Dogs, cats—can CBD help calm them down during a fireworks display?

National Day is fast approaching! And when you think of July 14, you think of fireworks and a lively atmosphere. Everyone is eagerly awaiting this moment! Well, that’s all well and good, but what about our four-legged friends?

While most of us enjoy this moment of euphoria, the same cannot be said for our dogs and cats. For them, this moment is anything but pleasant. Fireworks are, above all, synonymous with fear and anxiety. We’re then torn between the desire to celebrate and the worry caused by the situation. Don’t worry anymore. There’s an effective solution to calm your four-legged friends on the big day. Try CBD! It’s a miracle product—completely safe—that will soothe them in no time. Have you heard of this amazing elixir? No, not yet? Then let’s find out how it works!

Summer brings with it a slew of festivities. Fireworks are no exception and perfectly capture the excitement and euphoria of the moment. During the summer season, while we humans celebrate and admire the light show in the sky, dogs and cats cower in their corners. Their perspective is completely different. A recent, highly reliable study found that more than half of all dogs are absolutely terrified of fireworks. It’s a safe bet that this is true for your dog, too. 

At the same time, the same phobia is also observed in horses, where, in this case, more than 80% of the cases studied are affected. What disturbs the animals so much is, of course, the bright flash, but also—and above all—the deafening noise produced by the explosion. Between July 5 and 14, the number of runaway animals at shelters triples. They are so anxious and distressed by the loud explosions that they flee instinctively. 

Unfortunately, in their despair and confusion, unexpected accidents are not uncommon. As they desperately try to find a way to escape all the noise, these poor animals can injure themselves. Dogs have been blessed with highly developed hearing that allows them to hear sounds from incredible distances. This blessing then turns into a curse when the fireworks symphony begins.

The best-known name for it is cannabidiol. A molecule derived directly from hemp, CBD is what’s known as a cannabinoid without psychoactive effects. It’s important to point this out, because it’s all too often confused with tetrahydrocannabinol—the molecule responsible for the “high” found in large quantities in cannabis. Here, it’s completely different. CBD is completely harmless. You can safely give it to your pets without worrying about unexpected side effects.

In humans, the anxiolytic benefits of cannabidiol have been observed on several occasions. What’s good for us isn’t necessarily good for animals. However, these rules don’t apply in our case. According to Waltham, animals respond very positively to CBD. Faced with the strobe lights and deafening noises of fireworks, CBD provides them with the comfort they need. Thanks to this product, they may feel less anxious and less stressed during the festivities. 

Unlike euphoric compounds such as THC, CBD is highly recommended for calming your four-legged friends’ moods and emotional tension. According to some studies, animals have more cannabinoid receptors in their bodies. Consuming large amounts of THC would cause more harm to them than to us. That’s why CBD is a safe choice, since it contains only a small amount of THC—less than 0.3%. 

When it comes to dosage, there isn’t really a standard amount to give your pet. However, you shouldn’t just give it any old way either. To determine the appropriate amount for your pet, you need to consider key factors such as its weight and size. Let’s be realistic—a Labrador won’t take the same dose as a Chihuahua. Be sure to read the package insert carefully and consult a veterinarian as well. 

While there are countless CBD-based products designed for pets,CBD oil for pets remains the go-to option, as this recent study has shown.  What’s more, it’s very convenient and easy to use. All you need to do is put a few drops in their mouth or mix it directly into their food. The first option provides a fairly quick effect to calm your pet a few minutes before the fireworks begin, whereas oral administration may take 30 minutes to 1 hour for their bodies to absorb it. 

CBD is undoubtedly the best natural option for quickly calming your pets during the July 14th celebrations. However, you might feel more at ease if you take some preventive measures. Nothing beats good preparation for ensuring peace of mind—both for you and your pets. So, where do you start? Not sure? No worries—we’ve got some great tips for you: 

Animals are very sensitive. They also have emotions that influence their behavior. So, just as you would with a friend or family member in distress, try to communicate! Communication is the foundation. And how do you do that with animals? It’s simple. Pet them and whisper kind words in their ears. They may not understand a word of it, but it’s the gesture itself that matters. It’s your comforting voice that calms them. Make them feel heard and understood in their anxiety. It’s like therapy. This will help them feel more confident and at ease.

As much as possible, do not let your dogs and cats go outside as the festivities approach and while they are underway. If they stay in their comfort zones, away from the hustle and bustle of the festivities, they will not experience excessive stress. If someone can stay by their side, it would be very reassuring for the animal. This greatly reduces the chances of the animal running away from home. By closing windows and drawing the curtains, they’ll also be less exposed to these disruptive stimuli. These strategies are effective, but unexpected behavior can still occur. All animals are different, and some are more sensitive than others. So, it’s important to understand them. 

While we humans celebrate the national holiday in unison, our pets do not share in this joy. While the festivities sweep us up in their fervor and euphoria, the experience is far less enjoyable for our four-legged friends. When we look up to gaze at the sky filled with dazzling fireworks, animals see a waking nightmare. While we hear the exhilarating sound of fireworks booming in the air, animals hear an unbearable din. 

Fortunately, you’ll be able to have fun freely and without a care in the world during the holidays. How? Thanks to CBD, of course! This extraordinary molecule with miraculous properties could be your powerful ally. Just a few drops of CBD oil—wait 5 to 15 minutes—and they’ll be instantly more relaxed! The choice is yours. You can also mix it into their food and wait a few hours this time to achieve the desired effect. CBD’s potential anxiolytic effect—due to its regulation of serotonin levels—could calm your pet’s chaotic thoughts in no time.