Shropshire Star

Kidderminster vets warn against using CBD to calm pets on bonfire night

The team at a new Kidderminster vet practice are warning dog owners against using unlicensed CBD products to calm their pets around bonfire night amid a spike in online searches.

By contributor Tom Payne
Published
Maggie and Marlow practice manager and registered veterinary nurse Rhiannon Cartwright
Maggie and Marlow practice manager and registered veterinary nurse Rhiannon Cartwright

Experts at Maggie and Marlow, which opens its doors at Prospect House later this month, have analysed the wealth of information available on social media and search engines on how to calm pets during fireworks season.

While many of the ideas suggested online can help owners find ways of calming their dogs, others have raised concerns. 

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.”

Analysis conducted by the new Linnaeus-owned £1.5 million practice revealed a 42 per cent increase in searches for the phrase ‘how to calm a dog’ and a 350 per cent increase in searches for ‘how to calm a dog from fireworks’ in October, ahead of bonfire night celebrations.

The online advice that dog owners are presented with includes creating a safe space, blocking out noise, letting your dog choose where they want to be and staying calm. 

However, other potential solutions suggested, including not reinforcing fear, using earmuffs or anti-anxiety wraps, can have mixed results. 

“Not reinforcing fear is a grey area and very much depends on your individual pet,” said Rhiannon.

“You don’t want to praise a behaviour you don’t want to encourage, but at the same time you cannot ignore a distressed pet.

“Dog earmuffs can be safe to use, but only if they do not cause additional stress or discomfort to your dog.

“If you’re unsure whether earmuffs or hoods will be suitable for your dog, you can try placing cotton wool in their ears to dampen the noise.

“We always recommend working with your dog to understand their needs and how you can best help them, without adding to their discomfort.”

Regarding anti-anxiety wraps, Rhiannon added: “These can work on some pets and help to reduce stress. Even DIY anti-anxiety wraps may be helpful if your dog is incredibly stressed and you are desperate to try every option.

“However, be aware that they won’t work for every dog and if you are choosing the DIY approach, make sure it is not too tight and does not add to their stress.”

Rhiannon said the unpredictable nature of fireworks is what makes them so stressful for dogs, cats and other small furries. 

“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,” she said.

“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.

“The most important advice we can offer is to be prepared and have a range of options at your disposal to help calm your dog.

“We always recommend being proactive, rather than reactive, so don’t leave it until fireworks are under way.”

Rhiannon recommends calming playlists designed especially for dogs and can be beneficial for reducing stress.

“Classical music is recommended ahead of any other genre during fireworks season, see if it helps your pet relax,” she added.

For more information on Maggie and Marlow, visit maggieandmarlow.co.uk.

Top tips from Rhiannon Cartwright, a registered veterinary nurse and practice manager at Maggie and Marlow, in Kidderminster, to ensure your pet stays safe during fireworks season: 

  • If your dog is pacing, give them the space they need and provide them with options
  • Give your dog a hiding place they can easily access, where they won’t be disturbed, such as a cupboard or space behind the sofa
  • Don’t cuddle your dog if it makes them feel restrained – give them the opportunity to choose if and when they want to be comforted, and don’t force them into your arms if going to cause additional stress
  • Let your dog settle next to you and provide gentle comfort without being restrictive 
  • Don’t ignore your dog, instead try to distract them from the noise – Kong toys and chewy feeding mats can be useful distractions
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