Best Calming Treats for Dogs: Fireworks

If your dog is scared of fireworks, fireworks displays can be miserable time for you and your pet. Fireworks displays make your pet feel like the world is ending. Until you’re able to communicate to your dog that there’s nothing to be afraid of, which is impossible, there’s nothing you can do.

These best-selling calming treats helped thousands of dogs improve their daily emotional health & calmness.

The fireworks phobia can make it hard for you if you want to take your pet along with you during celebrations like Independence Day on the 4th of July. Dogs have extremely sensitive ears, which means that fireworks that are even miles away sound much louder to them. So if you want to keep your dog calm during these celebrations, you can use calming treats for dogs.

The best calming treats you can use to calm your pup include supplements like CBD oil and active ingredients like chamomile and melatonin. Let’s discuss the best calming treats that can help calm your dog during fireworks displays. We’ll also discuss what you must consider before purchasing dog-calming treats.

The Best Treats to Calm Anxious Dogs During Loud Noises?

For animals with fireworks anxiety, the first pop at dusk is enough to activate their fear. Disoriented dogs running to hide can roam far away from their family or even get injured. Watching a pet suffer from fireworks anxiety and fear can be painful for a pet owner.

Here are some of the best treats you can use to calm your dog:

• CBD oil

• Omega-3s

• L-Theanine

• L-Tryptophan

• Melatonin

• Chamomile

These calming treats are very beneficial to our canine companions. You can use them to center their attention, reduce anxiety, and increase their moods.

These calming treats are categorized into supplements and active ingredients. Let’s dive deeper into these supplements and active ingredients and see how they can help your dog during fireworks and other loud noises:

One of the best ways to keep your dog calm and relaxed is by using natural supplements. Natural supplements like CBD oil have calming effects that relax your pet while promoting their overall well-being. Therefore, you can use these supplements to support your dog’s anxiety during fireworks displays.

If your pet has an underlying condition and is on other medication, be sure to check with your veterinarian before using any of these supplements. During vet visits, your vet will guide you on how to integrate the supplement with the ongoing treatment while advising on the proper dosage to use.

Here are the best supplements you can use as calming treats:

• CBD oil

• Omega-3s

• Ashwagandha

Let’s discuss each of these supplements in more detail:

1. CBD Oil

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is known for its calming properties and can be given to anxious dogs in the form of chews or oils. Its benefits include promoting calm and relaxation, offering support during occasional discomfort, and promoting overall pet wellness.

Hemp, the plant from which CBD is derived, is part of the cannabis sativa plant family. However, compared to other cannabis plants, it has less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a psychoactive component of cannabis and is known to have a “high” effect on pets. Since it contains little amounts of THC, hemp may calm and provide holistic support for pets without causing them to get high.

You can also use hemp seed oil to support your pet. Many people may not know but there’s a difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil. While they come from the same plant, hemp seed oil is extracted by pressing hemp seeds while CBD is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stalks. Hemp seed oil products can come as hemp seed powder, which you can give to your dog as a calming treat.

Additionally, dog CBD products available in the market come in three different types: Full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD oil. The main difference between each of these three products is the amount of THC contained in each.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including low levels of THC (below 0.3%). The law mandates that all CBD products should contain less than 0.3% THC. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD oil comes with several compounds of cannabis and does not contain THC. Finally, CBD oil is a CBD isolate and contains only CBD.

CBD oil promotes calm and relaxation in dogs by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system found in all back-boned animals. It regulates bodily functions like sleep, mood, and pain perception to maintain a balance. Research shows that CBD promotes these functions by inhibiting the system’s signaling depending on the CBD dose used.

Therefore, using dog CBD treats not only calms your pet but also promotes their overall wellness. The easiest way to give your dog CBD is directly to the mouth or under the tongue. You can add CBD oil to your dog's diet by using bottled oils with droppers, which makes it easier to slowly increase the dose.

2. Omega-3s

Omega-3 is a group of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that have holistic benefits for both humans and pets. These fatty acids can promote calm in pets and are known for their ability to support a normal inflammatory response for pets experiencing pain.

Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids are “healthy fats” that are used among pet owners to promote the well-being of their dogs. These fatty acids come in three types: Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid, and alpha-linolenic (ALA) acid. DHA and EPA are found in seafood while ALA is found in plants. Omega-3s are commonly extracted from flaxseed, chia seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub native to Asia and Africa. It is traditionally known for its calming properties. Its holistic properties have been used for thousands of years to provide support for various health-related conditions. Research shows that it can be beneficial for both you and your puppy.

Aside from its calming effects, ashwagandha may also support the brain and immune system function and maintain blood sugar levels within normal ranges. As a result, you can use it for fireworks anxiety while supporting your dog’s quality of life.

4. Key Active Ingredients

An active ingredient is any substance that provides biologically active or any other direct effect that ensures holistic support for humans and animals. Many natural ingredients have been studied and found to contain calming effects. While they may provide a calming effect in dogs, the efficacy may vary depending on the specific situation, individual dog, and amount used.

Here are some of the best active ingredients used as treats to calm dogs:

• L-Tryptophan

• Melatonin

• L-Theanine

• Valerian root

• Chamomile

• Passionflower

• Pheromones

Let’s identify each ingredient and see how it can benefit dogs with fireworks anxiety:

1. L-Tryptophan

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid used to make proteins. L-tryptophan calming treats are made from poultry, eggs, dairy, and red meat. L-tryptophan promotes calm by producing serotonin, a hormone responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. The levels of serotonin in the brain affect mood.

L-tryptophan also produces melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain in response to darkness. Since melatonin helps with the timing of the 24-hour internal clock, it regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, using l-tryptophan may help your dog sleep better.

