Helping Your Dog Stay Calm This Summer: Natural Support for Fireworks, Storms & Travel

Summer is full of adventures, but for many dogs it can also bring anxiety and stress. Fireworks, thunderstorms, family gatherings, road trips, and changes in routine can all leave our pups feeling unsettled.

The good news? There are many natural ways to help support your dog's emotional well-being while also promoting their overall health.

Understanding Stress in Dogs

Just like people, dogs experience stress differently. Some may pace, pant, hide, shake, bark excessively, or become clingy. Others may lose interest in food, seem restless, or have difficulty settling down.

While occasional stress is normal, repeated stressful experiences can affect a dog's overall wellness. That's why many pet parents are looking for natural options that support both calm behavior and long-term health.

The Benefits of CBD for Dogs

One of the most popular natural wellness tools today is CBD (cannabidiol). Derived from hemp, CBD works with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate balance throughout the body.

Many pet parents use CBD to support:

  • Calm behavior during fireworks and thunderstorms
  • Travel-related stress
  • Situational anxiety
  • Healthy joint function and mobility
  • Overall wellness and balance
  • Recovery from daily physical activity

We carry several trusted CBD options including Pet Releaf Oils and Soft Chews, making it easy to find a format that works best for your dog.

Many customers find that introducing CBD before a stressful event—rather than waiting until their dog is already anxious—provides the best results. We suggest starting at least 2 weeks before a bit event, so that the body acclimates to the change.

Botanical Support Beyond CBD

Nature offers many calming herbs that can work alongside CBD or on their own.

Several of our favorite options feature ingredients such as:

  • Chamomile
  • Passionflower
  • Valerian Root
  • Lemon Balm
  • L-Theanine
  • Ashwagandha

These botanicals have been used for generations to help promote relaxation and emotional balance.

Available in both powders and soft chews, they're easy to incorporate into your dog's daily routine or use before stressful situations.

Don't Forget the Power of Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have become increasingly popular in pet wellness—and for good reason.

Products can support:

  • Healthy stress response
  • Immune system function
  • Cognitive health
  • Overall vitality

Unlike products designed for immediate calming effects, mushrooms help support long-term wellness and resilience, making them a valuable addition to your dog's daily routine.

Keep Busy Minds Occupied

One of the simplest ways to reduce anxiety is to give your dog something productive to focus on.

Enrichment activities encourage licking, chewing, sniffing, and problem-solving behaviors that naturally help dogs relax.

Some of our favorite enrichment tools include:

West Paw Toppl & Tux

These durable enrichment toys can be stuffed with your dog's favorite foods and frozen for a long-lasting activity.

Try filling them with:

  • Fresh food
  • Raw food
  • Pumpkin
  • Freeze-dried treats
  • A few drops of CBD oil
  • Mushroom oils

Freeze overnight and serve during a thunderstorm, before fireworks begin, or while preparing for a car ride.

Woof Pupsicles

Pupsicles have quickly become a customer favorite. They provide long-lasting licking opportunities that help many dogs settle and relax.

For an extra wellness boost, add supplements, oils, or freeze-dried treats to homemade fillings before freezing.

Tall Tails Foraging Mats

Licking is naturally calming for dogs. Spread a favorite food, yogurt, goat's milk, or puree onto a feeding mat and freeze for an engaging activity that encourages relaxation.

Planning Ahead Makes a Difference

Whether you're preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, summer thunderstorms, or family road trips, the key is preparation.

Start calming supplements a few days before a stressful event when possible. Pair them with enrichment activities and a comfortable environment to help your dog feel more secure.

Every dog is different, and finding the right combination may take a little experimentation. Our team is always happy to help you choose products that fit your dog's needs, personality, and lifestyle.

Stop by the shop and let's create a summer stress-relief plan for your pup—so everyone can enjoy the season a little more comfortably.