Imagine this: July 4th rolls around, and fireworks fill the sky. It's easy to get lost in the preparations and enjoy the celebration with your friends and family. But then you find your beloved dog cowering in fear in a corner, and you start to worry. Will they be all right?
A dog's sense of hearing is more sensitive than that of a human being. They also do not understand the loud noise they hear, so some may even resort to wrecking the furniture around them. When your dog has fireworks anxiety, you may witness these common symptoms: seeking comfort, shaking, trembling, hiding, salivation, and urinating. It is normal for a dog to feel scared when they hear terrifying and unexplainable sounds. But while fireworks anxiety may not have long-term effects on your dog, you can still prevent your dog from suffering from all of these.
In this article, we will share practical tips on how to help ease your dog’s fear of fireworks:
Prepare before the event
In the days leading up to the big event, you must already start thinking about how you can perhaps distract your dog's or cat’s attention from the loud noises. A quick trip to the pet store may provide the solution to all your worries. At your local pet store, you can find various pet supplies, such as ropes, tennis balls, and even stuffed animals.
Choose the right kind of CBD product for your dog
If you're uncomfortable about giving drugs to your dog, the pet store can also provide healthy alternatives, such as CBD or cannabidiol extracted from the cannabis hemp plants. This compound is fast-acting and natural. Research is ongoing, and the FDA has not approved this for medical use. But so far, CBD is beneficial and safe for dogs because it does not produce a high psychoactive response and is not toxic. Instead, it provides calming effects on your furry friends.
When you're going to give a CBD product to your dog, make sure to administer it around 30-60 minutes before the event so that the CBD can take effect. You can administer CBD oil drops to your dog directly to its mouth, or you can mix it in the food bowl, but be certain to buy the right product for how you want to give it to your animal. You can even choose CBD dog treats that might be more attractive for your dog.
After deciding to buy a product with CBD, consider your dog's size and anxiety level to know the right dosage needed. And you can also ask for the vet's advice about the amount your dog can take. Feel free to ask a Wags to Wiskers staff member or a local veterinary resource on recommended dosages for your pet.
Be reassuring towards your dog
Remember that your furry pet will be affected by its environment and your attitude. When your dog sees you excited about and playful around fireworks, they may realize that there is nothing to fear. However, this may not always be the case because some dog breeds might be more susceptible to fireworks anxiety than others, or they may just have a general fear of loud noise. At the same time, keep in mind to never yell at your dog, especially when fireworks or other noises might trigger past traumatic experiences. Instead, try to be reassuring, be understanding with them, and do your best to help them calm down.
Conclusion
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and you must start preparing your furry family member for the occasion. As we’ve shared above, remember to prepare before the event, choose the right CBD product, and be reassuring towards your dog.
More than products to help ease your dog’s anxiety, the Wags to Wiskers pet store provides a plethora of pet food and pet supplies in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Ludington. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!