Fireworks can trigger a fight or flight response in pets, including dogs. A recent study revealed that 72.5% of dogs in the US exhibited fearful behaviors in response to loud noises like fireworks during the 4th of July and other occasions.
Create a safe space: Set up a quiet and secure area in your home where your pet can retreat to during fireworks.
Close windows and doors: Reduce the noise level by closing all windows and doors. This will help minimize the sound of fireworks.
Provide background noise: Play soothing music or turn on the television to provide background noise that can help drown out the sound of fireworks.
Use calming aids: Consider using calming aids such as CBD oil or anxiety wraps.
Stay with your pet: Be present with your pet during fireworks to provide comfort and reassurance. Your presence can help them feel more secure.
Create distractions: Engage your pet in activities or play games that can divert their attention away from the fireworks. Puzzle toys or interactive toys can help keep them occupied.
Exercise: Take your pet for an early morning walk to help them expend energy and reduce restlessness.
- Supports uplifted mood
- Supports focus
- Eases stress
- Targets irritability
- Promotes relaxation
- Provides relief
Welcome, dear pet parents, to our latest tail-wagging, purr-inducing edition of the pet wellness blog, where we’re not just barking up any old tree—we’re talking about something genuinely intriguing. Today’s morsel of wisdom? The magic of CBD and how it can be your pet’s best friend during those dazzling yet noisy July 4th celebrations. No, we’re not kitten around!
First things first, let’s decode the mystery of CBD. No, it’s not a new kind of pet food, nor is it a secret code for an exclusive dog park. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. This little gem has been making quite the splash in the wellness world, and not just for the two-legged variety. Our four-legged friends also have the potential to reap some noteworthy benefits from CBD. This includes reduced stress, a boost in overall well-being, and a ticket to dreamland when the Sandman seems to be on vacation. All of this without the intoxicating effects, as CBD doesn’t contain THC, the compound in some cannabis strains that gets users high.
So, why are we talking about this now? Well, with July 4th right around the corner, we’re heading towards what is, let’s face it, a bit of a tricky time for our dogs & cats. Picture this: one minute they’re lazing on their favorite cushion, the next, the sky’s ablaze with fireworks, and there’s more popping and whizzing than a bowl of Rice Krispies. As mesmerizing as these light shows can be for us, for our pets, they’re often about as enjoyable as bath time or a surprise visit to the vet. The loud noises and bright flashes can cause our beloved critters to experience stress and anxiety.
Now, we wouldn’t be very good pet parents if we didn’t try to make things a bit easier for our fur babies, would we? So, buckle up, as we dive into the wonderful world of how CBD can help pets navigate the July 4th celebrations with less stress and more comfort. Let’s help our furry companions enjoy the holiday just as much as we do!
The Problem: Fireworks and Pets
Now, let’s delve deeper into the issue. Fireworks may be the pièce de résistance of our July 4th celebrations, lighting up the night sky with their dazzling displays, but for our pets, they’re more of a nightmare than a spectacle. Fireworks, with their sudden bursts of light and incredibly loud bangs, are essentially sensory overload for our four-legged companions.
For our pets, whose hearing is much more sensitive than ours, the noise from fireworks is not just startling, it’s downright terrifying. Imagine if every time you were just getting comfortable, an unexpected, deafening sound started reverberating around your home. It would be akin to living in a horror movie, wouldn’t it? Well, that’s how our pets feel during firework displays.
To give you a sense of the scale of the problem, a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science reported that signs of fear behaviors related to noise were seen in 72.5% of dogs in the US. (2) That’s a staggering number and paints a clear picture of just how many pets could be suffering every July 4th.
What’s more, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported that more pets run away during the week of July 4th than at any other time of year. This highlights the severity of their fear and underscores the need for us, as pet parents, to find a solution that will help our furry friends cope with this anxiety-inducing event.
When our pets are scared, they aren’t just uncomfortable—they can also potentially harm themselves or others in their panic. They might run away, as the ASPCA statistics suggest, but they might also act out, destroy property, or even inadvertently injure themselves or others in their panic. In other words, this isn’t just about calming down a scared pet for their own comfort (although that’s certainly a top priority); it’s also about their overall safety and well-being.
Finding a solution to help our pets cope with fireworks is, therefore, not just desirable—it’s essential. So, with that in mind, let’s shift our focus to something that might just do the trick: CBD.
The Solution: CBD for Pets
So, we’ve painted a pretty bleak picture so far, haven’t we? Fear not, pet parents! There is a light at the end of this firework-filled tunnel, and it comes in the form of three simple letters: CBD. Let’s pull back the curtain and take a closer look at how CBD can be the superhero our pets need during the July 4th celebrations.
CBD has been getting a lot of attention recently in the world of pet health—and for good reason. Research into its effects is still in the early stages, but the results are already showing promise. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, 72% of dog owners reported seeing moderate to significant improvement in their pets’ symptoms when using CBD. (4)
This is where the magic happens. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors found throughout the body of mammals—yes, including our pets. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, such as mood, discomfort sensation, and stress response. By interacting with this system, CBD can potentially help maintain these processes in balance, thereby reducing stress and promoting overall well-being in our furry friends.
Now, we understand there might be some raised eyebrows and wagging tails at the mention of CBD. After all, isn’t that marijuana? The short answer is no. CBD is a component of hemp, a cousin plant to marijuana. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains minimal THC—the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana its ‘high’. So, using CBD won’t get your pet high, but it may just help them relax when those fireworks start flying.
