How Pet Parents Can Overcome Pet Anxiety Season This Summer

For cats and dogs, summer can play wack-a-mole with their peace of mind. Think of the bangs and booms of July 4th fireworks, travel — whether pets are tagging along, being boarded, or at home under the watchful eye of a pet sitter — and back-to-school time for their human siblings. All of these events deviate from the norm. They are the definition of disruptors.

Helping pet parents navigate these minefields means addressing the physical, emotional, and mental needs of their beloved fur babies. The body works as a whole; when one system is off, it affects all systems.

Stress and anxiety are both emotional responses, but they differ in important ways. Stress is most often triggered by an external event such as fireworks, a change in routine, or a new pet or person in the home. Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by persistent, excessive worries that do not go away, such as separation distress or chronic fear. Both stress and anxiety affect the body and brain, causing cats and dogs to exhibit symptoms in a variety of ways, including excessive panting, aggression, changes in appetite, hiding, or visibly shaking. At the same time, the brain’s neurotransmitters can become imbalanced, further contributing to emotional and behavioral changes.

By integrating supplements, enrichment products, suggestions for a safe environment, and preventative measures, retailers can embrace their role as advisor and expert.

From the Inside Out

To ease a pet with stress or anxiety, focusing on the nervous system is key. Supplements containing CBD, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, chamomile, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), valerian root, or ashwagandha (or a combination of some or all of these) can promote calm and a sense of well-being.

Herbs like chamomile and valerian root, and amino acids like L-theanine (promotes relaxation), and L-tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which help regulate mood and sleep), have been featured in pet calming supplements for many years. Ashwagandha and GABA are more recent additions and are gaining in popularity.

Ashwagandha has been used by humans for more than 6,000 years to relieve stress and anxiety.

“While research in pets is more limited than in humans, I have seen many dogs benefit from ashwagandha’s effects,” shared Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVA, CVC, and creator of Nutra Complete freeze-dried pet foods for dogs and cats. “As an adaptogenic herb, it appears to help some pets maintain a calmer, more balanced response to everyday stressors without causing sedation. Results are different from one individual to the next, but it can be a valuable part of an herbal stress/ anxiety-relieving protocol.”

GABA has been studied for decades, and more recently, for its ability to calm pets. A 2025 study by the National Institutes of Health showed that it acts as a safe, natural inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes calmness, lowers stress markers, and improves emotional states in dogs without notable adverse effects.

“GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in both pets and humans,” explained Dr. Richter. “It helps regulate nervous system activity by binding to receptors that reduce anxiety and excitement. This calming effect can help support relaxation and emotional balance during periods of stress or excitement. The extent to which GABA crosses the blood brain barrier is not fully understood so the effects of orally administered GABA may be limited,” he added.

In my experience, CBD (both full spectrum and broad spectrum) produces the most consistent results. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, enhances serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for calming during stressful/fearful events. This helps pets feel more relaxed. With a variety of hard and soft chews, dropper bottle oils, and topical transdermal creams from several reputable companies, there is something for every pet’s preference. Keep in mind that stress-inducing events often require a higher dose and more frequent administration.

The key for any calming product to be effective is establishing the appropriate serving size for a pet well in advance. As with products for people, manufacturer recommendations are based on averages — every pet is a unique individual with individual needs.

Pro Tip: Going into the day with a baseline of calm is an advantage. Beginning a regimen several days before a ‘disruptor’ event can yield the best results.

From the Outside In

Products like a soft, cozy bed, a tunnel to burrow in, or even a carrier or crate to hide inside help pets feel safe and protected.

Enrichment activities help calm and offer an outlet to reduce stress and anxiety. Interactive play with their favorite human helps burn energy and stimulates the brain. Think of a game of fetch with a dog, or having a cat chase a wand toy.

Toys are also effective, as they can be especially calming during stressful times. Whether it is something to cuddle with, or something to chew on, toys help pets relax and feel happy.

Distracting products like treat/food puzzles and lick mats can help pets focus on something that brings them joy. These products are also excellent for pets with separation anxiety. Encourage pet parents to place the puzzle or mat in an area away from the home’s exit before leaving the house. Once the pet is engrossed, they can simply slip out the door!

An Ounce of Prevention

Setting a pet up for success is everything. For example, in preparing for main event fireworks on July 4th, educate pet parents about creating a safe space – a quiet room in the home with secure windows and a door that can be closed. Remind them that July 5th is the busiest day for shelters, as more dogs and cats escape from homes and yards on the 4th due to fear.

Speaking of July 4th, discourage customers from bringing their dog to parties or public fireworks events. Even the most social dog can become frightened. With their highly sensitive hearing, unfamiliar surroundings, and the chaos of a crowded celebration, the experience can be terrifying. Most dogs will feel far more comfortable in their own temperature-controlled home, away from loud noises and overstimulation.

Ahead of any disruptor event, encourage pet parents to turn on a television or music app. This can be especially comforting when a pet is left alone for several hours, or even when they are adjusting to a change in household routines, like when kids return to school.

When it comes to traveling with pets, advance planning is key. What type of carrier is needed? Are there size regulations? Help pet parents understand which carrier is best for their situation and that the more familiar a pet is with the carrier, the easier the trip will be for everyone. By introducing the carrier weeks or even months in advance, cats and dogs can begin to view it as a safe, comfortable space instead of something restrictive and stress-inducing. Planning a road trip? For pets that are not accustomed to travel, suggest taking short practice drives over several weeks to help create a positive association, especially when each trip is rewarded with treats.

The expression “It Takes a Village” certainly applies when it comes to helping pets thrive. With guidance and planning, a calm, safe, drama-free summer can be a reality for all pets.

Since 2009, Healthy Pet Coach Jodi Ziskin, MS, has been helping pet parents make informed choices about nutrition, enrichment, environment, and care for their cats and dogs. She shares her expertise through speaking engagements, articles, and private consultations. Jodi has also served as the Traveling With Pets Editor for WanderingEducators.com, Cat Health Writer for Examiner.com, Nutrition Consultant for Lap of Love, and Director of Communications for Treatibles, the pioneer in creating CBD products for pets.