Does your dog get upset on those special occasions when your town or city celebrates with fireworks? The main reason that dogs are afraid of fireworks, is that they make a loud, unexplainable noise, that dogs cannot escape. The noise triggers that dog’s flight or fight response, but the dog can do nothing to make the noise stop.
A dog’s fear of fireworks can sometimes be linked to a prior experience. If the dog has been maltreated, it may associate loud noises with the bad treatment. There is also evidence that some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to fireworks anxiety than others, so there could be an element of genetics as well.
An unexpected firework can startle anyone. When we are startled, adrenaline is released, our heartbeat and pulse rate increase, and we instinctively feel defensive. We can laugh that off because we know that fireworks won’t hurt us. A dog, though, doesn’t know what a firework is and as the noises continue, they become a more and more afraid.
The noise of a firework is very unnatural, it is loud, and comes without any warning. A dog’s hearing is much more sensitive than our own, so they are startled even more than we are. If your dog is nervous generally, fireworks could be terrifying for your pet
What Are the Symptoms of Dog Firework Anxiety?
If your pet does have fireworks anxiety, the symptoms will be plain to see. They will vary in severity depending on how nervous your pet is, but it will be obvious if your pet is frightened. Fireworks anxiety won’t cause any long-term issues for your dog, but it is very distressing. This is the reason why so many people ask what I can give my dog for fireworks anxiety. The main symptoms of fireworks anxiety are:
Seeking Comfort
Shaking
Trembling
Hiding
Salivation
Urination
Most dogs experiencing fireworks anxiety will tremble and try to hide away behind furniture or under a table. If they are very frightened, they may urinate, or run away. In some cases, dogs become destructive when they are frightened. They may chew on furniture, or claw at carpets.
What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
Early research into the use of CBD to treat anxiety in dogs and in humans has been very promising. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that is extracted from the cannabis hemp plants. It is a type of cannabinoid that has many potential medical benefits. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, CBD does not cause a high. It is non-psychoactive, and it is non-toxic.
CBD is believed to work with a receptor in the brain called a CB1 receptor. This is one of two types of cannabinoid receptors currently known to exist in the body. There are cannabinoid receptors throughout the body in what is known as the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates many of the body’s natural functions.
Research is still ongoing, but results to date have been very promising. This has led to suggestions that CBD could provide a new treatment for anxiety. A study was conducted on a young girl with post-traumatic stress disorder. The girl’s symptoms were greatly reduced when she was given CBD oil for her anxiety. Animal studies have produced similar results.
It has long been known that CBD relaxes and calms people and animals. It is only recently, though, studies into the full effects of cannabinoids have been conducted. It has been discovered that CBD alters the levels of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are linked to both anxiety and depression.
CBD and Your Pet
There are many pet owners who use CBD products to treat anxiety in their pets. There is also an increasing number of people who are using CBD to treat their own anxiety as well. CBD is fast-acting, natural treatment that might help your dog cope with its firework anxiety.
How to Calm My Dog with Cannabidiol?
The best way to treat a dog for fireworks anxiety is to administer CBD several hours before the fireworks begin. It will take some time for the CBD to pass through the digestive system and start to work.
There several different types of CBD products that you can use for fireworks anxiety. These include CBD oil drops and CBD pet treats. The choice between these two will depend on well your dog takes medicine. CBD oil drops are administered by placing a few drops in the dog’s mouth, or it could be added to your dog’s food. CBD dog treats look and taste like regular dog treats, so most dogs will happily eat them.
The amount of CDB oil that will be needed to calm a dog’s fireworks anxiety will depend on several factors. These include the size of your dog and the level of anxiety. It will also depend on how much CBD the products you purchase contain. Good quality CBD products will have dosage guidelines with them. Your vet will also be able to help you decide how much CBD to give your dog for fireworks anxiety. Would you like to try CBD for your dog's anxiety? Try our Health Drops or get in touch to discuss further.
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