Natural Remedy If Your Dog Is Scared Of Fireworks Or Thunderstorms

 

A Natural Remedy if your Dog is Scared of Fireworks and Thunderstorms

 

A few years ago when we lived on the water in Maryland, Hurricane Sandy hit our area. Right before we evacuated our riverfront home, one of our upstairs outside doors came crashing through the house, making a very loud bang. The open doorframe and strong winds caused another upstairs inside doorframe to crash and fall into the hall making another very loud noise. Thankfully, we were all downstairs and unharmed. 

 

But ever since that incident, my normally carefree dog, Bently has been absolutely terrified of thunderstorms or any loud noises like fireworks or gunshots. His anxiety is so bad that his entire body dramatically shakes and his teeth actually chatter so loud you can hear it across the room. I’m not kidding  🙁 My poor furbaby! 

 

 

Over the years, we’ve tried a few different holistic vet recommended, natural remedies to help calm his anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks. Most of the natural remedies we’ve tried haven’t worked well enough for him, but one remedy in particular does work really well. 

 

I always carry this particular natural remedy in my medicine cabinet and it’s what I reach for during the 4th of July and thunderstorms (and also long car rides – he hates those, too). 

 

Since the 4th of July is coming up, I figured I wasn’t going to be the only one dealing with a pet who is terrified of fireworks. So I wanted to share what works for us in hopes that it can help you relieve your fur baby’s anxiety. 

 

How To Video for Fear of Fireworks and Thunder

I made a video for you! Click the video player below to watch the short how to video or keep scrolling to read the rest of the post:

 

If you can’t see the video player above, click HERE to watch it on YouTube:

Subscribe to my new YouTube channel so you’ll never miss a video! 🙂

 

Natural Remedy for Anxiety from Fireworks and Thunder for Pets

 

Homeopathic Remedy Phosphorus 30C 

Phosphorus 30C is usually the first remedy holistic vets reach for during fear of thunderstorms. THIS is the kind I use. This works so well for Bently.  It gives him almost immediate relief from his anxiety. Within about a minute, he stops shaking and pacing and instead, lies down and then goes to sleep. It’s been such a lifesaver for us!  

 

How to give it to your pet:

If your pet is willing, just put 2 or 3 pellets on the tongue, under the tongue or on the inside of the cheek during times of anxiety. Make sure there is no food in your pet’s mouth when you administer the pellets.

 

Bently spits them right out so I have to dissolve them in water and then squirt some in his mouth.  Here’s how you do that:

 

1. In a bottle or jar, put 4 pellets in 4 ounces of spring, distilled or filtered water.

2. Let the pellets dissolve for about 5 minutes.

3. Put on the lid, shake vigorously and then give the bottle a couple whacks with your hand (this strengthens the remedy).

4. Squirt 1/4 teaspoon into your pet’s mouth (I use something like THIS to squirt). If the teeth are clenched, it’s ok. As long as it touches the mucous membranes, it will work. If you can’t get it into the mouth, apply it to the paw pads as it will absorb through the skin.  Make sure to give the remedy on a clean palate – no food in the mouth. Do NOT mix it in their food – it won’t work.

Keep any of the remaining remedy in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.  If you want to store it longterm, make sure to use distilled water and then add in a tablespoon of clear vodka. If you don’t want to use vodka, you can also use vegetable glycerin, although it’s not as good as a preservative as vodka. And make sure to keep it in the fridge! 

 

How often?

Generally, we just need to give 1 or 2 doses about 15 minutes apart during anxiety and it lasts him for a few hours. In severe cases, you can give this dose once every 15 minutes until the anxiety lessens. 

 

(Source, Source, Source)

 

Other natural remedies for fireworks and thunderstorms for pets: 

 

Although I didn’t have good luck using these natural remedies below, I think they are still worth mentioning since many holistic vets generally have very good success with them:

 

Thundershirt – An Anti-Anxiety Shirt for Pets

I’ve heard so many success stories from those who have experience with the thundershirt (Find HERE), but unfortunately, it didn’t work for us. It seems to be helpful for most dogs, though. Customer studies show that it helps about 80% of dogs.

 

Rescue Remedy

Rescue Remedy (Find HERE) is a blend of flower essences and it’s great for any animal that is upset. It  comes highly recommended by holistic vets, as they see a lot of success with it in their practice. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much luck with this remedy either. One of my friends owns a dog shelter and swears by rescue remedy, though so it may work for you! 

 

I hope this info will help all the scared fur baby’s out there 🙂 Do you have a pet that is scared of fireworks or thunder like mine? What do you do to help? I’d love to hear what is working for you!

 

Pin Dog is Scared of Fireworks or Thunder HERE: