From Independence Day fireworks to separation anxiety, our pets are totally dependent on us for their safety and well-being. Here’s how to make sure you’re providing the love, support, and relief they deserve this summer and beyond.
June marks National Pet Preparedness Month, a reminder of the importance of planning for our furry companions in times of crisis.
Why Use CBD for Dogs?
Every dog has a different personality; some have a hard time relaxing, some panic at the vets, some get sick on long car rides, some show signs of aggression when anxious and some suffer terrible osteoarthritis-related pain.
CBD for Dogs and Cats may:
- Help keep your pet calm and relaxed.
- Help maintain contentment during separation, travel, motion sickness and tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine.
- Enhance your pet’s brain function.
- Supports pets with seasonal allergies.
Fireworks and Fear
On the Fourth of July, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress.
The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than normal. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often flooded with traumatized, injured and orphaned wild animals after the holiday.
Separation Anxiety
One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive when left alone. Their dogs might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig or try to escape. Although these problems often indicate that a dog needs to be taught polite house manners, they can also be symptoms of distress. When a dog’s problems are accompanied by other distress behaviors, such as drooling and showing anxiety when his pet parents prepare to leave the house, they aren’t evidence that the dog isn’t house trained or doesn’t know which toys are his to chew. Instead, they are indications that the dog has separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they’re attached to.
Escape attempts by dogs with separation anxiety are often extreme and can result in self-injury and household destruction, especially around exit points like windows and doors (aspca.org).
Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis in dogs is a common condition that causes joint pain, affecting most pups as they age. Arthritis is inflammation, swelling, or tenderness in one or more joints that can occur due to genetics, age, infection, disease, injury, or overuse. In dogs, unlike humans, osteoarthritis actually tends to start at a young age. In cats, osteoarthritis is exceedingly common. Yet, the disease often goes undiagnosed and untreated in pets.
Quality of life and pain-free days are the goal for your furry companion. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis in a pet can be unwelcome to the veterinarian as well as the pet owner because the disease is painful and progressive, but experts say earlier diagnosis and treatment are pivotal to managing both the pain and the progression of the disease.
Preparing Your Pet for Any Emergency
From fear to pain, how do you prepare yourself and your pet for whatever emergency lies ahead?
At lost range.®, we understand the deep bond shared between pet parents and their beloved animals, which is why we're committed to helping ensure your pets are included in your emergency preparedness plans.
1. Create an Emergency Plan
In the chaos of an emergency, having a plan in place can make all the difference for the safety and well-being of your pet. Start by ensuring that your pet is properly identified with up-to-date tags securely fastened to their collar.
Pro Tip: Keep a current photo of your pet in your emergency kit to aid in identification efforts if they go missing.
2. Building a Pet Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for meeting your pet's needs during an emergency or natural disaster. Consider including the following items in your pet's kit:
- Pet food: Ensure you have an ample supply of your pet's regular food stored in a waterproof container.
- Bottled water: Provide enough water to last at least three days, accounting for both drinking and hygiene needs.
- Medications: Pack any necessary medications along with instructions for administration.
- Veterinary records: Keep copies of your pet's medical records, including vaccination history and contact information for your veterinarian.
- Cat litter/pan: If you have a cat, include a litter box and enough litter to last several days.
- Manual can opener: Don't forget to pack a manual can opener to access canned food for your pet.
- Food dishes: Pack lightweight and collapsible food and water dishes for easy transport.
- First aid kit and other supplies: Include basic first aid supplies such as bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes, as well as any other items specific to your pet's needs.
Pro Tip: Consider including CBD pet tincture in your emergency kit to help alleviate stress and anxiety.
3. Identifying Pet-Friendly Shelters
Finding shelter for your pet during an emergency can be challenging, as many emergency shelters have restrictions on pets. Research pet-friendly accommodations in advance to help ensure you have a safe haven for your furry friend. Additionally, keep a list of emergency contacts, including your local animal shelter's number, to access resources and assistance when needed.
Pro Tips: Keep a secure pet carrier, leash, or harness on hand to safely transport your pet to a designated shelter or evacuation site.
4. Make Sure They're Micro-chipped
Regardless of whether your cat escaped through the window or your pup fled from fireworks, having your pet microchipped is a must.
A microchip, also known as a PIT tag, is a permanent, tamper-proof identification device that can be implanted under a pet's skin to help protect them from getting lost. Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically 11–13 mm long and 2 mm in diameter.
