New Year’s Eve Fireworks Are Coming. Could CBD Oil Help Your Dog?
New Year’s Eve is a time for great celebration; unless you’re a dog! When you see pretty lights in the sky, your dog experiences all the worst kinds of 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 New Year’s Eve fireworks. For dogs with serious anxiety, however, 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 and How Can It Help My Dog’s Fireworks Phobia
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis. There are over 100 different cannabinoids, and CBD is the big player when it comes to healing and well-being. It’s found in both marijuana and hemp, and once it’s extracted, it’s turned into the substance called CBD oil.
The reason why CBD oil is so beneficial for the body has to do with the endocannabinoid system. All mammals—people and dogs included—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.
Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?
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 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 sound. It’s a serious risk, and you owe it to your dog to help them feel safe.
How CBD Oil Can Help
CBD oil’s effectiveness in relieving anxiety is one of the main reasons why it has recently become popular. 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 pets 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.
To use CBD oil to your dog’s best advantage this New Year’s Eve, administer your chosen product’s recommended dosage 15-30 minutes before the festivities are expected to start. CBD oil works fast, and you should see results the first time you try it. Dosage will depend on the specific product you use and whether you’ve chosen a tincture or an edible treat. Start with a low dosage and only increase if you don’t see results. The great thing is, current studies show it’s 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.
