CBD Treats Calm Dogs During Fireworks Season

Even the most relaxed dogs often get anxious during fireworks. This has made CBD treats popular among dog owners as a way to calm their pets. To prepare for July Fourth, SunKissed Greenz, LLC, a CBD shop in Mokena, offered free calming treats to dog owners. CBD, short for cannabidiol, lacks THC—the compound in Cannabis that causes a high. The store sells CBD with or without THC for humans. Misty Nelson opened her store online during the pandemic and moved into a physical location in 2022. She gained loyal customers, who visit with their dogs for treats and hugs.

Kelly Garver from New Lenox frequently visits with her dog Sadie, a Staffie mix, because Sadie gets scared during the Fourth of July. Garver noted, “The treats here completely helped,” adding they also reduce inflammation. Garver’s other dog, a Spanish greyhound named Valerio, also receives CBD oil every morning. She mentioned its benefits for her previous dog with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. “I trust her products because she makes them in back,” Garver said, referring to Nelson’s husband, Bryan, who creates the dog treats.

Misty Nelson was inspired to start her store when her dog was having multiple seizures daily. CBD reduced these to one per day, extending her pet’s life. Nelson has since acquired two German shepherds. She ensures her CBD products lack THC because dogs are more sensitive to THC than humans. Some products for people have low THC levels. She advises starting pets on low CBD doses and gradually increasing them, while monitoring for temporary fatigue, thirst, or digestive issues.

Nelson also organizes dog adoption events and dog yoga, collaborating with NAWS in Chicago Ridge and Cache Creek Animal Rescue. She raises funds and collects goods with customer support for NAWS over the holidays.

Tara Triefen from Frankfort visits Nelson’s shop with her Shorkie, Smalls, to prepare for fireworks. “She hates the fireworks, she just shakes,” Triefen said. “She just chills and we watch TV” after consuming the treats.

NAWS director Becca Keller recommends helping pets cope by using light sedatives and keeping them in small rooms with calming music during fireworks. “Dogs, cats and wildlife get disoriented from fireworks sounds, so keeping pets centered in a small room can help,” Keller advised.

Veterinarian April Finan from Finan Animal Hospital in Downers Grove sometimes suggests CBD for pets in stressful situations, though she cautions about risks. “In the veterinary world, there are not many studies about CBD’s safety or efficacy,” she noted. Finan chooses a CBD company owned by veterinarians who conduct third-party testing on products. She mentioned, “Supplements are like the Wild West in both veterinary and human worlds.” If CBD is ineffective, she turns to medications like Trazodone and Gabapentin for anxiety.

Ward Phillips, a veterinarian at the Low-Cost Clinic at South Suburban Humane Society, opts for prescription medication. “We have more research with prescription meds than CBD,” Phillips said. “CBD may work fine, but research is lacking.” Pet owners should prepare in advance and have medication ready for July Fourth.

“I personally wish there weren’t as many fireworks, for the animals’ sake,” Phillips commented.

Janice Neumann contributes as a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.