The $5 secret to keeping scaredy-dogs calm during storms

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Loud noises — whether they’re from storms, fireworks, or even a siren going off in the distance — can often trigger a negative reaction from a dog. Noise phobia is common among pups: According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, over 39.2 percent of owners surveyed reported their pups are sensitive to loud noises — so how do we help soothe our pups?

One of the cheapest (and easiest) ways to chill your pooch out during storms? Treats! While I’ve tried an endless array of calming treats with varying degrees of efficacy, there’s one that my pup Chloe and I love, and it’s so affordable: Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Dog Chews, $5 (was $14).

Now, they’re no replacement for basic pet-parent common sense during storms: I still make sure to close all windows and draw the curtains, keep her safely inside and with her favorite plushies and blankets, and either watching a TV show or listening to tail-wagging songs. These treats act as an additional barrier between her and the loud, scary thunder or rain I know she’ll hear, and they seriously do help.

The chews use a Colostrum Calming Complex Biopepide Blend, L-Theanine and Vitamin B to soothe Chloe without making her sleepy or drowsy. They’re sedative-free and won’t tire her out, plus they last for four to six hours and start working up to 20 minutes after ingesting. They also reportedly taste delicious, as my fur baby runs straight to me when she sees me opening up the packet. They’re soft and easy to chew, so if your pet is older or has dental issues like Chloe, she’ll have an easier time with this than her kibble.

These chews are not just for storms: I give them to Chloe whenever she’s being particularly antsy—when there’s construction going on by my home, or if she’s about to go to the vet. Other shoppers use them to help combat separation anxiety, jumpiness and even aggression.

“I bought this product because my dog gets so excited when she sees people and jumps all over them,” a shopper shared. “This helps her from being too aggressive.”

“I adopted a three-year-old Doberman girl and she has some anxiety when I leave the house,” another pet parent shared. “I give her two of these about 20 minutes before I leave, and they seem to take the edge off!”

Pups that get upset by loud noises particularly benefit from these treats. One shopper gives her little scaredy-dog some before thunderstorms:

“My foster dog is afraid of rain, thunder, lightning, loud noises and many more things and I have tried many products,” she wrote. “I give her two in the morning on days we are going to have rainy weather and this works! If we are going to get thunderstorms I use her Thunder Jacket and I have no problems. This stuff is amazing!”

And another reviewer gave her pup some treats before a long trip:

“I was driving to another state because I needed to visit my aging mom,” a shopper revealed. “I had four dogs to take with me, and they could get a little stir-crazy at times. These solved the problem! They definitely make the trip more tolerable for them and me. I have three in my pack, now, and one gets carsick. This stuff helps him a lot because it decreases his anxiety enough to let him sleep. It doesn't make the dogs 'druggy.' They just relax. Perfect!”

For just $5 (was $14), these inexpensive chews are a must-have for any pet parent — for stormy nights and beyond.

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