Calming Solutions for Easily Spooked Pets

A change in seasons can affect not just the weather, but our routines, behaviours and moods too. The same applies to our pets. 

Your pet’s behavioural changes could be due to stress, anxiety, or even sometimes fear. Their mood could be affected by a new routine for example, if you’re now leaving the house for work, or taking them on shorter walks because of the gloomy weather they will be reactive to that. Many pets are simply spooked easily during big, loud events such as, Halloween parties, thunder, or fireworks.

Whatever the cause, there are a number of calming solutions to offer your pet more than just empathy when they get spooked. See the list below for some Trusty Inspiration: 

Physical & Mental Stimulation

Diverting your pet’s attention by teaching them a new trick, or giving them something new to investigate can distract them from the thing causing them stress. Engage them in one-on-one play, teach them something new, or give them a new treat or toy. The physical exercise will not only stimulate them, but tire them out too. A tired pet is a happy pet.

For dogs a change of route during their walk will stimulate their brain with all new smells to investigate.

For cats give them new toys or even cardboard boxes to explore, or hide treats to create a treasure hunt.

Herbal Tablets

All natural ingredients are a great way to soothe your pet in times of stress. Beaphar Calming Tablets are great for both cats and dogs, providing a calming solution without a sedative effect. 

These tablets are especially effective for planned stresses, such as Halloween parties, long car rides or bonfire night.

Calming Spray

Another natural way of tackling stress, Pet Remedy Natural De-stress Calming Spray is a non-sedating spray that works with the brain’s natural messengers (neuro-transmitters) to deliver a message of calm to your pet. 

This spray is designed to be used on your pet’s bedding or a suitable material that your pet will lay near. Great for separation anxiety. This product works well for all animals.

Dorwest Valerian Compound

This calming solution is pure extracts of three herbs in liquid form. The Dorwest Valerian Compound acts within just 30 minutes, and its effects can last up to 2 hours. The compound can be dropped straight into your pet’s mouth, given on food or sprinkled onto your pet’s bedding. 

Great for both cats and dogs, calming them without causing drowsiness. 

Plug Ins

A plug in will release calming scents into the air, usually unnoticeable to the human nose. The Ceva Feliway Diffuser Plug-In is used to help cats feel safer and calmer in their environment. This diffuser is a synthetic copy of the pheromone that cats rub onto furniture when they feel happy and content. It is proven to reassure and comfort cats, helping them to cope with changes in their environment.

This plug in has been designed with stressed cats in mind – if they’re naturally anxious, or are newly displaying unusual behaviours – then this diffuser is for them. 

The key to creating a calmer environment for your pet is to supply them with whatever is known to calm them during stressful situations. That could be a special treat, a favourite toy or by playing calming music. During events like thunder and lighting and firework displays, closing blinds and curtains and playing other noises, such as the television or radio, can help to alleviate their fear. 

If your pet’s behavioural changes are unexplained and a cause of concern, please always seek advice from your veterinarian.