Hey fellow pet parents! Summer in Seattle is amazing, isn’t it? The sun is shining, and we’re all ready for hikes, barbecues, and some fun in the sun with our furry friends. But with the 4th of July approaching, it's crucial to prepare for the festive fireworks that can cause significant anxiety in our beloved pets. These sudden bursts of loud noise often lead to fireworks anxiety in dogs, and send pet parents scrambling for solutions to their dog's anxiety symptoms and effective, natural anxiety relief.
In our neighbourhood, no matter which day the 4th of July falls on, we can expect multiple days of backyard fireworks. Even if your dog isn't normally stressed by loud noise or thunderstorm anxiety, the unpredictable and intense noise can be especially overwhelming for our four-legged companions. And, let's be realistic - most dogs I know have some level of fear, anxiety, and stress around loud noises. Many dogs become so frightened that they run away, making July 5th the busiest day for shelters across the US.
CBD for Dogs Scared of Fireworks
My personal journey with fireworks anxiety began with my Springer Spaniel, Bailey. One year, while travelling from Bainbridge to Seattle by ferry, the sky erupted with July 4th fireworks. Bailey's panic was palpable, inspiring me to create our 'No More Wiggles' calming CBD blends, designed to soothe pets’ nerves in overly stimulating situations and address common dog anxiety causes and behaviours.
It's important to understand that dogs have naturally keen senses, making fireworks a profoundly intense experience for them. The sudden, loud noises can cause rapid heart rate, adrenaline rush, and increased stress hormones, highlighting the fear of loud noises in dogs.
Unlike thunderstorms that present warning signs like changes in barometric pressure and rising winds, fireworks are abrupt and unpredictable, making them far more intimidating for our pets. This unpredictability is a major dog anxiety trigger, intensifying their fear of loud noises.
Through my experience with Bailey, I’ve found that CBD-rich hemp extract can significantly help manage sensitivity to noise. The synergy of CBD with soothing botanicals and herbs like Valerian Root, Passionflower, and Chamomile enhances calming support. Our No More Wiggles formula incorporates all these ingredients, enriched with broad-spectrum hemp extract rich in cannabinoids. It’s precisely what Bailey and countless other pets need to navigate this 4th of July with calm and ease.
CBD for dogs has proven to be an effective natural remedy for managing pet anxiety, including dogs scared of fireworks. By incorporating CBD into your pet's routine, you can help them stay relaxed and reduce their stress levels during noisy celebrations. With a little CBD and a little TLC, it's possible to help your pet deal with their fireworks anxiety and help them experience a more fun 4th of July with the calming benefits of CBD, allowing both of you to enjoy the holiday stress-free.
More Tips to Help your Pet Stay Calm During Fireworks Season:
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Create a Secure Environment: Keep your pet in a secure, noise-dampened place INSIDE your home. A fenced yard might not provide the security your pet needs, especially if you're not outside with them to supervise. Try turning a windowless room or a large closet into a comfortable nesting place. You can also consider white noise or soothing music to help alleviate your pet's stress, a proactive approach to dog anxiety prevention and management.
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Update Identification Tags: Make sure your pet's microchip and ID tags are up-to-date. Know your nearest shelter's phone number so you can enhance your chances of a quick reunion if your pet gets scared and runs away. This is a crucial step in managing dog anxiety risks and ensuring their safety.
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Stock up on Stress Relievers: Establish a calming routine for your pet before July 4th. Introduce comforting products to their routine rather than experimenting with new items during the fireworks. Natural calming aids for dogs, such as CBD oil, can be very effective, offering a range of dog anxiety solutions and remedies. It's great to have your pet's favorite toys or treats on hand to help distract them from loud noises too.
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Stay with Your Pet: If possible, skip the parties and be there for your pet. Being left alone can further intensify their anxiety. If you must be away, ask a friend or a professional caretaker to provide the necessary care to help manage their stress.
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Keep Your Pet Engaged: A well-exercised pet is a happy pet. Schedule their exercise for early in the day and provide engaging toys to keep them occupied, as part of an effective dog anxiety prevention strategy. Refrain from taking them outside once the sun sets during the prime time for fireworks, to avoid exacerbating their anxiety.
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Start Early with CBD: If you've never used CBD with your pet before, recommend introducing your pet to CBD a week (or at least 2-3 days) in advance and continuing through July 5th—or whenever the fireworks have subsided in your area. This way, you'll know how your pet responds to CBD and what works for them.
On the 4th of July itself, administer CBD well before noon and maintain doses every 2 hours until about 11 pm. This ensures your pet remains prepared for any surprises throughout the day and night. Helping them remain calm is much easier than trying to calm them down after they're stressed. CBD can take up to an hour to show its effect, so plan accordingly as timing is key.
The advent of summer and the 4th of July can be a joyous time for us and our pets alike, with a little planning and a focus on their wellbeing. Using a comprehensive approach that includes CBD and other natural remedies for dog anxiety can help your pet navigate the noise and excitement with greater ease, offering effective pet anxiety relief.
At Austin & Kat, we believe pets stay happiest and healthiest by keeping active, eating healthy foods, and relying on the transformative power of carefully formulated pet supplements.
Just as I developed the No More Wiggles formula with Bailey's needs in mind, we're continually inspired by our own pets and customers' experiences to create high-quality, sustainable solutions for pet health, including dog anxiety coping strategies. We're here to help ensure your pets live life to the fullest, just like we strive to do every day.
Here's to a safe, peaceful, and happy 4th of July for all, two and four-legged family members alike.