Summer is a season of celebration for most families, with backyard barbecues, holiday fireworks, cross-country road trips, and long days at the lake. But for many dogs, these same moments can feel overwhelming. Loud noises, travel, and changes in routine can all contribute to situational stress.
With summer just around the corner, we caught up with Bob Menardi, DVM, ElleVet’s Senior Director of Learning & Development, to explore how pet parents can help their dogs feel more comfortable through the sunny season ahead.
In this quick read, Dr. Menardi walks through common summer stress triggers, how to recognize signs of stress in your dog, and simple ways to help your dog stay more at ease.
Why Summer Can Be Stressful for Dogs
Not all stress in dogs is constant. Many dogs experience situational stress, meaning intense, short-term stress that is triggered by specific events. And summer tends to pack a lot of those triggers into a short window.
Some of the most common include:
Fireworks and loud events
The Fourth of July is one of the most stressful days of the year for dogs. Sudden, unpredictable noises—especially at night—can trigger intense fear, even in otherwise calm pets.
Thunderstorms
Loud claps of thunder and bright flashes of lightning aren’t the only aspects of thunderstorms that can be upsetting for pets. Many dogs react to changes in barometric pressure, static electricity, and the overall sensory experience of a storm.
Travel and disrupted routines
Car rides, boarding, new environments, and shifting schedules can throw dogs off balance. They thrive on routine, and busy summer plans often changes theirs.
More activity and social exposure
Guests in the home, crowded parks, outdoor events, and unfamiliar dogs can be overwhelming, especially for more sensitive pets.
Recognizing Stress in Your Dog
One of the most important things you can do as a pet parent is notice when something feels “off” with your dog. Situational stress doesn’t always show up dramatically at first, in fact, it often starts subtly.
Behavioral signs to watch for:
- Panting, pacing, or trembling
- Hiding or becoming unusually clingy
- Barking, whining, or howling without a clear reason
- Destructive behavior or attempts to escape
- Refusing food or water during stressful times
Physical signs:
- Dilated pupils or hyper-alertness
- Digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea during trigger events)
- Excessive shedding or yawning
The earlier you recognize these signals, the easier it is to help.
How to Help Your Dog Stay Calm
There’s no one-size-fits-all support plan when it comes to situational stress. The best approach is usually layered, combining a few different strategies based on your dog’s needs.
Start with simple environmental support:
- Create a quiet, safe space your dog can retreat to during trigger events
- Use white noise or calming music to soften outside sounds
- Keep feeding and exercise routines as consistent as possible
- Gradually desensitize your dog to known triggers when you can
Add supportive tools when needed:
- Stress wraps or pressure garments
- Pheromone diffusers
- Calming supplements
For more intense situations, your veterinarian may recommend additional options.
Where CBD + CBDA Support Can Fit In
For many pet parents CBD + CBDA has become a reliable way to help their dog stay calm and relaxed during stressful moments. This clinically studied option has been shown to be safe, effective, and generally well-tolerated for most dogs. It can be given ahead of known stressors like fireworks or travel, so you can plan proactively rather than react in the moment, and with approachable formats like chews or oils, CBD + CBDA is a great first line of defense for pet parents looking to add an extra layer of support to their dog’s situational stress plan.
A Thoughtful Option for Situational Stress
When it comes to supporting your dog through stressful moments, not all hemp products are created the same. Formulation, sourcing, and research all play an important role in how effective and consistent an option may be.
ElleVet’s Calm & Comfort Chews were specifically developed with short term, high-stress moments in mind. Given 1.5-2 hours ahead of a stressful event, the maximum strength CBD + CBDA chews can help your dog stay comfortable and calm without changing who they are. With a format that’s easy to give and timing that fits naturally into pre-event planning, the chews offer a practical way to support your dog when it matters most.
Getting Ahead of Summer Stress
The best time to prepare for summer stress is before it starts.
Proactive conversations with your dog’s veterinarian during spring wellness visits, for example, can give you time to prepare for summer adventures and reach out if more support is needed. Consider building a summer stress plan into your warm weather activities! With the right approach (and the right tools on hand), you can help your dog move through summer feeling calmer, more comfortable, and ready to enjoy it right alongside you.
Meet the Veterinarian
Robert Menardi, DVM is the Senior Director of Learning & Development with ElleVet Sciences. He leads the company’s comprehensive veterinary technical education and outreach programs and serves as the subject matter expert for members of the veterinary profession. Dr. Menardi has worked in the veterinary medical cannabinoid arena since 2019, with key roles in education, commercialization, and research and development. Dr. Menardi worked in private clinical practice for 12 years after graduating from Colorado State University in 1990 with his DVM degree and has held several leadership roles in the animal health industry prior to joining ElleVet.
Any health or medical information in ElleVet blogs is from a variety of public and reputable sources. This information is intended as an educational resource only and is not a substitute for expert professional care.