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The $11 secret to keeping scaredy-dogs calm during 4th of July fireworks
These chews let my pup chill out.
As much as my pup loves summer for obvious reasons — namely, the running around in the grass and soaking up the sun — she also can’t stand the fireworks around the 4th of July. She’s already a frightful pup; loud noises scare her, and the sound of popping fireworks, without fail, are a recipe for her running under my bed in panic, or worse, shaking under the nearest table she can find.
While I’ve tried an endless amount of calming treats with varying degrees of efficacy, there’s one that my pup Chloe and I love, and it’s wicked inexpensive: Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Dog Chews, $11 at Amazon.
These chews are sedative-free and won’t tire your pup out.
Now, they’re no replacement for basic pet parent common sense during fireworks: I still make sure to close all windows and draw the curtains, keep her safely inside and with her favorite plushies and blankets, either watching a TV show or listening to tail-wagging songs. These treats act as an additional barrier between her and the loud, scary noises I know she’ll hear, and they seriously do help.
The chews use a Colostrum Calming Complex Biopepide Blend, L-Theanine and Vitamin B to soothe Chloe without making her sleepy or drowsy. They’re sedative-free and won’t tire her out; they last for four to six hours and start working up to 20 minutes after ingesting. They also reportedly taste delicious, as my furbaby runs straight to me when she sees me opening up the packet. They’re soft and easy to chew, so if your pet is older or has dental issues like Chloe, she’ll have an easier time with this than her kibble.
And they're not just for fireworks: I use mine whenever Chloe's being particularly antsy, like if there’s construction noise, during thunderstorms, or if she’s about to go to the vet. Other shoppers use them to help combat separation anxiety, jumpiness and even aggression.
Pups that get upset by loud noises particularly benefit from the treat. One shopper gives her big scaredy-dog some before fireworks. Says the fan: "My dog is a German Shepherd who has anxiety. She does not like fireworks, or people working on our house making loud noises. We bought these just to see if they would work and I am so glad we did! She no longer whines when there are fireworks. We give her 1 1/2 and she is set for the night. She does not knock out but she will peacefully sit or lay down on the floor and just relax. She does not howl or bark when strangers are in the house and these have been our saving grace!"
Another reviewer offered the calming chews before a long trip:
“It really works!" says the shopper. Normally the 30-minute drive to the beach she’s whining, ready to get out and play so we got these for her first four-hour total road trip and along with a seatbelt it was so stress-less. She ate it like it was a treat — no fuss! We only gave her one and it kicked in about 30 minutes later. Our VERY active 1-year-old German will now enjoy more road trips and adventures!"
For just $11, these inexpensive chews are a must-have, and if they save me the heartache of watching Chloe shake all night or worse, running around my neighborhood trying to find her, they're so worth it.
These chewies start working within just 20 minutes after ingesting
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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