Vets are warning dog owners against giving their beloved pooches unlicensed CBD to keep them calm on Bonfire Night.
Can you give dogs CBD?
CBD is the latest thing in human health and has been shown to help reduce anxiety in people, but is it suitable for dogs – and will it ease their anxiety?
The unpredictable and loud nature of fireworks is stressful for dogs, cats, and other small pets – and it can be tempting to reach for CBD, however using CBD to calm their anxiety isn’t recommended say veterinary professionals.
Following a worrying spike in online searches for ‘CBD for dogs, vets from Maggie and Marlow practice, have raised concerns about the use of CBD, also known as cannabidiol, warning dog owners that the effects of unlicensed CBD products are unknown.
Can you give dogs CBD?
Maggie and Marlow’s practice manager and registered veterinary nurse Rhiannon Cartwright, said: “With 1,900 searches for ‘CBD for dogs’ being made every month and searches peaking in the last week of October, pet owners are clearly exploring all options.
“As veterinary professionals, we do not recommend using CBD drops to help calm your dog during fireworks season.
“These are not licensed in the UK and, therefore, we do not know what effect these unverified products could have on your dog.”
What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is a chemical substance found in cannabis that has medical benefits. Unlike some forms of cannabis, it does not contain the substance THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so it won’t get you high.
The NHS website explains more about its medical uses and potential risks.
Can I buy CBD oil for my dog?
No CBD products are currently authorised for use in animals in the UK.
According to the government website, CBD products are not currently authorised in the UK for veterinary use because a safe dosage for different animal species has not been determined.
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How to keep dogs calm during fireworks
Vets advice for dog owners this fireworks season, includes creating a safe space, blocking out noise, allowing the dog to choose where they want to be, and staying calm.
“Fireworks are loud, bright and they come out of nowhere – they’re not a day-to-day noise and they are invading what is usually a pet’s safe space, therefore they are difficult to get used to,” said Cartwright.
“Like us, loud noises make them jump, and that can make them very stressed. This can also increase the risk of pets escaping or running away, raising the risk of injury.”
Other recommendations include playing calming classical playlists on YouTube and Spotify designed especially for dogs and can be beneficial for reducing stress.
Expert tips from Maggie and Marlow vet Rhiannon Cartwright:
- If your dog is pacing, give them the space they need and offer options.
- Provide a hiding spot they can easily access, such as a cupboard or behind the sofa, where they won’t be disturbed.
- Avoid cuddling your dog if it makes them feel restrained; let them choose if and when they want comfort, and don’t force them if it might cause more stress.
- Allow your dog to settle beside you, offering gentle comfort without being restrictive.
- Instead of ignoring your dog, try to distract them from the noise with engaging toys like Kongs or chewy feeding mats.
For more information on Maggie and Marlow, visit: maggieandmarlow.co.uk