Best Natural Calmers for Dogs Scared of Fireworks
Fireworks Season is a difficult time of year for many pets and watching your dog shake and hide from the loud bangs is stressful for everyone. Thankfully, there are a variety of natural herbs and homeopathy which can be used to help keep your dog calmer during the noisy season. Here are some of the best natural calmers for dogs scared of fireworks.
1. Homeopathy
Homeopathic Borax and Phosphorus is one of the best homeopathic combinations for dogs that are scared of sudden, loud bangs. In its raw form borax and phosphorus would of course be unsuitable for consumption but the preparation of homeopathy enables us to use ingredients that would be unsuitable in their original raw form.
Try our Noise Remedy which includes these ingredients. It can also be purchased as part of our Fireworks Special Pack.
2. Hemp Oil
Hemp oil has gained popularity for its calming effects on both humans and pets. It can help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, making it a great option for fireworks phobia. Make sure to use a high-quality, pet-safe hemp oil and follow the recommended dosage.
Consider our Calm Dog Hemp Oil.
3. Valerian Root
Valerian root is another natural calmer that can help dogs cope with fireworks anxiety. It has sedative properties that can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Valerian root can be found in various forms, such as capsules or tinctures.
Check out Calm Xtra herbal tincture which can be given 20 minutes before a noisy event to calm your pet. It can also be purchased as part of our Fireworks Special Pack.
4. Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming scent, which can help dogs feel more at ease during stressful situations. You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or apply it to your dog's collar (after diluting it with a carrier oil) to help them relax.
5. L-Tryptophan
L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that has been shown to have calming effects on dogs. It can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.
Look for pet supplements that contain L-Tryptophan as an ingredient e.g Proflax Calming Treats.
Simple Things You Can Do at Home Too
Natural calmers work even better alongside a few simple changes to your dog's environment and routine:
1. Create a safe den. Give your dog a quiet, covered space - a crate with a blanket over it, or a cosy corner away from windows - where they can hide if they want to. Let them choose to use it rather than forcing them in.
2. Mask the noise. Background sound like a TV, radio, or white noise can help take the edge off sudden bangs.
3. Tire them out earlier. A longer walk or extra playtime during the day (before fireworks start) can help take the edge off restlessness later on.
4. Stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up on our stress, so try to act normally rather than fussing every time there's a loud bang - it helps reassure them that everything's okay.
5. Offer a distraction. A favourite long-lasting chew or food puzzle toy can help redirect their focus during the noisiest periods.
For a longer-term fix alongside natural calmers, take a look at our step-by-step guide to desensitising your dog to firework sounds.
