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Dog Fireworks Anxiety: Can CBD Dog Treats Help?
For most of us the 4th of July represents family, fun, and celebrating of our Nation’s Independence by watching fireworks. But if you have a member of the family that happens to be a dog then you understand the challenges that fireworks present, and the hugely disruptive effect they can have on your furry friend.
Keeping your dog at home with the windows shut, wrapped in an anti-anxiety blanket may work to calm your anxious dog, but if they don’t it may be time to try something new.
CBD is a safe and effective solution to many health issues that dog struggle with. Many of our customers have reported reduced pain, a higher quality of life, and relief from anxiety after giving their dogs CBD. Here’s what you need to know about CBD for your dog.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring component of the cannabis plant found in both cannabis and hemp. While there are no molecular differences between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived CBD, hemp derived-CBD products are completely legal and allowed to be sold in all 50 states where-as cannabis-derived CBD products are only legally allowed to be sold in dispensaries located in States with medical or recreational marijuana programs.
CBD has becoming increasingly popular in the wellness world over the last few years, and has recently been a subject of study by veterinarians and dog owners alike. The main reason why CBD is so effective is due to the endocannabinoid system found in dogs (and people) that helps to restore balance and maintain equilibrium. The endocannabinoid system is comprised of CB1 and CB2 receptors that send signals to the immune system.
Isn’t weed bad for dogs though?
There is still a bit of controversy around this issue but most industry professionals and Veterinarians agree that dogs should never consume THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis responsible for the feeling of being “high”. The Broad Spectrum CBD extract found in our CBD Dog Treats contains absolutely zero THC, while still containing CBD and the wide variety of cannabinoids and terpenes typically present in the cannabis plant.
Long story short, our CBD extract contains all of the healing elements found in cannabis without the THC and we extensively lab test each product to make sure it doesn’t contain THC, any contaminants, or other toxins.
Why do fireworks make our poor dogs so anxious?
Not all dogs are fearful of the loud noises created when fireworks explode, but for the ones that are it can be debilitating. If your dog is typically scared of loud noises like car alarms, thunder, or loud music it is not shocking that fireworks can put your dog on edge.
There are a few reasons some dogs may be more likely to respond negatively to noise than others but the two most common are a lack of being exposed to loud noise as a puppy and traumatic past experiences involving noise.
Dr. Rachel Casey, a veterinary surgeon, animal behaviorist and welfare scientist working at Dogs Trust and at The Royal Veterinary College in London recently led a study on how domestic dogs react to noises. She summarizes:
“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.”
Many animal shelters report the 5th of July being one of their busiest days of the year as many dogs and other animals become so stressed they flee uncontrollably to get away form the sounds only to find themselves lost when they regain composure. This is a serious issue for dog parents all over the country and you owe it to your dog to protect them.
Can CBD really help with anxiety from fireworks?
At Shelter CBD instead of making untested claims about the efficacy our product, we prefer to take an attitude of experimentation and suggest that you give a try for yourself with your dog rather than taking something you have read on the internet at face value. When it comes to anxiety caused by fireworks though, there are some facts you should be aware of.
When a dog is over-stressed, their brain produces a mix of stress-related hormones. Those hormones create an imbalance that makes coping with the stress much more difficult. When CBD enters the body however, it bonds with cannabinoid receptors to stimulate a type of two-way communication within the endocannabinoid system. This increase can help the dog’s internal systems better recognize what’s wrong and what needs to be done. These hormone signals ultimately result in a more balance, calmer, and less stressed dog.