Move over, scaredy cats — summer means it's time for the scaredy dogs to shine. (Getty)(Getty)
As much as my pup loves spring and summer for obvious reasons — namely, running around in the grass and soaking up the sun — she also can't stand thunderstorms (and don't get me started on fireworks). Loud noises scare her, and a crack of thunder sends her running under my bed in panic, or worse, shaking under the nearest table she can find. While I've tried endless kinds of calming treats with varying degrees of success, there's one that my pup and I love, and it's affordable: Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Dog Chews, $10 at Amazon.
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These chewies start working within 20 minutes — use 'em for storms, fireworks, travel, trips to the vet or other situations that make your dog anxious.
Now, they're no replacement for basic pet-parent common sense during storms: I still make sure to close all windows and draw the curtains, keeping Chloe safely inside 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 she ingests them. They also seem to taste delicious, as she 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, they'll probably have an easier time with this than their kibble.
And they're not just for storms: I use them whenever Chloe's being particularly antsy, like if there's construction noise 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, though. "We have a 75-pound boy dog who is deathly afraid of storms and fireworks," said this pet parent. "He pants and paces for hours. We've tried prescriptions from the vet and Benadryl, and nothing worked very well. We were told about these chews and decided to give them a shot. They worked better than all the other things we tried! It takes three for him to really settle down and be somewhat comfortable. While they don’t help 100%, I would say they helped about 70%, which we will take!"
Another customer says these help calm her pup during outings or separations: "My dog is super stressed and anxious. He HATES everyone who isn't me ... however, when I give him these bad boys, he's cool as a cucumber. I take him tubing down the lazy river once a year with me and these are a MUST have. His lil' eyes get squinty and he just soaks in the sun without a worry in the world."
Of course, depending on your dog, your mileage may vary: "Bought these after seeing and hearing everyone rave on [TikTok]. The good dog took the recommended dose and knocked out on the Fourth of July," said this dog lover. "The angry dachshund took them, and as he'd start to slip into his Pink Floyd 'comfortably numb' stage, he turned into the angry son of Ricky Bobby, screaming 'Anarchy!' and running all over the house. Will definitely give them another try."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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