With fireworks around the corner, thought this might be a good bit of information! They were pushing the herbal products but the base info was good:

  What sends your dog or cat scooting under the couch, pacing, or trembling at your feet with fear?

For some pets, it doesn't take much to ignite their fear response. Storm-phobic dogs and cats atmospheric pressure or the sound of wind and they start to panic.

Pet parents often ask me… What can I do to help calm my anxious pet during stressful times?

It's heartbreaking to watch your beloved pet suffer. It's only natural to want to do everything you can to help.

  Storm Phobia for Pets

Dogs and cats can perceive thunderstorms and fireworks as a real threat to their well-being
First off, understand that these stressful events are very real for your pet.

For many pets, these events unleash feelings of terror and fear. Dogs and cats have been known to break a window in an attempt to escape, tear drapes, and chew furniture in their panic.

They're not risks you want to ignore for the comfort and safety of your pet.

With dogs, genetics may play a role in storm phobia. Certain breeds tend to be more predisposed.

A survey found herding dogs like collies, German shepherds, beagles, and basset hounds were more likely to react to storms than other dogs.

Storm phobia is also common in sporting and working breeds, as well as rescued dogs.

Since cats relate to their surroundings through their senses of sound and smell, loud noises can be frightening to them. Cats can even be fearful of rain and instinctively seek a sheltered location such as under a bed for safety.

Every pet and response is different, so a "one-size-fits-all" approach doesn't work here. You may need to experiment with different options to find those that work best for your pet.

Do You Make These Mistakes That Can Make Your Pet MORE Fearful?

The first instinct for many caring pet owners is to try to calm and soothe their pets during stressful times.

However, depending upon your approach, these actions may actually reinforce fearful behaviors and instill more fear in your pet.

Take a close look at your own behavior and that of family members. Do you or others react fearfully to storms? Feelings of stress, fear, and anxiety in your household, even unrelated to the storm, can make your pet respond negatively.

Try to go about your normal routine and avoid paying special attention to your pet while she exhibits signs of fear during stressful events. Do your best to remain relaxed and upbeat. Resist the temptation to excessively pamper your pet during storms or fireworks as this can reward – and reinforce – the unwanted behavior.

Above all, do not scold or punish your pet for a natural response to what's perceived as a real threat to them.

What can you do to comfort your cat or dog and help them adapt to stressful situations?

Ways to Comfort Your Pet During Stressful Times That Don't Reward Unwanted Behaviors

There are things you can do that won't reward unwanted behaviors. I must caution you: Start as early as possible, as phobias tend to worsen with each repeated incident.

1. Give your pet a "safe" place to retreat.
Have a dark room, closet, or bathroom for your pet to escape to when a storm is approaching or during fireworks, especially when you're not home. Basements are ideal. To provide comfort for your dog, place a solid-sided crate in the room with the door open along with some food, water, treats, and favorite toys.

2. Help acclimate your pet to the room in advance by making it a place for fun activities, treats, and gentle, soothing massage. Keep the lights on during a storm to minimize the flash of lightning. Play calming music.

3. Try distracting your pet.
Ask your dog to perform a familiar command and provide rewards for his cooperation. This technique distracts both of you – your dog from his fear of the storm, and you from the temptation to reinforce your pet's behavior.

4. Attempt to engage your pet in play or offer your dog a bone or healthy chew. My Healthy Pets Dental Bones are perfect for this.

Distract your pet with loving touch, massage, and treats
Consider getting your dog a "storm" comfort jacket or cape.
"Storm" jackets or shirts are special garments designed to hug your dog's body as if they're being swaddled.

This can be comforting for many dogs and help during any type of stress event.

A storm wrap or cape helps shield your dog from static electricity that can build up during storms. Electrical shocks from storms only add more discomfort for an already stressed animal.

Supplements and remedies.
Your holistic vet may have suggestions about homeopathic and other remedies that may provide additional comfort for your pet.