First the eerie spookiness of Halloween then the explosive sparkiness of Firework Night – your poor pup could be trembling in your arms like Scooby Doo. Here Bodie tests 3 calming techniques designed to ease the doggie jitters…

CALMING COAT by AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

THE PRODUCT: Described as the most effective solution to dog nervousness due to the overall hug-like pressure, this soft and comfortable wrap can help combat the trembles brought on by storms, separation, travel, even hyperactivity. (from $24.95)

OUR VERDICT: Firstly I want to recommend a test-run with the Calming Coat as we were taken by surprise by some party fireworks and I made an absolute pig’s ear trying to swaddle Bodie and match up the velcro patches! The next time I did a far neater job. The third time I realized these fireworks were a regular feature at a nearby music venue so I could predict the time and therefore get Bodie secured ahead of the whistles and gunfire-like pops. And that’s when he went from whining and shaking uncontrollably (and inconsolably) to hopping up onto the bed and and resting his head. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes the first time that happened – what kind of miracle fabric/design was this? We had a more Extreme Fear situation in Oklahoma during a whip-cracking, ground-rumbling thunderstorm. Again I could see a marked difference between Bodie au natural and Bodie in his gray suit. And let’s just say it suits him very well and we won’t be traveling anywhere without it now.

DE-STRESS & CALMING REMEDIES BY PET REMEDY

Popular with vets and groomers, Pet Remedy uses a special blend of essential oils – including Valerian and Vetiver – to work alongside the brain’s neurotransmitters to send ‘messages’ of relaxation to calm anxious or stressed pets. (Plug-in diffuser $29.99, large 200ml spray $29.99, mini 15ml spray $9.99.)

OUR VERDICT: We tested out the nifty plug-in diffuser as we road-tripped from San Diego to Chicago – virtually every night we were in a different hotel or motel room and I made locating the socket my first port of call so the smell would be reassuringly consistent in each place. It used to be that if the motel was less than lovely Bodie would pace and resist settling, giving me a pleading look as if to say, ‘We don’t really have to spend all night here, do we? I’m ready to go now, if you are? See I’m by the door. Come on, let’s find somewhere nicer to count sheep…’ His tolerance was put to the test at one unscheduled stop in Missouri – our motel was the kind of place that gives you involuntary shudders and you daren’t look too closely at the carpet. This time Bodie didn’t bat an eye. Had a little sniff, seemed to deduce it was bedtime again and off to sleep he went.

The biggest test came in terms of getting Bodie into the crate at Pet Cargo in Chicago Airport ready for his flight to the UK. I sprayed his bedding liberally ahead of time and then gave another quick mist with the mini spray I’d kept in my purse. ‘You can put him in now…’ I gave the staff member a rueful look. ‘This could take some time.’ Bodie has been frantically phobic about crates since I first got him. (All the horrible details revealed in Bodie On The Road!) This time he went straight in. My jaw gaped in disbelief. And then I felt terrible because he was so trusting and now the gate was bolted he was about to bundled into a dark hold for 8 hours. (I’d just had the 6 months of nightmares about this.) Obviously I can’t know what he went through on the flight (I’m fairly certain he wasn’t sleeping, especially during the turbulence) but the happy fact is that he survived and emerged at Heathrow with a spring in his step. And if Pet Remedy contributed to that I am eternally grateful!

BEDTIME BONES by BEDTIME 4 DOGS

Such a cute concept – little organic chamomile and honey bones to help your dog relax on a nightly basis ($9.99 for a month’s supply). They also offer a calming spray ($19.95) an eco-friendly sheep motif toy scented with calming concentrate ($24.99) and even a bed with a zip-on cuddler so you can tuck your dog in! (from $99)

OUR VERDICT: I find every aspect of this range pleasing – the packaging, the portions, even the bedtime ritual – I sip on my chamomile tea, Bodie crunches on his chamomile bone. The Eau the Bedtime spray (aka Calming Mist for Canine) has a heavenly lavender-citrus scent that is a pleasure for all within wafting distance. Bodie nuzzled his adorable little felt Baa Baa Bedtime companion, attempted a chomp then released it and rested his now-weary head. He seemed less phased by any neighbouring disturbances and slept contentedly through the night.

As dogs are not allowed to be sedated for flights, I think this is an excellent alternative to medications, a natural way to take the edge off and reduce stress – rather in the way we might use Bach Flower Rescue Remedy.

Of course results vary from dog to dog and cannot be guaranteed (we still have good days and scaredy days) but oh when they work, when you see your beloved’s anxiety ease and he/she splays out and snoozes as if they don’t have a care in the world, it’s worth every experimental penny! I for one am a convert!

KEEP CALM & GET YOUR ZZZZs ON…