Many people begin to worry about their dogs as the New Year approaches. New Year’s Eve means fireworks, and many dogs are fearful of fireworks in the same way they are afraid of thunderstorms. According to Caesar’s Way, more dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other day. While fireworks are less disruptive on New Year’s, they may still be a concern for your pet. In fact, some pet owners opt out of New Year’s parties just because they don’t want their dog to face the fear alone. Thankfully, there are things you can do to comfort them.
If you already know that CBD can help dogs with more general anxiety, you may wonder if it can also help your dog with fireworks. The short answer is yes, dogs can be calmed by CBD treats or oil, and this can help them get through a night of fireworks. Here’s what you need to know about how to use CBD oil to help your pet before the light show starts.
What is the Fear of Fireworks About?
While dogs may respond to fireworks in many ways, including hiding, barking, whining and shaking, almost all are responding in fear to loud noise and flashes of light that they can’t understand.
Unfortunately, if you’ve reprimanded your dog for this behavior, you may have made it worse. It’s natural for dogs to be afraid of fireworks, or to think fireworks are a threat to them and to you. After all, such instincts would keep them alive in the wild.
However, other than instinct, veterinarians don’t know why dogs seem to be more afraid of fireworks than other potentially fear-inducing experiences. All we can do right now is try to help them get through it. While there are many training techniques and comforting items that could help, CBD could be a great option for your dog.
How Can CBD Help with Dog Firework Anxiety?
CBD works in pets similar to how it works in humans. Unlike THC, CBD does not create any “high” sensations. Instead, it has a calming effect that naturally helps dogs get through stressful experiences. Research has demonstrated that CBD can help dogs handle anxiety.
Of course, the quality and safety of the CDB treat or oil matters a lot. That’s why Emisha creates our products in a THC-Free certified facility. The last thing you want is to have small amounts of THC in your dog’s treat that actually increases their anxiety!
Plus, as your dog is already scared of the fireworks, you don’t want to be force-feeding them something unappetizing and increasing their stress levels. Emisha offers chewable CBD dog treats with natural bacon flavor and beef liver that is appetizing to our four-legged family members. You can also put droplets of CBD oil into their water or food.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks
You shouldn’t just start your dog on CBD a few minutes before the fireworks start. The dog may associate anything you introduce to them for the first time during a scary event with that scary event, even toys and treats. Later, the sight of the toy or treat may be enough to remind them of the fireworks and upset them.
Instead, give your dog CBD at least one time before New Year’s. Make sure that this is a calm, non-eventful day for them. They’ll likely be even calmer than usual, thanks to the effects of CBD, but it’s always important to see how they respond.
Then, you can give your dog another dose on New Year’s Day. Follow the dosing recommendations on your pet-specific product. For example, Emisha’s CBD dog treats recommend you give your dog one 2 mg treat for every 25 pounds of dog. So, a 75-pound dog should get three.
Lastly, don’t leave your dog alone in the fireworks and assume the CBD will be enough to comfort them—at least not until you’ve seen them respond a few times. Comfort your dog, offer them treats or other calming toys and techniques you use. If your dog is better, you may eventually get to the point that doesn’t need your presence to be calm during the fireworks.
Order Your CBD Treats Before New Year’s
As you’ll need to give your dog CBD before New Year’s, make your order now. Try Emisha’s CBD Dog Treats. They provide a 2 mg pre-dosed dog treat which takes any hassle out of dosing and is packed full of synergistic nutritious ingredients.
