Hey there!
Summer is my absolute favorite season and a fantastic time for outdoor fun and relaxation, but it can also be a stressful season for dog anxiety. Thunderstorms and fireworks can turn a blissful day into a stress inducing ordeal for many dogs. As a holistic veterinarian, I want to share some tips and tricks to help keep your anxious dog calm and comfortable during these loud and unpredictable events. Let’s look at some ways to help soothe summer dog anxiety.
Understanding Dog Anxiety
First, it’s essential to understand that dogs can sense changes in the environment well before we do. Thunderstorms and fireworks can be particularly frightening due to the loud noises, flashes of light, and changes in atmospheric pressure. For some dogs, this can trigger intense anxiety, leading to behaviors like trembling, hiding, excessive barking, attempting to escape, or even destructive actions such as inappropriate urination or chewing.
Creating a Safe Space
One of the best things you can do is create a safe, quiet space for your dog. This could be a cozy corner of a room, a crate covered with a blanket, or any area where your dog feels secure. Make sure this space is readily accessible whenever a storm or fireworks are on the horizon. Adding some soft bedding, their favorite toys, and a piece of your clothing with your scent can provide extra comfort.
Holistic Approaches to a Calm Dog
Holistic treatments can work wonders in calming an anxious dog. Here are three natural products that I highly recommend:
1. RxVitamins HempRx Forte This product is a hemp-based supplement that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. HempRx Forte contains a high concentration of phytocannabinoids, which can promote a sense of calm without causing drowsiness. It’s a great option for dogs who need a little extra soothing during loud events. HempRx comes in oil and chew formulations. For smaller pups, I’d recommend the HempRx Feline drops or SoftChewz for Cats and Small Dogs. Whatever your dog’s size and preferences are, we’ve got you covered!
2. RxVitamins Nutricalm Nutricalm is another fantastic supplement designed to support your dog’s nervous system. It contains a blend of herbs, minerals and amino acids that work together to ease anxiety and stress. This can be particularly helpful during thunderstorms and fireworks, as it helps maintain a balanced state of mind. It can be purchased as capsules or soft chews for your pup. Enjoy the Pet Anxiety Bundle which comes with both the HempRx CBD and Nutricalm products at a 10% discount.
3. Real Mushrooms Relax Chews For those who prefer a tasty treat option, Real Mushrooms Relax Chews are an excellent choice. These chews combine the calming effects of various mushrooms with other natural ingredients to support relaxation and reduce anxiety. Plus, they’re easy to administer and dogs generally love the taste!
Additional Tips
- Sound Therapy: Play calming music or white noise to help drown out the sound of thunder or fireworks. There are even playlists specifically designed for dogs!
- Stay Calm: Your dog can pick up on your emotions. If you stay calm and collected, it can help reassure them that everything is okay.
- Physical Comfort: Gentle petting or a snug-fitting anxiety wrap can provide comfort. These wraps apply gentle pressure, similar to swaddling a baby, which can have a calming effect.
- Distraction: Engage your dog with their favorite toys or activities. Sometimes, a good game of fetch or a puzzle toy filled with treats can divert their attention from the scary sounds outside.
With a bit of preparation and a few holistic approaches in your toolkit, you can help your dog weather the summer storms and fireworks with minimal stress. Remember, every dog is unique, so it might take some trial and error to find what works best for your dog’s specific needs.
With love,
Dr. Angie
