Anxiety is that fear-based mindset that eats away at the best of us. Emotional creatures like ourselves, dogs also have to deal with the hardships of anxiety, perhaps on a more exacerbating scale, they can’t communicate with us the way humans communicate with each other.

Summer, especially, is a time for high anxiety for dogs and other pets. Fireworks, thunderstorms, noisy motorcycles, summer house guests can disturb the natural schedule and mood of our beloved pups. It’s always important to take your pet to the vet if you see signs of anxiety. In addition to professional visits, there are also some simple home remedies that may assist you in caring for your anxious ball of fur too:

Interact with your pup —  at home and from afar!

Spending time with your dog is obviously important; the presence and gentle tone of a caretaker affords your pets the support they need. If you can’t give your dog a physical petting or hug, then a new innovation could help with your pup’s stress when you’re not home. The ThunderShirt is a great option. Like giving your dog a hug, the invention helps swaddle your dog like a baby which can ease their anxieties during stressful situations that are out of your control like harsh thunderstorms and fireworks.

Use Natural Treatments!

Many holistic health products are said to help ease the stresses of both humans and animals. Several herbs have a natural calming element that can help ease anxiety symptoms in your precious pup. Herbs like Lemon balm, Valerian, Lavender, Chamomile, oats and skullcap are frequently used in (and they’re safe for dogs to consume). While you’re dog probably won’t eat these herbs by themselves, consider baking these herbs into dog treat recipes or enhance their regular food with a good blend of these flavors.

We’ve featured some delectable treats that can help you best bud feel good:

Cooking Directions for Chamomile Crunchies:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, blend ½ cup of brown rice flour and ½ cup of oat flour with your herbs. You should use 2 teaspoons of mint, 1 tablespoon of parsley and 1 tablespoon of dried Roman chamomile. Next, add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 cup of water into the mix only a little at a time. After these ingredients form dough, smooth it out with a rolling pin and then form ½-inch balls, placing them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake these rolled balls for 25 minutes. Afterwards, cool the cookies on a wire rack. These cookies can be stored for up to 4 weeks in airtight containers!

If you’re curious to make more home goodies for your dog, check out other calming baked goods at The Nest.

Create a Peaceful Environment

Creating a more peaceful environment for your anxious pup. Pheromone sprays are sometimes recommended to calm your pup’s nerves. Jacqui Neilson, the DVM, DACVB and owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, says that calming or appeasing pheromones can sometimes help relieve anxiety and stress in dogs. Companies like Nutri-Vet make sprays that can help release these pheromones. They also make chewables and treats that help calm your dog down as well.

Of course, there are a ton of other ways to create a peaceful home environment for your dog. For example, consider putting on some calming music. When you’re away from the house, leave the television or radio on so your animal is comforted. However, specialized music from startups like Through a Dog’s Ear have a selection of songs geared toward calming a nervous dog. According to the website, “the over-arching psychoacoustic theory informing Through a Dog’s Ear is summed up in just two words —  simple sound.” The phrase lends itself to the process of minimizing detailed auditory sounds found in most music. The songs are then specifically selected, arranged and recorded to ease separation and travel anxieties. If your dog has trouble tolerating noises, they even offer a compilation to help desensitize dogs to noise phobias.

Your dog will appreciate that you take the time to support them during any stressful moments. As a result, you will see a happier and healthier pup in your everyday life and enjoy more positive experiences with them, knowing they are getting the emotional care they need and deserve.