CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution
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Charlie the dog, winner of the most patriotic outfit award, at the 17th annual Fourth of July Pet Parade in Salisbury, Massachusetts, in 2024. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images
We're approaching the perennial problem — how to keep pets calm as the sounds of July 4th fireworks and revelry ring through their hyper-sensitive ears.
Why it matters: Dog intakes and runaways are the highest around the Fourth of July, according to Shelter Animals Count, as animals perceive the loud, unpredictable crashes of fireworks as a threat and try to escape.
By the numbers: Animal control officials across the U.S. see a 30%-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4-6, according to PetAmberAlert, a national pet recovery system.
- Only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners, the organization says.
Zoom in: Chicago falls in line with the national trend, according to Armando Tejeda at Chicago Animal Care and Control.
Reality check: In addition to fireworks, downtown Chicago dwellers will contend with loud, powerful race cars whizzing by for NASCAR, so maybe walk west or head to other neighborhoods for longer weekend strolls.
The intrigue: One possible calming mechanism in recent years is CBD oils and chews. CBD is extracted from hemp, which has very low traces of THC.
- 83% of dogs showed a decrease in stress when given CBD ahead of a stressful event, according to a study from Cornell.
- Much like humans, side effects for animal CBD use include dry mouth and drowsiness.
Yes, but: The American Veterinary Medical Association does not currently recommend CBD products as calming agents.
- "We still need more information regarding factors such as how CBD behaves in an animal's body, appropriate dosages, potential side effects and interactions with other medications," AVMA spokesperson Michael San Filippo tells Axios.
- "Compounding these concerns, studies have shown that many CBD products on the market are inaccurately labeled; some may contain little to no CBD or potentially harmful contaminants like THC."
Between the lines: The FDA has also not approved CBD for animals, and warns that side effects could include lethargy, depression, heavy drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors and convulsions.
In addition to checking with your vet, look for organic CBD products as well as how much CBD is in the product and confirm there's no THC, the American Kennel Club recommends.
State of play: ASPCA has several other tips to help keep your dog or cat calm this weekend.
- Perhaps obvious, but don't take them to the fireworks show. Leave them at home in a room without windows and play some soft music.
- An anxiety vest or snug shirt is like swaddling a baby; it makes your furry companion feel safe.
- If your veterinarian prescribes anti-anxiety meds, make sure to test them out a few days before to ensure your animal will react well.
- Don't leave alcohol within reach of them.
- Make sure your pet's tags and chips are up to date in case they get out of the backyard.
The bottom line: Animals have no idea what the Fourth of July means, or why it must be celebrated with loud noises. Give them some extra snuggles.