NEW YORK - July 1, 2020 - Being a dog in America on July 4th must feel like the world is coming apart. It's no wonder why Independence Day, which often extends far beyond a single day to weeks of celebratory firecrackers, can cause severe stress and anxiety for our beloved pups.

Signs your dog is stressed
Signs that your dog is feeling anxious may include chewing or destructive behavior, barking, crying, or whining, trembling or shaking, excessive panting, refusal to eat, and excessive licking and/or drooling, just to name a few.

How to calm an anxious dog
Anxious dog hiding under blanket In addition to ensuring your dog is confined to a safe and secure environment — we don't recommend a crate (unless the door is open and your dog can enter and leave at will) because this can make your dog feel trapped — there are steps you can take to help your dog feel as comfortable as possible.

Here are 4 calming strategies to help ease your dog's stress during the Fourth of July:

Lights: Drawing the shades will help minimize the flashes of light.

White noise: Similar to classical music, white noise from a fan or air conditioner can dampen the sound of fireworks.

Natural calming remedies:There are plenty of all-natural remedies that help invoke a state of calmness and these can be especially helpful during times of stress. Look for products that contain nervine herbs like organic skullcap, oat tops, chamomile, and/or valerian root. Nervine herbs are considered nerve tonics and are mildly relaxing without being sedating.

Chewing: You can also try distracting your dog with a chew toy or a chew treat. Chewing releases serotonin and dopamine, which can help your dog relax. Try a long-term variety that will engage your dog for at least 10 minutes, such as a Safe Fit™ bully stick, sized appropriately for your dog's weight.

Remember that timing is crucial-—so keep a watchful eye on your dog and try to intervene with the tips above before she reaches a point of complete distress. With care and preparation, pet parents can ensure that July 4 is as safe, quiet and calm as possible for our dogs.

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