2. Melatonin

Melatonin can also be formulated from animals and microorganisms. Melatonin extracted from other animals is generally safe for dogs and may be suggested by your vet to help with dog anxiety, behavior issues, and sleep problems. Melatonin products purchased from stores may contain toxic ingredients. Therefore, always consult your vet before giving it to your dog.

3. L-Theanine

Theanine is also an amino acid, which is found in black and green tea leaves. Theanine comes as either D-Theanine or L-Theanine, which is the most common. L-theanine is known to promote relaxation and can be used among dogs with anxiety to promote calm. It can also help dogs struggling with sleep since it also helps promote better sleep cycles.

4. Valerian Root

Valerian root has been used for centuries for its calming properties. It is found in the valerian plant, a herb native to Europe and Asia. Studies show that valerian root may increase the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that prevents brain neurons from stimulating activities such as dog anxiety and stress. As a result, using valerian root calming chews can help make your dog calm when they have noise anxiety.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is a plant in the daisy family that has been used for thousands of years as a traditional remedy. Chamomile flowers are dried to make tea that promotes calm among people and helps with unsettled stomachs. For our four-legged companions, chamomile is processed into treats that, when ingested, promote calm. Chamomile also works by increasing GABA levels in the brain.

6. Passionflower

Commonly known as passionflower, passiflora incarnate is a climbing vine with purple and white flowers. It is known among pets for its ability to promote calm and relaxation. It contains natural flavonoids and can promote the function of GABA brain receptors.

7. Pheromones

Pheromones have numerous benefits for pets, including promoting relaxation. Many pet parents use them when their dogs have a difficult time around loud noises, especially fireworks and thunderstorms. Consequently, using pheromones may help your dog feel safe and prevent behaviors like pacing, whining, and destruction.

What You Might Need to Know About Calming Treats

When it comes to giving calming treats, there isn’t a standardized formula. Each product comes with its own ingredients or a combination of ingredients aimed at promoting calm and relaxation. The main ingredients you might find in calming products are CBD oil, omega-3s, melatonin, l-tryptophan, and chamomile. Consult with your vet who may advise the best ingredient to use for your dog.

While some of these ingredients have been tested and studied, however, research is not always conducted on the actual calming treats. That’s why you need to involve your vet, whose extensive knowledge in veterinary science may help identify the best and safest product.

Additionally, these ingredients are not regulated. The lack of regulations also makes it hard to identify the safest and most effective products. That’s why you also need to do your own research.

To identify the best calming treats for your dog, ensure that the product has the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal on the label. NASC ensures the highest-quality products for service animals, pets, and other companion animals.

Not All Dogs React Well to Calming Treats: What Are the Potential Side Effects

It’s always important to seek your vet’s guidance since each pet may react differently to calming treats. You should also follow the recommended dosage guidelines in the product. When using calming treats, ensure that you closely monitor your dog’s behavior to identify any changes. If you notice any adverse effects, contact your vet immediately.

Some side effects to watch out for include behavioral changes like too much agitation and allergic reactions like breathing issues, itching, and swelling. You must also watch out for the dose you use, which may vary depending on your dog’s size. Giving a small dog too many calming treats can drowsiness, lethargy, seizures, and respiratory issues. Therefore, you must always look out for your dog’s response to the calming treats.

Considerations When Purchasing Calming Treats for Dog Anxiety

Here are some of the considerations before purchasing calming treats for your dog:

• Type of dog calming treat

• How long the treat lasts

• Dietary restrictions

• How quickly the treat works

Let’s look at each of these considerations:

The Type of Treat Matters

Dog calming treats come in different forms, including calming chews, tablets, and oils. Dog chews and tablets are the easiest to administer since you just give them directly to your dog’s mouth. However, some dogs might spit out the treat. For such dogs, you can use calming oils, which you can drizzle over the dog’s food.

How Long The Treat Lasts

The length of time that a treat lasts depends on the treat’s active ingredients. Most active ingredients last between four to eight hours. The treat should last long enough to calm your dog throughout the duration of loud noises and fireworks celebrations. You can use CBD oil which, depending on the dosage, can have a lasting effect for up to 24 hours.

Your Dog's Dietary Restrictions

Check the calming treat to identify all ingredients used. Ensure that the treat doesn’t contain any ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction. For instance, some calming treats come with chicken flavor, which many dogs are allergic to.

Speediness of Results

Fast-acting dog-calming treats are ideal, especially if your dog unexpectedly reacts to fireworks displays. While most dog owners use calming ingredients in a trial-and-error process, anecdotal evidence supports the work of CBD oil, l-tryptophan, and other active ingredients. L-tryptophan starts working as soon as it gets into your dog’s bloodstream. It can take between 20 to 30 minutes for l-tryptophan to get absorbed into the body. On the other hand, dogs start responding to CBD oil within 30 to 45 minutes.

Talk to Your Vet Before Giving a Dog Calming Treat

As dog lovers, we always want the best for our furry friends. That’s why it’s important to always consult a veterinary professional who may offer insights on the best way to use calming treats for your furry friend. By working closely with your vet, you can rest assured that you’re providing the safest and most effective dog-calming treat to your dog.

References:

1. Learn more about hemp seed oil extraction and stable emulsion formulation with hemp protein isolates.

2. Learn more about endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system.

3. Learn more about the role of omega-3 fatty acids in canine health.

4. Learn more about medicinal natural drug of Valerian root (Valerina Officinalis).

5. Learn more about passiflora incarnata (passionflower).

6. Learn more about medical cannabis sativa and its Psychoactive molecule: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

7. Learn more about cannabidiol (CBD) and THC in nonprescription consumer products.