Dogs can have a heightened amount of anxiety in the Summer. With fireworks, thunderstorms, people coming in and out of the house and more motorcycles driving by, many dogs experience fear that they might not normally have.
While it is important to check in with your vet if your dog’s anxiety seems to be diminishing their quality of life, there are some tried and true home remedies that you can use to help.
Give Them a Hug, Even from Afar
The ThunderShirt is a great way to help combat your dog’s anxiety. The ThunderShirt is like giving your dog a hug! The thought behind this invention is that swaddling a dog, much like an infant, can help with their anxiety especially in situations like during a thunderstorm or fireworks. Believe it or not, it actually works for many dogs!
Spray Away the Anxiety
Some people recommend the use of pheromone sprays to help with pet anxiety. According to Jacqui Neilson, DVM, DACVB, owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic, a veterinary behavioral referral practice in Portland, Ore. certain ones called calming or appeasing pheromones can sometimes help relieve anxiety and stress in dogs. One company that makes a spray with these is Nutri-Vet. In addition to sprays, they also making calming chewables and treats for dogs. You can also bake treats at home for your dog to help calm their nerves, like this recipe from The Nest.
Treat the Issue
There are a number of herbs that have a natural calming effect that you can actually give your dog. These are valerian, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, oats and skullcap. You can bake these into treats, or even sprinkle some into their food. Below is one of our favorite calming dog cookie recipes.
Chamomile Crunchies Recipe:
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- ½ cup of oat flour
- ½ cup of brown rice flour
- 2 teaspoons of mint
- 1 tablespoon of parsley
- 1 tablespoon of dried Roman chamomile
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of water
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ½ cup of oat flour and brown rice flour, 2 teaspoons of mint 1 tablespoon of parsley and 1 tablespoon of dried Roman chamomile. Add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 cup of water, a little at a time. The goal is to make a smooth dough. Roll out of the dough in ½- inch balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes. Let your cookies cool on a wire rack. They can be stored for up to 4 weeks in an airtight container.
Getting to the root of your dog’s anxiety is an important step in helping them overcome it. Make sure they are getting the proper amount of exercise as well as eating right to keep them looking and feeling their best.
In some cases, your vet may prescribe medications to help calm them down. It is important to speak to your vet and never try to use human medications to treat your dog unless directed by your vet.
