
What I like: The price and the duration. Around $17 for up to four months of wear is very affordable, and the plant-based ingredients appeal to owners who don't want pesticides on their dog every day, especially in homes with small kids. Plenty of owners leave 5-star reviews saying it works for them.
What could be better:
- It repels. It doesn't kill. This flea and tick collar is designed to keep pests away, not kill them, and it doesn't act on every flea life stage. If your dog already has fleas, this won't clear them up.
- The reviews are split. It averages about 3.5 stars on Chewy, and nearly 1 in 4 reviews is one star. The most common complaint is finding ticks or fleas on a dog that's wearing it.
- The smell is strong. Some owners love the peppermint scent. Others say it's overpowering and lingers on bedding and furniture.
- It can slip. Some owners of fluffy dogs say it loosens or slides off. Leave about two fingers of space and check the fit regularly.
- Keep it away from cats. The peppermint oil in this collar isn't safe for cats, so don't share it with the family cat, and keep it out of reach if you have one.
Who These Collars Are For
The calming collar for dogs is for owners whose dogs get mildly stressed by noise, travel, visitors or changes at home, and who want a low-cost, drug-free first step.
The flea and tick collar is for dogs that spend most of their time in town or in low-tick areas, with owners who want a natural, pesticide-free extra layer of protection.
Skip them if your dog has severe anxiety or you hike, hunt or live anywhere ticks are common. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses, so in those places, ask your vet about a vet-recommended preventive instead of relying on a natural repellent alone.
Closing Thoughts
Going into this, I hoped ALZOO would be an easy "yes." It's more of a "yes, for the right dog." The ALZOO calming collar for dogs is a cheap, gentle thing to try. The flea and tick collar can work as a natural option where ticks aren't a big threat. But neither is a replacement for your vet, and I'd rather tell you that now than have you find out the hard way.
You can see everything ALZOO makes here.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Lemon Sorter may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This post is not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before starting any new product, especially if your pet is pregnant, nursing, elderly or has health conditions.
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