A personal story from a pet lover
I used to love the 4th of July. The food, the music, the warm summer air. But after we adopted Ziggy, our sweet and slightly clingy rescue dog, the holiday quickly lost its charm.
The first time we spent the 4th with him, we had no idea what was coming. As soon as the sun set and the fireworks started, Ziggy began to tremble. He ran behind the washing machine, panting so hard I was scared for him. His body was rigid with fear. His eyes were wide. I had never seen anything like it; I felt the weight of my dog's anxiety.
Since then, I have done everything I could think of to help Ziggy remain calm during fireworks displays. I am writing this because I know I am not alone. If you have a dog or cat who becomes anxious around loud noises or fireworks, I hope our story helps. I am not an expert, just a pet parent who found something that finally worked. And for us, that something was CBD.
Why Fireworks Are So Hard on Pets
Many dogs are scared of fireworks because they are unpredictable, loud, and unlike any other sound they hear day to day. I remember searching online, trying to understand why dogs are scared of fireworks. I knew that their hearing is far more sensitive than ours, but I didn't realize just how sensitive their ears are. Sounds hit them suddenly and intensely. They do not know what is happening. It's just loud and sudden, and that triggers their anxiety, just like ours.
It is not just fireworks. Other loud noises like thunderstorms, construction, or even loud crowds can send pets into a spiral of fear. Tiger, our cat, hides in the tightest corner she can find. Ziggy shakes and tries to squeeze behind furniture or under the bed. They both respond differently, but the fear is the same, so we always try to create a safe environment for them.
My love of the 4th of July turned to dread because I could see the stress in their eyes and hear it in their breathing. The feeling of helplessness as a pet parent is something I would not wish on anyone.
What We Tried First
We began with the standard 4th of July pet safety tips. We kept the pets indoors. We played music, created a safe space in advance, closed the curtains, and tried to act calm so they would mirror my energy. I even bought an anxiety vest for Ziggy.
Sometimes these things helped, but every time the fireworks began, it was like starting from scratch. Ziggy would shake and pant as if he were in danger. Tiger would disappear for hours. I knew I needed something more.
How We Discovered CBD
Last year, a coworker who also has an anxious dog told me she had started using CBD. She said it had made a real difference, especially during thunderstorms and parties with loud music.
At first, I was skeptical. I had questions. Is CBD safe for pets? Would it actually help reduce stress during fireworks? How does it even work?
I did a lot of reading, talked to our veterinarian, and ultimately decided to give it a shot. I was tired of seeing Ziggy and Tiger suffer, and I was ready to try just about anything. So, we decided to start small and see how Ziggy and Tiger responded during our next thunderstorm.
What Happened When We Tried It
I gave each of them the recommended amount of the tincture we bought, and we saw a difference in both of them within minutes. At first, Ziggy was still on edge, but after about 15 minutes, he was noticeably calmer. It took a little bit longer with Tiger, but he eventually curled up with us on the couch, and it was as if he didn't even notice the storm.
So, when the next 4th of July rolled around, we knew what to do. I gave Ziggy and Tiger the full recommended dose in the middle of the afternoon, and by the time the fireworks started, they were both content as could be. Tiger was curled up in his cat-stand near the window, and Ziggy followed me around the house like he usually does. We gave Ziggy an extra dropper full around 8 PM, and he was fine through the rest of the night.
It was the most peaceful 4th of July we had experienced in years. I was ecstatic. I felt like I could finally breathe and enjoy a holiday I'd grown up loving again.
How We Use CBD to Create a Safe Space
Here is what I do now every summer:
Start early
I give Ziggy and Tiger their CBD a few hours before any big event. That includes the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and even big neighborhood parties. I read that starting a few days before can help if you notice your pets don't respond as quickly, so now I'll give them each a half dropper a day a couple of days before, even though we haven't had that problem. It doesn't hurt them and it gives me extra peace of mind.
Create a calming routine
I still keep them indoors, draw the curtains, and play soft music to mask outside sounds. I set up a cozy bed in a quiet space where they feel safe and secure. I also ensure they have access to fresh water and that it's nice and cool inside the house.
Safe Space Checklist for the 4th of July
CBD has been a huge help, but I still go out of my way to make sure that Ziggy and Tiger feel as safe as possible.
- Keep your dog or cat inside as soon as the sun sets
- Set up a quiet space with their crate or bed
- Play white noise or calming music
- Make sure they have access to water and food
- Check fences and gates in case they try to escape
- Close all windows to reduce outside noise
- Talk to your veterinarian if your pet has severe anxiety
One small thing I now do is stay close. These days, we are able to go out with our friends, but we always try to get home before the fireworks really get going. Just sitting nearby helps more than I expected. Ziggy doesn't need it as much now, but he enjoys the reassurance.
A Quiet Night at Last
I never imagined I would be one of those people talking about CBD for pets, but here I am. After years of stress and trying everything without success, this was the one thing that made a noticeable difference.
If your dog or cat struggles with fireworks or other loud noises, I know how much that sucks. But you are not alone; many pet owners go through the same thing. So, I hope this helps you find a little peace this year. CBD may not be the answer for everyone, but for us, it gave us back a holiday we always loved. If, like me, you've tried everything else and still end up watching your pets suffer, I can't recommend it enough.
Wishing you and your pets a safe and calm Fourth of July,
Emma - CBD for Life Customer and Friend
