The sudden loud bangs and flashing lights can be overwhelming, leaving pets feeling anxious and fearful.
However, there are several natural foods, calming supplements, and specially chosen snacks that can help soothe your pet’s nerves and make the evening more manageable for them.
Here’s a guide on how to create a calming diet for your pet on Bonfire Night.
1. Understanding Calming Foods for Pets
Certain foods contain compounds that can have a naturally calming effect on animals. By incorporating these into your pet’s diet leading up to Bonfire Night, you may help reduce their anxiety levels when the fireworks begin. Some calming foods for pets include:
Turkey: Rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that increases serotonin levels, turkey is known for its calming effect on the nervous system. Serve a small, cooked portion (free of bones and seasonings) on Bonfire Night to help your pet feel relaxed.
Pumpkin: Besides being nutritious, pumpkin is gentle on the stomach and can help reduce stress-induced digestive issues. A spoonful of cooked, plain pumpkin can be mixed into your pet’s regular food.
Blueberries: These antioxidant-packed berries can help reduce stress by protecting your pet’s cells from damage. Use them as a tasty, calming treat that also benefits your pet’s overall health.
2. Calming Supplements for Pets
If your pet needs extra help to stay calm, consider using natural calming supplements. Always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements, especially if your pet has underlying health conditions. Some popular and effective options include:
L-Theanine: Found naturally in green tea, L-theanine can help pets feel relaxed without making them drowsy. Pet supplements with L-theanine are available in chewable form or as powder to mix into their food.
Valerian Root: Often used to treat mild anxiety in pets, valerian root has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Valerian supplements for pets come in chewable or liquid form; use only as directed, as too much can cause drowsiness.
Chamomile: Known for its gentle calming properties, chamomile can help soothe an anxious pet. Many calming pet treats contain chamomile, or you can use a specially formulated chamomile supplement.
CBD Oil: Growing in popularity, CBD oil may help ease pet anxiety. Choose a high-quality, pet-specific CBD oil, and start with a low dose to gauge your pet’s response.
3. Calming Snacks for Pets
A few well-timed treats can be the perfect distraction during fireworks. Consider these calming snacks to help keep your pet calm and focused:
Chew Treats: Long-lasting chews can keep your pet occupied and mentally engaged. Look for high-quality, natural chew treats that contain calming ingredients, such as turkey or chamomile. These can be especially helpful for dogs.
Stuffed Kong: Fill a Kong toy with calming ingredients like pumpkin or a small amount of peanut butter (no xylitol!) to keep your dog busy during the loudest moments. Freezing the Kong ahead of time can make it last longer.
Frozen Bone Broth Treats: Bone broth is a tasty, soothing option for both dogs and cats. Freeze a small amount of low-sodium bone broth in ice cube trays, and give one to your pet as a cool treat on Bonfire Night.
Pet-Friendly Calming Biscuits: Many pet shops now offer calming biscuits containing ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, and tryptophan. These are easy to give on the night and make a great alternative to regular treats.
4. Preparing for Bonfire Night with Calming Foods
In the days leading up to Bonfire Night, consider incorporating these calming foods and snacks into your pet’s routine. This can help set a calming tone and reduce anxiety ahead of time. On the night itself, try feeding your pet a meal rich in calming ingredients (such as turkey and pumpkin) around an hour before the fireworks are expected to start.
5. Tips for Creating a Calm Environment
Alongside calming foods and supplements, create a safe, comforting environment for your pet. Set up a cosy area where they can retreat if they feel frightened, such as a quiet room with their bed, toys, and perhaps a piece of clothing that smells like you. Playing soothing music or white noise can help mask the sound of fireworks, making the evening less stressful.
Classic FM provides a playlist of specially curated classical music to help keep pets calm during firework displays:- https://www.classicfm.com/lifestyle/pets/calm-classical-music-playlist They also have special programming during the Bonfire night season.
Final Thoughts: Making Bonfire Night Manageable
With a thoughtful approach that includes calming foods, snacks, and supplements, you can help reduce your pet’s anxiety on Bonfire Night. Remember to always consult your vet before trying new supplements or significant dietary changes. These simple steps can make a big difference, transforming Bonfire Night from a nerve-wracking event to one that’s manageable and calm for both you and your pet.
So this Bonfire Night, you can be confident you’ve done all you can to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and calm as the fireworks light up the sky.