Could CBD Oil Be Your Dog’s Best Friend During New Year’s Eve Fireworks?
It’s pretty safe to say that New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July are most dogs’ LEAST favorite holidays. You see pretty lights in the sky, but your dog experiences anxiety and fear.
Keeping your pup at home, closing all the doors and windows, and wrapping them up in an anti-anxiety shirt are all ways to help them cope with fireworks. But for dogs with serious anxiety, it might be time to try something new.
CBD oil is a safe, all-natural solution to a number of canine health issues. It does things like relieve pain from arthritis and stop seizures, and it also plays a big role in easing anxiety in dogs. Here’s what you need to know.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It’s found in both marijuana and hemp, and once it’s extracted, it can be formulated into oils, tinctures, treats and soft chews. CBD is a big player when it comes to healing and well-being.
The reason why CBD oil is so beneficial for the body has to do with the endocannabinoid system. All mammals—including people and dogs—have endocannabinoid systems comprised of interconnected cannabinoid receptors.
These receptors are in charge of relaying important information about what’s going on in the body to trigger the appropriate immune response. It’s the body’s command center for health and healing.
CBD oil comes into play because, as a cannabinoid, it can bond with these receptors to allow better communication. It tells the system what kind of immune response is needed, and it’s a completely natural way for the body to bring itself back into balance.
But Wait, Isn’t Cannabis Bad For Dogs?
There’s no denying the fact that marijuana is bad for dogs. Pets should never be exposed to the marijuana plant or its smoke. One of the main reasons why marijuana is harmful to dogs is because it contains the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC. THC has certain similarities with CBD, but there are two big differences.
1. Unlike THC, CBD can’t make your dog high.
As an isolated cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t have any of the psychoactive properties of THC.
2. Hemp is rich in CBD, and very low in THC.
Hemp is the safer, non-psychoactive type of cannabis, and CBD oil from hemp is virtually THC-free. It’s legal in all 50 states, and CBD oil derived from hemp is a safe and effective way to treat both dogs and the people who love them.
Why Do Dogs Develop Fireworks Anxiety?
Not every dog is afraid of fireworks, but for those that are, it’s seriously scary. Many dogs have noise sensitivities, and fireworks aren’t the only triggers. Thunder, loud music, construction sounds, and anything else above a normal volume can put them on edge.
Dogs develop fear responses for a number of reasons. It might have to do with a past experience that was especially traumatizing, or it could be because the dog wasn’t exposed to loud sounds during their developmental puppy stages.
Dr. Rachel Casey recently led a study on how domestic dogs react to noises. She said in Animal Wellness Magazine,
“Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs, their early environment, and exposure to specific noises are involved in the development of fear responses to noises.
The day after July Fourth and New Year’s day is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters because dogs afraid of fireworks panic and run away. They jump over fences, crash through windows, and do everything they can think of to escape the terrifying sounds. It’s a serious risk, and you owe it to your dog to help them feel safe.
CBD Oil Soothes Anxiety & Noise Phobia In Dogs
CBD oil’s effectiveness in relieving anxiety is one of the main reasons it has become so popular for people and pets. You don’t need to worry about side effects from prescription medications, and CBD oil is reliably fast-acting.
At its root, a dog’s fear response to noise is all about anxiety. Loud noises make them feel emotionally distressed, wary, and like they have no control over what’s happening. The brain releases a cocktail of stress hormones that are more powerful than all your comforting words and soothing cuddles could ever be.
CBD oil works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to tell the body something isn’t right. The chemical imbalance that is anxiety needs to be put right, and CBD oil makes sure it happens.
Many dog owners have found that after administering CBD oil, their anxious dogs become noticeably calmer. The fear that clouds their minds is lifted, and they’re better able to cope with their emotions.
How To Use CBD To Calm Dogs During Fireworks:
To use CBD oil for dog fireworks anxiety, administer your chosen product’s recommended dosage 15-30 minutes before the fireworks are expected to start. CBD oil works fast, and you should see results the first time you try it. The dosage will depend on the specific product you use and whether you’ve chosen a tincture or an edible treat.
Start with a low dose, and only increase if you don’t see results. We also recommend testing the CBD oil on your dog prior to a stressful event. This will give you a chance to identify the perfect dose.
Current studies show it’s near impossible to overdose on CBD. If you accidentally give your dog more than anticipated, there’s a very low chance of it having adverse effects.
How to Choose a Safe & Effective CBD Oil
To learn more about how to choose a safe and effective CBD oil for your dog, view our CBD oil buyer’s guide here.
If you’d like to learn more about CBD, we’d encourage you to view our extensive guide to CBD for dogs.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