As for safety, a report from the World Health Organization stated that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. (6) That said, every pet is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, we always recommend discussing CBD with your vet before introducing it to your pet’s wellness routine.
With all this in mind, let’s dive deeper into the potential benefits of CBD for our pets during those explosive July 4th celebrations.
5 Ways CBD Can Help Pets During July 4th Celebrations
1. Reducing Anxiety?
We’ve all seen it—that frantic, wide-eyed look our pets get when those first fireworks go off. That’s pure, undiluted stress. Fortunately, CBD might just have the power to help. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science observed that CBD has the potential to reduce stress levels in pets (4). By interacting with the ECS, CBD can help maintain a calm, balanced state of mind, potentially soothing your pet’s fireworks-induced stress.
2. Promoting Sleep?
If the fireworks are booming late into the night, it might disrupt our pets’ sleep cycle. This is where CBD might be able to help once again. Some research suggests that CBD can aid in promoting better sleep (1). By helping to relieve stress and promote calmness, CBD can potentially assist your pet in achieving a more restful night’s sleep, despite the explosive soundtrack.
3. Easing Pain?
Stress can lead to physical discomfort in pets—everything from a clenched jaw to a tensed body can be a reaction to stress. Here too, CBD may come to the rescue. Some studies suggest that CBD can have a soothing effect, helping to relieve tension and promote comfort (3). That could mean a less stressed, more comfortable pet, even amid the July 4th celebrations.
4. Promoting Calmness?
Nothing beats seeing our pets calm, content, and lounging around without a care in the world. CBD can potentially help to promote this state of calmness. Through its interaction with the ECS, CBD can help maintain a balanced mood, which could result in a more relaxed pet, despite the noise and flashes of fireworks (4).
5. Boosting Overall Well-being?
Lastly, CBD’s potential benefits aren’t just about managing stress—they also extend to promoting overall health and well-being. The compound’s interaction with the ECS can play a role in many bodily functions, from digestion to immune responses. By helping to maintain balance in these processes, CBD could potentially help to keep your pet healthy, even amid the stress of fireworks (5).
Remember, while CBD shows a lot of promise, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before introducing it to your pet’s routine. But, when the fireworks are going off, and your pet is feeling the stress, CBD could potentially provide a helping paw.
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How to Administer CBD to Your Pet
Now that we’ve explored how CBD can potentially help our pets during July 4th celebrations, let’s talk about how to safely and effectively administer CBD to our furry friends. Here are some practical tips to guide you:
Appropriate Dosages: The dosage of CBD for pets can vary based on factors such as their size, weight, and individual needs. It’s crucial to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. Consulting with your veterinarian is essential to determine the appropriate dosage specific to your pet’s requirements.
*see dosage chart above.
Different Forms of CBD: CBD for pets is available in various forms, including oils, treats, capsules, and topicals. Each form has its benefits, and it’s important to choose one that works best for your pet’s preferences and needs. CBD oils and treats are popular choices as they offer easy administration and can be easily incorporated into your pet’s routine.
Timing of Administration: When it comes to CBD and fireworks, timing is key. Ideally, administer CBD to your pet ahead of time, allowing sufficient time for it to take effect before the fireworks begin. The exact timing may vary based on the CBD product you’re using, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Introducing CBD to Your Pet’s Routine: If your pet is new to CBD, it’s important to introduce it gradually. Start with a small dose and observe how your pet responds. If all goes well, you can gradually increase the dosage over time. Mixing CBD oil with your pet’s favorite treat or meal can make administration more enjoyable.
Observing Your Pet’s Response: Pay close attention to your pet’s behavior and overall well-being after administering CBD. Look for signs of reduced stress, improved sleep, and a calmer demeanor. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, make sure to watch bowel movements. Some pets may be sensitive to carrier oils in a tinctures. It’s essential to monitor their response to ensure CBD is positively impacting their experience during July 4th celebrations.
Consulting with Your Veterinarian: Before incorporating CBD into your pet’s routine, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your pet’s specific needs and medical history. Your vet can also help you navigate any potential interactions between CBD and other medications your pet may be taking.
Remember, every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work the same for another. It’s crucial to consider your pet’s individual needs and consult with a veterinary professional for personalized guidance.
A Happy, Tail-Wagging Fourth
Consider CBD as a potential solution to help your pets have a more comfortable and stress-free July 4th. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on using CBD effectively, allowing your furry friends to experience the festivities with tranquility and well-being. Cheers to a memorable holiday filled with love and wagging tails!
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Works Cited
1. Babson, Kimberly A., et al. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” PubMed, 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/. Accessed 23 May 2023.
2. Blackwell, Emily J., et al. “Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour.” Science Direct, 2013, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815911200367X. Accessed 23 5 2023.
3. Gamble, Lauri-Jo, et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” PubMed, 23 July 2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30083539/. Accessed 23 May 2023.
4. Kogan, Lori, et al. “US Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions.” PubMed, 10 January 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30687726/. Accessed 23 May 2023.
5. Pertwee, RG. “The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin.” PubMed, 2008, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17828291/. Accessed 23 May 2023.
6. WHO. “CANNABIDIOL (CBD): Critical Review Report.” World Health Organization (WHO), 2018, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2. Accessed 23 May 2023.
