What can I Give My Dogs to Calm Them During Fireworks on the Fourth of July?

What can I Give My Dogs to Calm Them During Fireworks on the Fourth of July?

Most dogs can get extremely stressed and anxious during fireworks, and the worst day for this is the Fourth of July. The SPCA report that this is the night that most animals run away from home because they get so scared and confused. In order to reduce your animal’s anxiety as much as possible, there are ways that you can look after them. Here are some of the most popular natural remedies that you can use to help your dog remain calm during fireworks.

CBD oil

Dogs have very similar endocannabinoid systems to humans, so they respond the same way to CBD products. When CBD enters the bloodstream, it can bind to receptors to prevent the uptake of endocannabinoids, which leads to greater feelings of calmness, and lower levels of stress and anxiety. A few drops of CBD oil can help to calm your dog down, and it can also help them get to sleep. It usually takes around 30 minutes for the effects of the CBD to begin working, so try and time the dosage just before the fireworks start, if it’s possible.

Melatonin

Melatonin is another great natural remedy that can help to soothe your dog while the fireworks are going off. It reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, which can help to calm your fearful dog. The supplement can also help your pet to fall asleep easier. Getting your pets to sleep through loud fireworks can be hard, but if possible, it will save them a lot of fear. Although this is a natural hormone, you should still exercise caution when giving it to your dog, especially for the first time. Do not give melatonin to a pregnant dog, and if your dog is already on other medications, check with your vet first to make sure that melatonin will not react with these.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a herbal remedy that has been used for centuries, thanks to its amazing medicinal properties. It acts as a mild sedative, helping to soothe and calm animals in times of great stress, such as firework displays. Chamomile is not only good for reducing anxiety, but it can also help your pet with digestive, skin, and hair problems. There are so many ways to give your dog chamomile (chews, powder, tea), allowing you to find a solution that is convenient.

Aromatherapy Spray

Providing your dog with an environment that smells relaxing can help to reduce your dog’s anxiety during stressful times such as the Fourth of July. Simply spray the scent in a room that your dog is comfortable in, such as where they sleep, and this should help them. Look for sprays that contain chamomile and lavender, both of which have calming properties. There are a number of sprays that you can easily buy from a pet store, although these are generally not going to have as much of an impact as some other remedies for stress. If your dog experiences severe anxiety caused by fireworks, there may be stronger alternatives that you can get with a prescription from a vet.