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Does the CRASH of distant thunder or the KABOOM of fireworks send your dog running for the closet? Summertime is prime season for weather and noise-related events that can cause situational anxiety for our furry friends. Situational anxiety is when your dog is afraid of something specific, like storms or other loud noises. My dog Cupcake even gets startled and takes a few minutes to recover if she hears a motorcycle engine rev when she is riding in the car with me.
Some of the most common signs of dog anxiety include chewing or destructive behavior, barking or crying, restlessness, pacing, trembling, and excessive panting. Beyond prescription pills, there are several natural ways to treat pet anxiety. It is always a good idea to consult with your own vet to find the best solution to keep your pet comfortable during stressful situations.
ThunderShirts
The idea of using pressure to calm human anxiety has been around for decades. Examples include mothers swaddling their infants and people with autism using weighted vests. Some clever dog trainers have even used ace bandages to apply pressure for dogs, but they were very difficult to apply and unsafe to leave unsupervised. No one had solved the problem of how to safely and easily use calming pressure on pets until the development of ThunderShirt by the people at Thunderworks. If you’re wondering how do Thundershirts work for dogs, check out the data supporting their use. The shirts come in a variety of styles and can be purchased online or at local pet stores. Allow your dog to wear the ThunderShirt during regular, non-stressful activities so it will not be foreign for him to wear during a stressful event.
CBD Products
The use of CBD oil is exploding, especially among dog owners, because of its many benefits. Products containing CBD help with pain management, seizures, and also showing great results when used to manage dog anxiety. How does it work? It’s all about the endocannabinoid system. The body has cannabinoid receptors throughout the central nervous system. Your dog’s body releases endocannabinoid chemicals on its own. These connect with the receptors that stimulate the natural ability to create serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer. Research shows that CBD increases this ability. It interacts with the nervous system to soothe and calm anxiety. CBD is great for situational anxiety because it works fairly quickly. For example, if a storm is coming, give CBD oil 30-60 minutes before it is expected to arrive. The CBD products are available online and at local CBD Shops such as Alamo Botanicals in Stone Oak or Pawsitively Sweet Bakery.
Essential Oils
Properly used, essential oils can help calm and build confidence in your anxious dog. Always use the very best quality essential oils you can find; higher quality oils usually come from smaller companies who will be willing to answer your questions about the product. Essential oils like lavender and violet leaf are great for calming anxiety. A blend of Frankincense, Rose Otto, Hops, and Cornflower hydrosol are specifically useful for fear of thunder and fireworks. Diffusing the oils or spritzing on bedding is the safest way to administer the oils. When you diffuse essential oils, make sure your dog has a way to leave the room if the oils make her uncomfortable. Don’t use essential oils directly on your dog’s skin or fur. Never allow your dog to ingest oils in any way.
Statistics Don’t Lie
According to American Humane Society July 5 is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Animals that fled in fright the night before are found miles from their homes, disoriented and exhausted. Anxious families often find themselves searching the streets and shelters looking for a treasured family member whose fear drove him to jump a high fence or break his leash or chain. If you know that your pet is afraid of fireworks consider these natural methods to reduce anxiety. In addition, be sure that all ID tags are properly affixed to your pet’s collar and that they have your current contact information, including cell number(s). Update your microchip registrations and pet license information to ensure it is current.
Find More Dog Care & Safety Tips Below:
6 Beach Hazards That Can Ruin You and Your Dog’s Day at the Beach
Should I Bring My Dog? | Choosing the Best Adventures for Fido
Author: Stacy Thetford
I am a dog-loving transplanted Texan who has called San Antonio home for thirteen years. I am a wife, mother of one daughter and two sons and grandma to three granddaughters and three grandpups. I enjoy baking, reading, road trips and finding adventures in the Alamo City to share with Cupcake, our beloved Border Collie mix shelter dog.
