Photo by David Tisue
Pickles is traumatized by fireworks.

By David Tisue

The Surveyor

For those of us with a dog terrified of loud noises, the Fourth of July can be a very stressful time. In my neighborhood, the fireworks are shot off for days, not just the fourth. My dog Pickles is absolutely traumatized. She is usually a shaking, panting mess, and if I try to comfort her, she is reminded that something is wrong, and it only worsens it. I have struggled with what to do for her when there are traumatic noises. Particularly when fireworks, thunder, and those darn pesky people across the highway decide to practice gun shooting at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning. I have tried compression blankets, children’s Benadryl, and different supplements from the pet store. Nothing really seems to calm my little furball down. I did finally get some antianxiety meds from the Vet that seem to help, but you have to plan that out at least two hours ahead of time. So I decided to do some research on CBD for dogs.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, the oil is extracted from hemp plants, a cousin of marijuana. Hemp does not contain a significant amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in marijuana that gets you “high.” But CBD is known to help in many medical applications, including anxiety, controlling epilepsy, and pain management. There are supplements designed for not only people but for dogs and cats. These supplements do not get your dog high but help keep them calm and able to handle scary situations better. Unlike the two hours for my dog’s pills, CBD usually takes 30-45 minutes to start working. As a rule, oils tend to kick in a little faster than biscuits or treats because there are fewer ingredients for a dog›s furry belly to break down first. But there’s no difference in effectiveness between the two.

Though relatively new in the research department for treating dogs, there is evidence that CBD can help your dog get through stressful periods. In a study by Cornell University, dogs were given CBD chews before a stressful event, and 83% of the dogs showed a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors. Other studies have shown to help with skin conditions and even reduce cancers, though much more research should be done, there is some promise that CBD supplements can be an excellent benefit for many animals with various health issues. There are also some signs that CBD oil might interact with other medications, particularly in the liver, and giving your dog too high a dose might be harmful. In general, the side effects are mild for these supplements, such as sleeping more or increasing appetite. In other words, your dog might have the munchies!

Though not a cure-all, CBD can help our little furry companions (or big giant companions) get through tough times. I want to make my dog as happy and stress-free as possible. If Pickles is a pile of freaked-out Jell-O in the corner, I’m not a happy camper either. You should consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any sort of supplement and ask if they have a recommendation on brands or doses. CBD treatments can come in chews, oil drops, treats, or capsules and can go a long way to help calm an anxious dog, especially when used along with regular exercise, plenty of chew toys, a consistent daily routine, and a healthy diet. Giving your dog the best possible life is important, and treats containing CBD can be a fantastic part of the arsenal of protecting them from harm.