Is your dog easily startled by loud sounds? You’re not alone. As a caretaker of many rescue animals, I’ve seen firsthand how sound sensitivity can disrupt holidays. During fireworks celebrations, my home once echoed with anxious pacing, howling, and restlessness. That all changed when I began exploring natural wellness approaches — including full spectrum hemp — to support calm behavior in my animals.
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Why Loud Noises Can Overwhelm Pets
Research has shown that loud and sudden sounds, like fireworks, can be more distressing to animals than everyday disturbances like thunder or traffic. A 2015 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science examined over 5,000 dogs and found a significant number exhibited signs of fear when exposed to fireworks — more so than to other noises.
And it’s not just dogs. A 2010 survey revealed that nearly half of cats showed noticeable fear responses during fireworks. Some animals even experienced injuries from panic-induced behaviors, highlighting how serious sound sensitivity can be.
What Happens in the Body During Stressful Events
The “fight or flight” response is a biological reaction to perceived threats, whether in humans or pets. It’s triggered by the sympathetic nervous system and results in a cascade of stress hormones like adrenaline. This reaction can cause physical signs such as increased heart rate, trembling, vocalizing, or hiding — responses I’ve frequently witnessed on my farm.
For many animals, it can take an hour or more to fully recover from such episodes, even after the noise has stopped.
Natural Tools to Support Calmness
Here are some holistic, non-invasive strategies that may help your dog feel more at ease:
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Create a quiet environment: Bring your pets indoors before fireworks begin, close windows and blinds, and play soft music to mask external noise.
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Designate a safe space: Keep unfamiliar guests away from pets during celebrations. A calm, enclosed area can provide comfort and reduce stimulation.
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Use calming pressure: Swaddling your dog with a gentle wrap or a snug-fitting vest may offer a sense of security. Studies suggest light pressure can help promote feelings of calm.
Supporting the Nervous System Naturally
When it comes to additional wellness support, many pet parents turn to botanicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system — a biological network involved in maintaining balance in the body. Full spectrum hemp extracts, which contain naturally occurring compounds like CBD, have been the focus of numerous studies exploring their influence on emotional regulation and stress responses.
A 2013 article in Neuropharmacology discussed how the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the modulation of emotional memories and stress responses. Similarly, a 2019 study in The Permanente Journal found that hemp-derived extracts supported calmness in human subjects, with better tolerance compared to some conventional options.
Dosage: Understanding Sensitivity and Response
Every animal’s endocannabinoid system is unique — even two pets of different sizes may respond differently to the same amount of a botanical extract. On my farm, one large dog may respond to a single serving while a smaller companion may require a bit more to achieve similar results.
It’s not just about weight — it’s about sensitivity.
Here’s a general wellness approach you can try:
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Start low: Offer one measured dose (such as 9mg of hemp extract) 30–45 minutes before a known stressor.
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Adjust as needed: If your pet is still showing signs of restlessness, wait 20 minutes and offer an additional serving.
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Monitor effects: Watch how your pet responds and use that information to determine their ideal wellness support range.
Even high servings of hemp extract have been well-tolerated in studies with dogs, with minimal side effects reported at elevated doses. As always, consult your holistic or integrative veterinarian when adding new wellness options to your pet’s routine.
Creating a Calmer Future
Some communities have adopted “quiet fireworks” — visual displays that omit explosive noise. Until these become more widely available, you can help your pet by preparing in advance with natural calming tools and by avoiding at-home firework displays.
By creating a supportive environment and incorporating wellness practices, you can help your pets feel more comfortable during stressful holidays.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s wellness routine.
