The 4th of July is approaching. Already, we can hear people setting off fireworks. Many animals - not just pets - become frightened by the noise of fireworks. Firework noises are extremely loud and unpredictable. Animals associate such noises with danger.
In response to fireworks, dogs and cats may run from otherwise familiar environments, or dogs may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide. They can also show other signs of anxiety, like restlessness, panting, pacing or whining.
In 1975 we discovered this with our first dog. We appropriately did not to take her with us to the fireworks display at the park because we thought it would be to disturbing for her. We left her home alone setting up a space for her in an enclosed back porch with her bed and water.
Upon returning home we found she had clawed halfway through a solid wood door separating the porch from the kitchen area. She was panting heavily, pacing and whining. She was obviously very distressed.
After that experience we always obtained some “doggie downers” from our vet to help her manage the fireworks. Vets have drugs designed to treat symptoms like anxiety, aggression, depression, and other disorders. They include anti-depressants, benzodiazepines or other antianxiety meds.
Now that we have natural full spectrum CBD available for pets many people are finding this product effective in helping pets manage the noise of fireworks and also in treating symptoms of other challenging behaviors.
PTSD and Separation Anxiety
PTSD symptoms in pets are similar to those in humans. Symptoms include chronic anxiety; hypervigilance; avoidance of certain people, places, or situations; sleep disturbances; fear of being alone; decreased interest in a favorite activity; or aggression.
Additionally, when separated from owners’ pets can experience emotions similar to humans. They exhibit emotional distress when separated from the person, or animal, they are most attached to. In response dogs can often react in a destructive manner chewing table legs, pillows and items of owners clothing like shoes. For dogs chewing is a natural attempt to manage their anxiety.
Pets’ temperament also plays a large role in their response. The American Kennel Club states that animal temperament can be defined as an animal’s personality, makeup, disposition, or nature.
Animals that have preexisting conditions with a history of trauma can be even more sensitive to the noise of fireworks.
My twenty-year-old grandson has two German Shepherds who he knows have had traumatic experiences before they were adopted. One dog was abused in a puppy mill, gets skittish when exposed to loud noises and has trouble settling down when its time for bed. The other dog had been around kids who always picked on him. He is super whinny and always needing attention.
In addition to recommended behavioral interventions like creating a safe dedicated area of the house for the dogs, being calm and predictable, and having a daily routine my grandson recently started giving the dogs a natural full spectrum CBD chewy. The chewy contains 5 mg full spectrum CBD with added extracts of chamomile, valerian root and passionflower.
The CBD treats have had dramatic effect. The dog abused in a puppy mill is much less skittish and the other dog is not as whinny, barks less and responds better to calming messages.
The CBD treats have had dramatic effect. The dog abused in a puppy mill is much less skittish and the other dog is not as whinny, barks less and responds better to calming messages.
Per the American Kennel Club there’s no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, however, there’s anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as it does with humans helps to control seizures. And as the research with humans CBD is also used because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and for possible anti-cancer benefits.
Since CBD has been shown to help humans with anxiety it seems reasonable to try natural full spectrum CBD to manage the distress pets experience with fireworks or other behaviors associated mistreatment, trauma or abandonment.
As with all new medicine for your pet start with a low dose and go slow in raising the dose. Choose organic and full spectrum products.
Reference Links:
Health Roots Hemp Products
Dogs and fireworks: 10 expert tips to help nervous pets calm down
American Kennel Club Dogs and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Caring For a Dog with PTSD | VMBS News
American Kennel Club Dogs and Temperament
https://www.akc.org/akctemptest/what-is-temperament/
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