Summer means the kids are out of school and it’s time for picnics, vacations, fireworks – and anxiety for your pets. The summer skies can also be lit up by the natural fireworks of thunderstorms. As much fun as these activities can be for your pets, many become extremely stressed during this time of year.

Pets like their routine. If they’re used to being at home alone, all day long for nine months of the year, and suddenly your four children are home all the time, it can be an adjustment for your pets. It doesn’t mean they don’t love the kids and the company—they undoubtedly do—but it may take them a while to adjust to the change in routine.

If you’re planning a vacation, and you’re anxious about travel plans, leaving work, or paying for the trip, your pet may pick up on your anxiety.

You may love the colorful 4th of July fireworks, but the strange smells and loud, unusual sounds are terrifying to many pets. The rumble of thunder and/or the changes in barometric pressure that often precede a storm can also unsettle your four-legged children.

But don’t worry! There are things you can do to help calm your pet down.

Tips and Tricks to Calm Your Pet

Dogs and cats are individuals, so while each of your furry friends will have different needs, we’re sure one of these will do the trick:

Stay Calm Yourself

Animals pick up on their human’s emotions. Is it really the thunderstorm that’s bothering them? Or is it the fact that you’re afraid they’ll be afraid that’s got them nervous?

Play Music

Music can help calm your pet. Playing music specifically recorded with pets in mind may do the trick.

Pet Releaf CBD Hemp Oil

CBD Hemp Oil gives some pets relief from anxiety. There are other health benefits to CBD Hemp Oil. Pet Releaf offers a variety of hemp oil drops for dogs and cats and capsules for dogs.

Physical Contact

You are your pets’ best security blanket. They know that if you’re around, they’re safe. Petting them, holding them, or just sitting next to them, may help them relax.

ThunderShirt

If you can’t be there to physically connect with your pet, you can try a ThunderShirt. Put this on your pet and it applies a gentle, constant pressure which reassures your pet. It’s a similar theory to swaddling an infant. ThunderShirts come in a variety of colors and sizes for both dogs and cats.

Give Your Furry Ones a “Safe Place”

Your pet should have a crate, or some place, that is your pet’s own little haven, free from danger and excess activity. Animals will naturally relax when they’re in their favorite place.

Summer’s a great time for fun with the whole family, including the furry members. Help keep your pets calm and all of you will enjoy the summer that much more.