You can give your dog six calming remedies firework anxiety. Three types of anxiety medicines, and three herbal medicines.
Many dogs are terrified of fireworks and experience fireworks anxiety.
But so many options exist!
A lot of people want to choose the right thing without harming their dogs.
Below I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to what you can provide your dog for anxiety during fireworks:
What To Give Dogs For Anxiety From Fireworks
- Comfort Zone Calming Vests
- Rescue Remedy
- Set up a safe place
- Pheromone Diffuser
- Adaptil Collars
- Acupressure
Comfort Zone Calming Vests
Calming Vests are made to help dogs cope with stressful situations by applying gentle, constant pressure around their bodies.
This pressure has a calming effect. The vests are easy to put on, and they’re machine-washable.
Plus, you can use them in conjunction with pheromone diffusers, which can help calm your dog.
These garments hug the body and make your pet feel more secure.
They provide mild pressure to the torso, like swaddling a baby or receiving a hug. [1]
Rescue Remedy
Rescue Remedy is a Bach flower remedy containing five different flowers.
Consider giving your dog a calming supplement before the fireworks start.
Flower essences are non-toxic and can safely use in conjunction with other medications or therapies and animals of all ages.
Rescue Remedy comes in liquid drops that can be put into drinking water.
They should give up before the fireworks start because it takes them a while to work.
Set up a safe place
“A blanket fort or covered crate is an ideal hiding place for a nervous pup. Close the shades and drawers to block out noisy distractions like fireworks,” said Dr. Katie Grzyb.
Ensure your dog has access to water and a place to hide if they get upset.
Another way to ease his anxiety is to take him outside or into an enclosed area like a garage, closet, or bathroom. [2] [3]
Dog Appeasing Pheromone Diffuser
These plug-in devices emit calming pheromones to help relax anxious dogs.
This home plug-in diffuser releases a chemical that replicates the pheromones that mother dogs release when their puppies are born.
Your dog will notice them when they come home, and they’ll help your dog feel more secure and at ease in their environment. [4]
Adaptil Collars
Adaptil Collars are great for dogs anxious about fireworks.
An Adaptil collar is an excellent option because it provides continuous delivery of calming hormones throughout this stressful period.
Adaptil Collars last four weeks, and the refills last 30 days.
Acupressure
Acupressure is the practice of applying pressure to specific points on the body.
It’s a popular alternative treatment option for various animal ailments, including anxiety and pain.
For using acupressure, press down gently with your index finger or thumb for 30 seconds. [5]
Your dog may benefit from having pressure applied to these points leading up to the fireworks:
- Between their toes
- Just behind their ears
- At the base of their tail
3 Anxiety Medicines used for Fireworks in Dogs
- Melatonin
- Tryptophan
- Zylkene Capsules
Melatonin
Melatonin is natural hormones that can help some dogs relax during stressful situations.
Melatonin can be a safe option to help calm a dog during fireworks or thunderstorms.
It may also be effective for other types of anxiety, such as separation anxiety or travel anxiety. [6]
Dosage: The recommended dose rate of melatonin is 1mg/10kg body weight.
Tryptophan
It is an essential amino acid that is more commonly known for inducing sleepiness in humans after a big meal.
Tryptophan supplements play a vital role in synthesizing serotonin, one of the brain’s key neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood.
Serotonin levels are low in dogs with separation anxiety or fear aggression.
Studies have also shown that it can help with motion sickness and calm hyperactivity, and high energy levels in dogs. [7] [8]
Dosage: 250mg per 25 pounds of body weight once daily.
Zylkene Capsules
Zylkene is a natural, calming supplement for dogs and cats, and it’s a protein present in mother’s milk.
It is suitable to manage stress and anxiety associated with a range of everyday events (e.g., moving house, renovation works, kenneling, travel, or visits to the vet) or for animals experiencing more serious behavioral issues (e.g., fear of fireworks). [9]
3 Herbal Medicines used for Fireworks in Dogs
- Valerian
- Lavender
- Chamomile
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that has shown to be very effective in reducing fear, separation anxiety, and other phobias.
Valerian is a very effective remedy for fireworks.
You can give your dog 1 mg per pound of bodyweight about an hour before the fireworks begin.
For example, if you have a 50-pound dog, you will give him 12.5 mg to 50 mg of valerian. [10]
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy and has a calming effect on dogs.
The scent can help alleviate anxiety, fear, and stress, making it helpful in treating dogs that are afraid of fireworks.
Add a few drops to a diffuser or use it in a spray bottle with water to calm your dog when they’re scared. [11]
Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herb that effectively treats insomnia, relieves anxiety, and treats gastrointestinal issues.
The best way to administer chamomile to your dog is in the form of tea or chewable tablets.
To make this tea, put two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers into a cup of boiling water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
Then use 1/4 cup of tea for dogs between 15 and 30 pounds. [12]
What can I give my Dog for Anxiety during fireworks?
You can give your dog several calming remedies like calming vests, acupressure, DAP Diffusers, adaptive collars, and herbal calming remedies such as lavender, chamomile, and valerian to reduce anxiety levels.
Other than herbal remedies, there are anxiety medicines that you can give your dog to help reduce stress during fireworks.
These include melatonin, Tryptophan, and Zylkene Capsules.
These are the best remedies that may help reduce your dog’s anxiety during fireworks.
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