Whether you're gearing up for a New Year's Day celebration or preparing for the Fourth of July, fireworks are usually part of the festivities. While setting off fireworks can be enjoyable, the loud noises and bright lights make this holiday a stressful one for dogs and puppies. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help calm dog anxiety during neighborhood festivities.

CBD is one of the most effective ways to deliver fast relief from anxiety for both pets and people. It is a great calming aid for dogs. While it may not work the same for every pet, it is worth a try, especially if your companion is susceptible to the stress fireworks bring.

What Is CBD and Is It Safe for My Pet?

Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is an oil naturally found in several species of cannabis plants, such as hemp. While it is related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a "high." CBD products are safe for pets, and veterinarians are beginning to suggest CBD for pet anxiety, pain and seizures on a routine basis.

How CBD Works for Dogs With Anxiety

Research studies have found CBD can be quite effective in alleviating stress and anxiety in both animals and humans alike. One Cornell study found that giving a dog CBD chews before a stressful event decreased anxiety-related behavior by 83 percent. Another study assessed whether giving a dog CBD before travel could help with anxiety stemming from owner separation. The researchers concluded that a single dose of CBD reduced canine stress, leading to better emotional well-being. As interest in CBD grows, more research on efficacy is sure to continue.

How To Give Your Pet CBD

Before giving your dog or puppy calming treats or CBD tinctures, make sure to research the company you are considering purchasing from. Check if the products are third-party lab-tested and feature clear labeling indicating the amount of CBD present. You should also ensure they contain non-GMO hemp. These are all indicators that you have a high-quality product that is safe and effective.

When choosing the right product for your pet, select one based on your dog's needs and size. CBD products are available online or at pet stores and include topical treatments, oils, chews and shampoos. While there are several ways to administer CBD, some methods may work better than others. The most common modes of administration are:

• Transmucosal administration - Placing the CBD oil directly on your dog's gums
• Oral administration - Adding CBD oil to meals or given as a chewy treat

Many pet owners prefer giving their dogs CBD dog calming treats or even stirring a bit of oil into their food. Some CBD products can taste slightly earthy, so mixing a CBD pet tincture into their meals may be preferable, depending on your pet.

Microdosing CBD for Cats and Dogs

You may find that your dog responds best to lower amounts of CBD or may need just a little more than other dogs their size to feel the effects. Regardless of your preferred method, CBD may work better when you split up their optimal daily dose into several smaller ones.

Microdosing allows for continual concentration of CBD in your pet's bloodstream and is helpful for firework anxiety, especially since you're not quite sure when one will go off during the holiday season. Microdosing can minimize your pet's stress and help them stay relaxed throughout the day.

Other Tips To Keep Your Pet Calm During Fireworks

In addition to CBD for dogs, there are some other things that you can do to keep your pet calm while fireworks are going off. While not every method works for everyone, there are a few tips you can try to keep your pet's stress and anxiety at bay:

• Place additional barriers like baby gates between your pet and your doors.
• Assess your fence for any weak points or areas they can crawl under.
• Get your pet microchipped just in case they do get loose.
• Leave town for a quieter location when you know there will be area-wide fireworks.

Final Thoughts

With the use of CBD along with the other tips above, you can get your pooch through July 4th with less stress. The efficacy of CBD for pet anxiety is still a new area of research, though results are promising.

 If you think CBD products can alleviate your pet's stress during fireworks, check with your veterinarian first. They can offer helpful tips on the best way to administer CBD to your pet.