July 15, 2021
Written By: VetriScience
Summer might mean beach days and ball games for us, but it can be a time of heightened stress for our pets. Whether it's thunderstorms, fireworks, or a backyard get-together, loud sounds and routine changes can cause stress or anxiety in cats and dogs.
But, you can follow these simple tips to enjoy a stress-free summer with your best buddy!
1. Distract & Calm During Storms and Fireworks
Whether it's thunderstorms or fireworks, these common summer occurrences are a frequent source of stress for pets and can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive vocalization, inappropriate elimination, pacing, and hiding. Here are a few ways to help your pets remain calm:
- Provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can feel safe
- Keep windows and curtains closed
- Distract pets with white noise, TV or radio
- Give pets a tasty, long-lasting treat
- Give them Composure calming supplements 30 minutes before, if possible, or ASAP
2. Prepare for Road Trips
Planning a getaway with your canine co-pilot? Make sure that your dog's ID tags are up to date and that you pack essentials for your road trip. Your travel kit should include food, medication, toys and treats. Dogs are creatures of habit so a favorite toy can make car feel like their home away from home. Don't forget to take frequent bathroom breaks so your pup can stretch their legs!
3. Keep Them Inside
Pets are like family, so it may be hard to imagine them stuck inside while we’re out and about this summer. But, it also may be in their best interest. Whether it’s a long hike or camping trip, keeping them indoors is often the safest place for your four-legged friend. That way, your cat or dog won’t be exposed to environmental stressors that could cause them to react poorly. It will also limit their exposure to the elements, which leads us to our next tip…
4. Avoid the Heat
Just like us, pets can overheat from strenuous exercise and long days outdoors. Symptoms of overheating typically include excessive panting or salivating, difficulty breathing, confusion, rapid heart rate, and general discomfort. Keep your pet calm and cool by providing access to shade and fresh water, giving tasty frozen treats, taking walks during cooler periods, and never leaving them alone in a parked car.
It’s also important to keep your pet off hot surfaces like pavement or sand that can burn their paws. You may want to apply a natural wax to their paws or use booties to protect them from prolonged exposure to hot surfaces throughout the summer.
5. Try Calming Supplements
Can’t find the trick that will actually keep your cat or dog calm? Calming supplements like Composure can help your pet relax during thunderstorms, outdoor adventures, and vet or grooming visits. Composure is a fast-acting calming supplement that's clinically shown to work within 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours in dogs. You can even double or triple your pet's amount of Composure to achieve the desired calming effect.
Before your next adventure, give them a tasty Composure chew to support calm behavior no matter what summer has in store for you!
