It’s that time of year again when we clean off the barbecue, load up on hotdogs and celebrate our nation’s independence. While we might also look forward to the local fireworks display, the four-legged family members might not feel like celebrating. Dogs are often extremely frightened from the loud noise made by the fireworks.
Unlike humans, our pets cannot understand the concept of fireworks and shrug them off like we do. They become more frightened as the noise continues especially from rouge-not-so-legal -displays. Some dogs may be more startled due to their genetic predisposition, past experiences, and the fact that their hearing is more sensitive.
Keeping Your Pet Calm
There are several measures you can take to help your pet feel safe and comfortable during fireworks such as playing music and providing a safe space. Another popular option is to provide CBD to help calm your pet, ease their anxiety, and feel less frightened. In a Cornell study, dogs were given CBD prior to a stressful event, and 83% showed a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors.
CBD can also help during thunderstorms, car rides, or for general anxiety.
Dogs like all mammals have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance in the body. CBD works by interacting with the ECS so it can help to restore balance in the body and correct what is wrong. Because of its ability to work through the entire body, the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids are numerous and wide-ranging.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is also used as a quality treatment for pets with aching joints, pain, seizures, skin issues and a host of other physical and neurological problems. Another study at Cornell showed that CBD can help pain management in many dogs. More than 80% of the dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a decrease in pain, allowing them to be more comfortable and active.
Is CBD safe for pets?
Although Veterinary schools are just beginning to research using CBD with animals, current recommendations are either based on anecdotal use or veterinarians’ professional experience.
Overall, hemp derived CBD appears to be safe in healthy populations of dogs and cats and tolerated quite well.
Pet Dosing
As with humans who have never taken CBD, it is important to start your pet on a low dose and raise it slowly. You can start with our blog, How to Calculate Dose of CBD Hemp Oil for Your Pet to determine a range based on their weight. It is best to discuss what dose is safe with a veterinarian who has experience using CBD to help your pet’s condition. It may be best to start at least one week before so that it has a chance to build up.
Ongoing studies at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital utilize hemp derived full spectrum CBD products that are very low in THC so that there are no psychoactive effects, making it safe for dogs to use.
Earth Buddy Pet
CBD Garage carries Earth Buddy Pet , our partner who makes a wide range of hemp derived full spectrum CBD products including tinctures, capsules with medicinal mushrooms and treats. They are made specifically for pets, so they don’t contain ingredients that could be toxic like chocolate, certain essential oils or artificial sweeteners. All Earth Buddy Products have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies that the ingredients written on the label are actually in the product.
From all of us at the CBD Garage, we wish you a safe and happy (including your pets!) Independence Day Celebration.
And, of course, contact our resident expert if you have any questions!