The Boom Before the Storm
We’re about two weeks away from the Fourth of July—and you know what that means: fireworks, fireworks, fireworks. And while many of us enjoy the show, our pets often have a very different reaction. Dogs, in particular, can’t comprehend what’s happening. To them, it’s not a celebration. It’s a confusing, loud, unpredictable barrage of sound and light that can trigger intense anxiety.
As humans, we at least know when to expect it—somewhere between June 30 and July 7. We see the rockets go up, we hear the crackle, we understand it's temporary. But dogs? They don’t know what fireworks are. They don’t understand the calendar. All they experience are explosions in the sky, rattling windows, and chaos. Is something wrong? Are we under attack? Is it ever going to stop?
Why Dogs Fear Fireworks
Dogs have no sense of time or context. The booms are random, the flashes sudden. They can’t prepare for it, and they don’t know when it’ll end. That uncertainty activates their fight-or-flight response. It’s why you might find your dog hiding in a closet, trembling under a bed, or even refusing to eat. They’re scared. They’re overwhelmed. And they need help.
How CBD and CBG Help Calm Your Dog
Thankfully, we have tools to support them—and one of the best options is CBD. Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system, which means they can naturally use cannabinoids like CBD and CBG to regulate stress, anxiety, and inflammation.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Primarily acts as an anti-inflammatory. This doesn’t just mean helping with sore joints or muscles—it also means reducing inflammation in the nervous system, which is directly tied to your dog’s fight-or-flight response.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): A powerful complement to CBD. It’s the only known cannabinoid that crosses the blood-brain barrier, helping to calm the central nervous system directly. It can be especially helpful for dogs dealing with anxiety and age-related pain like arthritis.
Together, these cannabinoids can take the edge off of stressful events like fireworks—and help your dog feel safer and more grounded.
Start the Routine Before the Fireworks Begin
If you’re new to using CBD for your dog, timing is everything. Don’t wait until July 4th at 8 PM to give your first dose. Fireworks aren’t confined to a single night—they happen for a week or more. Your neighbor might set some off on June 30, and again on July 5. So you want to start your dog's CBD regimen a week in advance.
CBD works best when it’s built up gradually in the system. It’s not a fast-acting pharmaceutical. Think of it more like a daily supplement. A consistent routine can help your dog stay balanced and calm across the entire firework season—not just for one night.
Suggested Dosages by Dog Size
- Under 20 lbs: 2.5 mg of CBD daily
- 25–50 lbs: 5 mg of CBD daily
- 75+ lbs: 10–20 mg daily (you can split this into two doses—AM and PM—for better coverage)
If your dog is new to CBD, you can always start at the lower end and increase gradually. And remember: every dog is different. Observe how they respond and adjust as needed.
How to Give CBD to Your Dog
Not all dogs take to CBD the same way. Thankfully, there are a few solid options depending on your dog’s preferences.
- CBD Treats: These come in dog-friendly flavors like peanut butter, chicken, or bacon. Easy to serve, but keep in mind they’re processed through the liver—so it may take 1.5 to 2 hours for effects to kick in. That means treats should be given early in the day before fireworks begin at night.
- Tincture or Oil: Faster absorption than treats. You can drop the oil onto their food, or squirt it into the side of their mouth. This method allows cannabinoids to absorb more directly into the bloodstream.
Not every dog will love every method—so find what works for you and them. The goal is to make it part of their daily routine, not a last-minute scramble.
Beyond the Fourth: Keep Calm Year-Round
Fireworks aren’t limited to Independence Day. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve are all loud and jarring for pets. If your dog is sensitive, it may make sense to keep CBD on hand for other high-stress occasions like thunderstorms, travel, or visits to the vet.
Think of CBD as part of a broader wellness routine—especially if your dog is older, nervous, or reactive to loud noise.
Final Thought: They Can’t Prepare—But You Can
Dogs can’t read calendars. They can’t anticipate or rationalize loud noises. But you can help them feel safe when the sky starts booming.
With a little preparation, a solid CBD routine, and some extra love and patience, you can make this Fourth of July a whole lot calmer for your best friend.
