Summertime is a time of the year that many people look forward to. However, it can be a time of fear and anxiety for many pets. Between the fireworks and daily thunderstorms, many pets spend a majority of their day hiding in a closet or trembling near the person they feel safe with.
Here are some important facts to know about this time of year and why it’s so important to help your pets.
One in 5 pets will go missing after being scared by loud noises. Make sure your pet has a microchip or at least a collar on with contact details and is in a secured area if you know thunderstorms or fireworks are likely going to occur.
Loud and crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets. Keep them at home where they are safe and in the comfort of their own home.
Summertime is a great time for BBQs and parties. Don’t forget to keep your pets in a secure area. With the hustle and bustle, your pets may slip out the door unnoticed.
For some pets, this constant stress can affect our pet’s daily quality of life, and may even manifest into physical diseases, like diarrhea or cystitis in cats. It may be too late to do noise desensitization training, but there are many natural remedies you can use.
Here are some important tips to help your pets get through the anxiety of loud noises, like fireworks, especially during the 4th of July weekend.
1) Create a safe place in your home
Create a safe place in your home, preferably away from outside windows or doors. Close the blinds or curtains to reduce outside noises, and play some classical music to help reduce stress by creating a relaxing environment for your dog prior to fireworks occurring. Using a white noise machine or box fan may also help reduce anxiety, along with a pheromone, like Adaptil, sprayed on bedding, a bandanna, a collar or from a diffuser plugged into the wall.
2) Use medicinal teas
Add a cup of lavender and chamomile brewed tea to your pet’s dinner if you know loud noises, like fireworks, are going to occur. Lavender and chamomile are both safe and effective natural remedies to reduce anxiety. Remove the teabag before adding the liquid to your pet’s food. Brands like Traditional Medicinals are a great option to incorporate organic tea into your pet’s food. Most pets will happily eat their food with the tea mixed in.
Mountain Rose Herbs is a high-quality, organic tea and herb company that can help you get started with adding calming teas. Another way to use dried herbs with your pets is through herb gardens. Make sure to watch this free webinar on self-selection and how to create a herb garden for your cat.
3) Anti-anxiety tools
Use anti-anxiety vests like a Thundershirt to help reduce anxiety. If you don’t have a vest or access to one, using a tight-fitting t-shirt may also help. These have been shown to help slow the heart rate and help your pet feel safe.
Assisi Calmer Canine Anxiety System is another tool that can help dogs that are prone to anxiety all the time.
4) Use food as a distraction
Use your pet’s favorite food to distract them during the fireworks show. You can use a LickiMat or put their favorite food in a Kong, West Paws, or slow-release toy so it lasts for a longer period of time. This can also help create a positive association with the loud noise to help your pet in the future.
5) Add in anti-anxiety supplements
Use natural stress-reducing supplements and CBD products (if your pet is not on any medications). Here are some brands we recommend:
If you have questions regarding the use of any supplements, contact your veterinarian, especially if your pet is on medications. Especially with CBD products, there are a lot of products that are not helpful and may be harmful.
Learn more about how CBD works in your pet and how to pick the right CBD product for your pet. Always start with a lower dosage to ensure your pet tolerates the supplement.
6) Use anti-anxiety foods
Food can be used alongside the above tactics to help reduce anxiety and stress. In our previous blog post Top 11 Foods for Reducing Your Dog’s Anxiety, we discuss the top 11 foods that you can incorporate into your pet’s diet to help keep them calm over the long term.
There are many products and natural remedies you can use in conjunction with behavioral modification techniques to help your beloved pets overcome their anxiety to loud noises.
By using a combination of the above products and tips, the combination will be more effective than using one by itself.
MORE NATURAL PET HEALTH INFORMATION
1. Grab your FREE PDF on the Top 5 Ways to Optimize Your Pet’s Health!
Sign up for your free guide to receive simple steps that you can implement today to help your pet achieve optimal health and reduce the risk of disease. Happier pets and fewer vet bills! Click here to get your guide!
2. Join our FREE Facebook Natural Pet Parent Community group for more natural health guidance.
You’ll join a group of amazing, like-minded pet parents who are supportive and engage actively to help pets achieve optimal health. Dr. Katie also goes live every week for a private Q&A with the group as an added bonus. Join by clicking here!
*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. The information contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in thenaturalpetdoctor.com, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. Please consult your veterinarian for medical advice for your own pets. Dr. Katie Woodley cannot answer specific questions about your pet’s medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.