Prepping Your Pet for the Fireworks: CBD for Anxiety Relief
Every year, millions of people look forward to the holiday of the summer: the Fourth of July! After all, what better way to spend the day than at a family barbecue, clinking bottles, taking a dip in the pool, and most importantly, ending the day off with a spectacular show of fireworks. With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, it’s certain that plans are already being made and people are already scouting out the best areas to catch a view of the show.
Humans may love the fireworks, but did you know that many pets don’t?
Dogs, cats, and other animals are often overwhelmed by loud, surprising noises. Fireworks are no exception, as their continuous booms, pops, and explosions can be heard by a stretch of towns. These sounds unfortunately cause a lot of anxiety within dogs since they have acute, sensitive hearing. It’s not just fireworks; it’s also thunderstorms, vacuums, and other loud noises. While these are common triggers of anxiety in pets, there are a long list of others, including separation from owners, vet visits, sudden changes in daily routine, socialization, phobias, etc.
It’s always safest to consult with your veterinarian what steps should be taken to treat your dog, cat, or other companion. Treatment may consist of prescribing an anti-anxiety medication, being referred to a behaviorist, or perhaps even just a simple supplement or diet change.
In many cases, premium brands create products specifically designed to alleviate pets from stress and anxiety.
These products often incorporate Cannabidiol, or CBD.
CBD is one of the many chemical compounds that comes from the hemp and cannabis plant. People tend to shy away from this term, as it’s often associated with the recreational use of marijuana. However, CBD is not the same, nor should it be confused with Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is the psychoactive element that produces a “high” in marijuana users. Products that use CBD should contain no more than the appropriate level of .03% THC. This is what makes it safer for pet use.
Much research has been done concerning the effect of Cannabidiol on humans, but studies and evidence are continuing to be gathered on its effect on animals. Numerous testimonials have shown results from using CBD infused products, such as reducing stress in pets.
The way that CBD interacts with the animal’s body in order to bring about calm and peace is by working through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of receptors in the central nervous system that have to do a lot with physiological processes within the body, such as stress, anxiety, memory, sleep, etc.
If you are looking for a natural way to help calm your little friend and get them prepped for the upcoming firework shows, try dabbling in the world of CBD. There has recently been a rise in offered products and brands geared towards using Cannabidiol to help give your pet the benefit of a relaxed, peaceful demeanor. When choosing a product, always keep in mind that it should be high quality, uses appropriate levels of THC, and has undergone testing for safety and value.
Here’s a list of 5 brands / products that meet the criteria:
King Kalm
King Kanine believes in “Pet Wellness Inside and Out.” They are known to be the #1 recommended brand that produces CBD products that are for dogs and cats of any type, or specific breeds such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Greyhounds - the list goes on.
This starts with their professionally formulated King Kalm Oil, which is an all organic, natural liquid that comes nicely packaged in bottles and labels that clearly state what dosage is appropriate for your pet depending upon their size and weight. Their CBD products also infuse essential oils, Krill Oil, and Hemp Oil. These additional oils come with their own benefits, such as higher nutritional value consisting of vitamins and minerals. The boxes come with a syringe that makes it easy for pet parents to orally administer. It has been tested for quality and safety by third party labs.
King Kanine prides themself on their products being able to make a difference in how pets respond to the environment around them. They trust that the CBD can help the way that pets experience and absorb negative energy, allowing them to feel much steadier and calmer in situations that would typically disturb or bother them, such as fireworks.
They also carry treats and balms, though they are well known for their oils, as oils are easier to monitor and control the dosage of.
Hemp Vet
Hemp Vet has an inclusive line of supplements, including soft chews, oils, powders and topicals, that combine natural ingredients that target specific health conditions for your pet’s wellness. These conditions include the popular calming and comforting support products, as well as options that help maintain joints, the neural system, and the overall immune system.
Their blend of ingredients in combination with hemp grown right in the United States promotes an array of benefits, from anxiety and stress relief to eye, lung, heart, and brain health, proper gastrointestinal function, and a healthy spleen, muscles, bones, etc. This is especially due to their method of using cold-processing to extract products, making sure that the original nutritional value of the hemp and ingredients are retained to boost your pet’s health.
Other ingredients they use include Colostrum, Hemp Seed Oil, Glucosamine, Green Tea Extract, Taurine, etc - providing a full range of 21 amino acids, no added sugars, plenty of antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Simply Pure CBD Olive Oil
Made by Tuscan Natural, the Simply Pure CBD Olive Oil is 100% THC free, causing no negative side effects. It’s a much safer, all natural alternative to medications and prescriptions. It’s ideal for dogs and cats with sensitive kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal tracts.
Not only does it contain Cannabidiol for reduced anxiety, inflammation and autoimmune diseases, pain, nausea, and poor appetites, but its use of olive oil gives pets’ coats a shiny look!
Earth Buddy
Earth Buddy teams with local farmers and suppliers to achieve their mission dedicated to “Elevating Pet Health and Wellness.” They do so by formulating supplements, such as Blueberry, Pumpkin, and Extra Strength Hemp Hearts Treats and Hemp Extracts, from locally sourced ingredients in Denver, Colorado.
The supplements contain not only CBD, which has given the brand many reviews and testimonials of happy pets with reduced anxiety and less body pain, but also many other powerhouse ingredients.
Their oven baked treats contain key ingredients: Blueberry provides your pet with natural antioxidants. Turmeric and black pepper promote anti-inflammatory responses. Organic apple cider vinegar supports pH balance in the gut, and the coconut oil contains healthy fats for a healthy, shiny coat and fur.
What makes Earth Buddy original is that they formulate their products in small batches that are minimally processed, containing a wide range of safe cannabis compounds.
NaturVet Hemp
NaturVet has an extensive line of hemp supplements for dogs and cats that are created with the help of their in-house scientists and veterinarians. From Hemp Seed Oil with Krill and Salmon, a range of Hypoallergenic and Deodorizing Shampoos, and Join Topical Sprays to Hot Spot Sprays and soft chews that combine hemp with other powerful ingredients for calming, joints, immune system support, and allergies. These ingredients include argan, coconut, oat, aloe, honey, ginger, peppermint, etc.
NaturVet’s Hemp options are high in fiber and a great source of plant based proteins. It’s also rich in Omega-3 and 6, as well as phytonutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Overall, their products contain 20 amino acids plus an additional nine essential acids.
With how many different ways they have of how to administer the CBD and benefits of hemp to your pet, whether external or oral, pet owners surely have plenty of options of what style suits both them and their companion!
As seen by the many benefits of these products, it’s clear that Cannabidiol certainly has a place in the anxiety and stress relief department for pets. Any of these products safely administer CBD to your pet, helping not just with their inner-peace and calmness, but also with many other advantages for both their mental and physical health.
Consult with your veterinarian and don’t be afraid to delve further into the testimonials floating on the internet about the many benefits of CBD. Do it soon so both you and your pet can enjoy the upcoming firework shows and party noise makers!
Author Biography: Megan Lim is a current journalism major and writer for The Hungry Puppy Pet Food & Supplies Store located in Farmingdale, NJ. The Hungry Puppy is a one stop shop that provides pets and pet owners with all their dog, cat, equine, bird, wildlife, farm and small animal needs! Carrying premium brands at the lowest prices, The Hungry Puppy has all the food options and products you need to be the best possible pet parent! When Megan is not writing for The Hungry Puppy, she can be found going for walks with her two adorable dogs, Tubby and Kato.