Help Your Pets Keep Their Cool!

Do your pets hide in fear during storms and fireworks? Much like humans, animals can experience anxiety and distress from the booming sounds and bright flashes of light caused by thunderstorms and fireworks. Below we've provided several strategies to help your furry companions stay calm during these nerve-wracking events. The first step is to be prepared well in advance with a proven solution tailored to your pet way before the sparks and booms begin.

Create a Safe Spot for Your Dog

Creating a safe spot in an interior room with few or no windows can help dogs remain calm during storms or fireworks. This enclosed space should include their bed, favorite toys, and some soothing background noise, such as calming music or white noise.

Consider Behavioral Interventions

Distraction techniques, such as reinforcing commands or engaging your dog in basic tasks, can reduce anxiety during a storm or fireworks. For more severe cases, desensitization and counterconditioning techniques with the help of a private training session may be necessary to overcome sound phobias.

Use Natural Anti-Anxiety Remedies

Several natural options can help calm dogs during stressful events:

• Touch: A gentle massage or petting can provide comfort.
• Anxiety wraps: These snug-fitting garments, like Thundershirts, apply gentle pressure, similar to a hug. Thundershirts can be found at Fetch for both cats and dogs.
• CBD oil: This natural compound can be found in chewable treats and tinctures to help relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. At Fetch, we carry Chill+Out, SoftSupps, Nulo Calm, and liquid CBD tinctures.

Powerhouse Supplements

Consider adding supplements to support a relaxed and focused mindset in your dog to prepare them for stressful events. We suggest checking out the book "The Forever Dog," which you can find online or at our store, for more information on stress and anxiety supplements, including the right dosage for your furry friend.

• L-theanine promotes relaxation and stress reduction in dogs without causing drowsiness or sedation.
• Ashwagandha helps to regulate stress hormones, supporting a balanced mood and improving resilience in your dog during challenging situations.
• Bacopa monnieri enhances cognitive function and memory retention in dogs, allowing for increased focus and adaptability in stressful environments.
• Rhodiola rosea boosts energy levels and endurance in dogs, providing them with the ability to better cope with physical and mental stressors.

Fight Fear with Calming Teas and Treats

Herbal teas and treats featuring chamomile, valerian, lavender, and holy basil (tulsi) can alleviate anxiety in dogs naturally. You can easily incorporate cooled tea into their meals or mix it with bone broth to enhance their nutrition. And with a quick online search, you can discover a number of mouthwatering calming treat recipes, like these Chamomile Lavender Bedtime Dog Biscuits.

When to Seek Professional Help

In severe cases, anti-anxiety drugs may be necessary. As always, it's important to first discuss any new supplement or treatment regimen with your veterinarian to determine what's best and safest for your pet.

By implementing a few of these strategies, you can help your furry friends cope with their anxiety and create a more comfortable environment during thunderstorms and fireworks. However, it's crucial to implement your plan before your pet becomes stressed. Start by visiting Fetch to pick up calming products and supplements well before the Fourth of July!