Pro Tip: The microchips presently used in pets only contain identification numbers. The microchip is not a GPS device and cannot track your animal if it gets lost; which is why you should also explore GPS tracking devices on their collars.
CBD for Pets
As we prioritize our pet's safety during times of crisis, it's equally important to consider their well-being in the aftermath. Let's explore the benefits of CBD for pets and how it can support their overall wellness during challenging times.
- Calming Stress and Anxiety: Just like humans, pets can experience anxiety and stress in response to unfamiliar environments or traumatic events. CBD has been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system in pets, helping to regulate mood and alleviate feelings of anxiety. By incorporating CBD into your pet's routine, you can provide them with a sense of calm and security during times of uncertainty.
- Relieving Pain and Discomfort: Pets suffering from chronic pain or inflammation can benefit greatly from the pain-relieving properties of CBD. Whether your pet struggles with arthritis, joint pain, or injuries, CBD can help alleviate discomfort and improve their quality of life. By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, CBD offers a natural alternative to traditional pain medications for pets.
- Supporting Joint Health and Mobility: As pets age, they may experience a decline in joint health and mobility, making it difficult for them to move freely and comfortably. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and stiffness in arthritic joints. By incorporating CBD into your pet's daily routine, you can support their joint health and promote better mobility as they age.
- Overall Wellness: Beyond specific health concerns, CBD offers a range of benefits for pets that contribute to their overall wellness. From boosting immune function to supporting digestive health, CBD can help keep your pet feeling their best, even in the face of adversity. By incorporating CBD into your pet's routine, you can provide them with the support they need to thrive, both physically and emotionally.
How to Choose the Best CBD Products for Dogs and Cats
Your pet deserves the best, so using the same criteria for choosing CBD products for dogs as you do for humans is a sure way to make sure your furry sidekick is getting “the good stuff” he deserves.
Finding CBD products with good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency is a must. Look for the following criteria before purchasing and administrating CBD products to your dog:
- The CBD is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab.
- The CBD is made with U.S.-grown hemp.
- It contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.
- It passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA.
It’s also worth considering:
- The company’s certifications and manufacturing processes.
- Product potency.
- Overall ingredients.
- Indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- Customer reviews.
- Whether the company makes any unsupported health claims.
Pet Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
At lost range.®, we believe that every pet deserves to live a happy and healthy life. That's why we've developed a CBD tincture formulated for pets, using only the highest quality ingredients and rigorous testing processes to help ensure their safety and efficacy.
The lost range.® Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture is sourced from Colorado-grown hemp and contains many cannabinoids beyond CBD including naturally occurring terpenes, essential vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins. Our Pet Tincture contains all the beneficial compounds from the hemp plant. Whether you’re looking for CBD for your dog or cat, you can find relief for your loved one in our pet tincture. This product contains less than 0.3% THC.
Just see what our customers have to say.
"As you know, I continue to update you on Ms. Echo’s journey on the full spectrum for 2+ years now. She is 13 years [and] 4 months [old] as a malamute who has only lived in the mountains.
She loves her morning [and] night doses, which she takes from the dropper. She [also] loves her walks and still hikes in the mountains a few miles at a time. She recently ran 2 miles! She is living a great life as a 13 year-old malamute because of your product.
I swear by your Pet Tincture, your Skin Salve, and your CBD Gummies. Thank you!" - Elizabeth Selzer
How Do I Administer CBD Oil to My Pet?
Many pet owners utilize CBD oil to help keep their pets calm. We recommend that you administer the CBD oil to your dog several hours prior to the fireworks. This allows the oil to pass through the digestive system and begin to work.
Simply place a few drops in your dog’s mouth or add it to their food. The amount of CBD oil your dog requires will depend on a variety of factors. The size of your dog, their level of fear, and the amount of CBD in the oil you have purchased will also play a role in what dosage your pet will need.
You can micromanage and dose your pet’s treats at home allowing you to make 250 treats at 4mg each with our pet tincture.
Final Thoughts
As you design your emergency preparedness plan for National Pet Preparedness Month, don't forget to consider the role that CBD can play in supporting your pet's health and well-being. With our guidance and a commitment to proactive pet care, you can help ensure that your furry companion has the support they need to thrive, no matter what challenges may arise.
