Thunderstorms can cause anxiety for your pets – can CBD help?

It is an El Niño year with more rough thunderstorms on the way. The rolling black skies start threatening picnics, sporting events, days at the beach, and outdoor weddings – and they can freak out your pets!

Pets and their owners share some traits when bad weather hits. The sound of thunder, the flashes of lightning, or the roar of the winds can be unsettling and scary. Humans have multiple ways of coping with their fear, but pets have fewer options.

A reliable CBD might be an option for pets if they have storm anxiety.

The marijuana plant has two main active ingredients – delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the substance responsible for the high people experience when they use marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause a high and studies suggest it has a range of potential health benefits. While more research needs to be done on the benefits and warnings, it has no known adverse side effects, and your pet should feel more relaxed and relieved. Marijuana can contain more than 30% THC, while hemp has less than 0.3% of this psychoactive substance, ensuring you are not sending your furry companion on an unexpected trip.

Cats and dogs can use CBD oil to improve their mood by activating the serotonin receptors in their brain, reducing their anxiety, and making them feel happier.

Calm dog during thunderstorm — Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images

Thunderstorms can be quick or last for a couple of hours. To receive the best benefit, pets need to take CBD about 30 minutes before the storm. The dose size will depend on what type of CBD you give them. It is best to stick to CBD products designed for pets. It is important to read the instructions before administering. They will tell you how many milligrams to give your pet per pound of body weight.

To give your dog CBD, add the right amount of CBD oil directly into your dog’s hard or soft food and mix. If you have multiple dogs, keep an eye on them while eating and prevent any food sharing to ensure each receives the right amount of CBD.

Cats do not usually eat on demand. The two most effective ways to administer CBD for them are to use an oil and place directly on their gums or rubbed into their ears. These two areas are where the CBD is most easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

When a human is feeling anxious, their dog picks up the signs of anxiety without fully understanding the stress. This can make the dog feel less secure and more anxious as well. You might consider some trusted CBD to help you relax so you and your pets are all in the right headspace.