Keep Your Pet Relaxed During July 4th Fireworks With Our Favorite Calming Chews

Composure chews from VetriScience work quickly and last for hours

Austin Cannon, Editor, The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws By
Austin Cannon
Austin Cannon, Editor, The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws
Austin Cannon
Austin Cannon is an editor for The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws. Before joining Daily Paws in 2020, Austin worked as an award-winning journalist for several newspapers, most recently theDes Moines Register.He's won three certificates of excellence and one MUSE Medallion award from the Cat Writers' Association.
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Published on 06/26/23

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July Fourth is a laborious holiday for many pet owners. Keeping a dog or cat calm as烟花explodeis challenging work.While we recommend a wide range of calming aids, including pills, sprays, toys, and even a Thundershirt, our favorite method for prepping your pet for a stressful event are Vetriscience's calming chews.

We've rated the chews asthe best calming aidfor dogs, but VetriScience makes the supplementsfor catsas well. They work quickly—within 30 minutes—and last up to four hours. You can even double the dosage if your pet needs it.

"This is just a really simple thing just to have on hand that I think is really easy for most pet parents to use," says Monica Tarantino, DVM and member ofThe Spruce Pets Veterinary Review Board.

Tarantino also works with VetriScience and walked us through how the chews, which are approved by the National Animal Supplement Council, can help our pets survive the fireworks:

First, you'll want to do a test run. Check with your veterinarian to see whether the supplements are a good idea for your dog or cat, Tarantino says. When you get the go-ahead, give your pet one of the chews when you're at home in a controlled environment before July 4. Keep a close eye on them.

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VetriScience Composure Calming Chews for Dogs

VetriScience Composure Calming Chews for Dogs

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If the chews work, your dog or cat should appear more relaxed or even sleepy, Tarantino says. They might sit or lay in their bed rather than pacing around.

"It's subtle, and oftentimes it's enough to take the edge off for a lot of pets," she says.

The chew's ingredientspromote calmnessand lessen irritability, but Tarantino says the biopeptide blend is often the difference maker. It comes from milk proteins and causes reactions similar to "milk drunk" kittens and puppies, she says.

If the test run goes well, it's time to prep for the Fourth of July—but there's more to it than just giving your dog or cat the chews.

Tarantino recommends finishing your pet's evening routine early. Get dinner,walks, and potty breaks done before dark. Even add in some extra playtime to get your pet tired.

Then "bunker down." Sit with your pet in a cozy, dark room. Close the window, pull the shades, and try to drown out the sound of the imminent pyrotechnics using a TV or fan, Tarantino says.

When the fireworks are 30-60 minutes away, give your pet the Composure chews. (The dosage depends on your pet's weight and is listed on the bag.) Make sure to give them to your pet before the noise starts.

"They actually don't work as well if your pet is already ramped up," Tarantino says.

VetriScience Composure Calming Treats for Cats

Vetriscience Composure Calming Treats for Cats

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If your pet is still pacing,panting, looking scared, or exhibiting "whale eye," you can double or triple the dosage, Tarantino says. Just wait about an hour between chews.

Remember, these chews won't work for all dogs and cats. If you know your pet hasanxiety—or your pet didn't calm down during the Composure test run—ask your vet if they need medication rather than just supplements.

Each Composure chew comes in three flavors for both cats and dogs, and pet owners can opt forthe liquid version.Elderly dogsmay also benefit from theGolden Years supplementthat aids their mental sharpness.

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