July 4th may be a fun, patriotic holiday for you, but it can be overwhelming and scary for your beloved pet. Between the many party guests coming in and out of the house and the loud fireworks exploding in the air, pets can easily become frightened, get injured, display destructive signs of stress, or run away. More pets go missing on July 4th than any other day. 

Of course, you're not intentionally scaring your pet when you set off those dazzling fireworks. You're merely celebrating your independence. However, to avoid sending your dog or cat into a panic, here's how to keep pets calm using Cannabidiol (CBD), hemp, tryptophan, and melatonin products.

CBD or Hemp

We've all heard about the calming effects CBD or hemp products can have on our pets. CBD can change the way your pet's brain responds to serotonin release in the brain, helping them to remain calm when they might otherwise show signs of tension. The non-psychoactive products can provide stress relief for your pet, and also help with joint pain, seizures, cancer, and more. 

Whether you're providing hemp-derived CBD via liquid drops, chews, spray, or balm, it's a great way to reduce anxiety in your pets. Friendly reminder that all CBD products are sold in-store only including treats, tinctures, capsules, balms, peanut butters, and more. 

If your curious to learn more about CBD and other medicinal hemp products for your pet, check out our blog here. 

Pheromone Diffuser or Spray

Pets often scratch or urinate on nearby surroundings when they are frightened or worried. Pheromone products, such as diffusers or sprays, tell your furry friend that the pheromone-scented area is a familiar and safe place. This calming smell can prevent your pet from participating in destructive behavior.

Calming Chews 

If your pet is food-motivated, it may be easiest to give them a few special treats on nights you know there's a good chance they'll get scared, such as July 4th, New Year's Eve, or when thunderstorms hit. 

Calming chews like NaturVet Quiet Moments include soothing ingredients such as chamomile, thiamine mononitrate, L-Tryptophan, and melatonin. All these components aid in relaxation. VetriScience's Composure Behavioral Health Chews offer thiamine and L-Theanine, both calming agents, for anxious pets.

Comfort Collar

An easy set-it-and-forget-it solution to calming your dog for extended periods is the Adaptil Calming Collar. 

The Adaptil Calming Collar mimics a canine's natural nursing pheromone scent, which can reduce your dog's fear of loud noises or separation anxiety. Once you've fastened the collar on, your dog's body heat will trigger the pheromone release. These collars can provide constant stress relief for up to four weeks and are 100% safe.

Peanut Butter with L-Theanine

We all know dogs love peanut butter. At least, most dogs. So why not use their favorite sticky, peanut-y treat to help combat anxiety. 

You can't use just any peanut butter from your local grocery store. It would be best if you had peanut butter with L-Theanine like Green Coast Pet's Lickable Actives. L-Theanine increases alpha waves in your dog's brain, which keeps them peaceful and focused without experiencing drowsiness. Load it into their favorite toy or offer a spoonful when they need it most.

Homeopathic Stress Relief Liquid Drops

An excellent homeopathic option for relieving your pet's anxiety is the Bach Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Liquid Drops. 

These drops, suitable for dogs and cats of all weights and ages, offer natural stress-reducing ingredients such as Rock Rose, Clematis, Impatiens, Cherry Plum, and Star of Bethlehem. You can give it to your pet orally or with food or water.

Which Product is Right for Your Pet?

Not sure which product is right for your pet? No worries! We're here to help. Call us or stop by to talk with one of our knowledgeable staff members.