The Ultimate Guide to Easing Halloween Anxiety for Pets with CBD

Halloween is a blast for most people, but for pets, it is a nightmare on Elm Street—literally! Imagine how a steady stream of doorbell rings, costumes, and all those eerie noises leave pets confused, anxious, or downright terrified. But don’t worry! Some amazing ways to ease a furry friend’s Halloween stress include how CBD-calming treats help them cruise through the holiday.

Why Halloween Sends Pets into a Tailspin

Before diving into solutions, discover why Halloween is anxiety central for pets, especially dogs and cats. Three main things make this holiday uniquely stressful.

Noise Overload: From the doorbell dinging every few minutes to kids yelling “Trick or treat!”—the noise levels are tough on pets, especially dogs with sensitive hearing. It’s a nonstop party for humans, but for pets, these sounds are unpredictable and nerve-wracking. A study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that “Common household noises cause fear and anxiety in dogs, with stronger responses to high-frequency intermittent sounds, and some owners underestimate their dogs’ fearfulness,” (Grigg, E., et al., 2021).

Visual Spookiness: Imagine how Halloween decorations and costumes appear from a pet’s perspective. A friendly neighbor suddenly looks like a zombie, and the house has suddenly become a haunted mansion. Many pets rely on familiarity, and these new visuals are totally unnerving. As revealed by a recent study, “New living conditions for dogs and cats cause changes in blood composition, which is considered a stress response when adapting to new living conditions,” (Lesnikova, D., 2022).

Routine Disruption: Most pets thrive on a schedule. Halloween turns their usual routine into a frenzy of activity, doorbell ringing, and new faces. It’s enough to leave even the calmest pets on edge leading to anxiety.

Creating a Halloween Safe Space

First things first—give pets a quiet place to escape from the Halloween chaos. Designate a room or corner as their “Snuggle Spot,” where they retreat and chill out while the party goes on elsewhere. 

Set Up a Cozy Environment: Use their favorite blanket, a worn T-shirt with the pet parent’s scent, and some toys. This comfort zone helps them feel safe and secure, so they relax and stay out of the Halloween madness. A study on the olfactory and auditory stimulation of dogs showed that the owner’s odor or voice helps manage stress in dogs (Shin, Y., & Shin, N., 2016).

Calm the Noise: Use calming music, white noise, or sounds of nature in their safe space. “Exposure to classical music appears to have a calming influence on dogs in stressful environments, with no additional benefit observed from music purposely designed for dogs,” (Lindig, A., McGreevy, P., & Crean, A., 2020).  Lowering the lights in the room also helps create a soothing vibe, making it easier for pets to unwind.

Distraction Chews: Keep some tasty chews or toys handy. Bonus points if they’re calming treats made with ingredients like chamomile or CBD.

The Magic of CBD for Halloween Anxiety

When it comes to helping a pet stay calm, CBD oil is a potential secret weapon. CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the pet’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate mood, sleep, and stress levels. Unlike THC, CBD does not get a pet “high”—instead, it promotes calmness naturally, making it a great choice for anxious pets.

Below are ways CBD affects pets during Halloween.

Promote Calmness and Relaxation: CBD interacts with mood-regulating receptors primarily through the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor and the endocannabinoid system (Linge, R., et al., 2016), showing potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects., which help pets feel more at ease. So, during the Halloween chaos, it gives them the sense of calm they need.

Ease Restlessness and Hyperactivity: If a pet tends to pace, bark excessively, or get hyperactive, CBD helps them stay cool, calm, and collected. 

Choosing the Right CBD for Pets

Not all CBD products are created equal. Check the list below to ensure pets are given the best of the best.

Organic & Full Spectrum: Go for CBD products made from organically grown hemp. Full-spectrum CBD oil is a fantastic option because it contains a variety of compounds working together for maximum effectiveness—a natural boost called the “entourage effect.”

Proper Potency: CBD products come in various strengths, so choose one based on the pet’s weight and size. A small dog or cat needs a lower potency, while larger pets need a higher one.

Pet-Friendly Formulas: CBD oil is easily mixed into food or dropped under the pet’s tongue, but treats like CBD-infused peanut butter chews make CBD administration even easier (and tastier for a pet!).

Safety First: Look for brands that offer a certificate of analysis from a third-party lab testing. This ensures that the product is free of harmful additives and that the CBD content is accurate. For ultimate peace of mind, consult the pet’s veterinarian, especially if the pet has pre-existing health conditions.

How to Use CBD Effectively for Halloween Anxiety

Once the right CBD product is determined, using it effectively is key to seeing results. Some pro tips are listed below.

Start Early: Don’t wait until Halloween night! Begin administering CBD a few days before Halloween so it has time to build up in their system. This prep time helps keep a pet calm as the holiday approaches. A study showed that “Repeated oral CBD administration in healthy dogs leads to dose-dependent increases in total systemic exposure and 24-hour trough plasma concentrations, with a steady state reached after 2 weeks of administration,” (Vaughn, D., Paulionis, L., & Kulpa, J., 2021).

Follow Dosage Guidelines: CBD dosage varies by pet, so follow the label recommendations. Ask the pet’s attending vet for advice if unsure.

Be Patient: Finding the right dosage and form takes a little experimenting. Some pets respond right away, while others need a few doses to feel the effects. Stick with it and observe how they respond.

More Tips to Keep A Pet Happy on Halloween

CBD works wonders, but there are other strategies to ensure a pet’s Halloween is as stress-free as possible.

Exercise Beforehand: Take the dog for a long walk or play a rousing game of fetch before the trick-or-treaters arrive. Burning off excess energy makes a pet calmer and more likely to relax.

Stay Away from the Door: If possible, keep the pet in their safe room during trick-or-treating hours. This prevents them from getting overstimulated by the doorbell or the sight of costumed visitors.

Try a Thundershirt: Similar to a gentle hug, these snug-fitting shirts help calm anxious pets by applying gentle pressure. They work especially well on pets who respond to swaddling-type comfort.

Use Treats and Puzzle Toys: If a pet starts to feel stressed, try distracting them with a puzzle toy or favorite treat. It is a great way to shift their focus from the commotion outside.

Dim the Lights: Lowering the lighting helps reduce overstimulation. Bright lights combined with sudden movements from people in costumes are overwhelming, so a cozy, dim-lit space is perfect for relaxation.

Why CBD for Halloween Pet Anxiety?

So why go for CBD over other calming aids? CBD’s natural calming properties are an excellent alternative to synthetic products, providing a safe option for those concerned about over-the-counter pet anxiety medications. Plus, its effects are often subtle yet effective, working gently to help pets relax.

Research by Cornell University shows that  CBD not only reduces general anxiety but also supports broader health issues, like seizures and joint pain. A full-spectrum CBD product also provides a range of beneficial cannabinoids without any psychoactive effects, making it a great fit for pets’ overall wellness.

Final Thoughts

Halloween doesn’t have to be a nightmare for pets. By planning ahead, setting up a safe space, and giving a pet a calming CBD treat, pets are given a peaceful environment where they stay relaxed and feel safe.

And remember—every pet is unique, so finding the right mix of CBD, comforting routines, and calming techniques takes a little time. The key is patience, preparation, and being attuned to what helps a pet feel best.

Ready to Give CBD a Try? Get Started!

References

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy (accessed October 29, 2024)
• Grigg, E., Chou, J., Parker, E., Gatesy-Davis, A., Clarkson, S., & (Geyer), L. (2021). Stress-Related Behaviors in Companion Dogs Exposed to Common Household Noises, and Owners’ Interpretations of Their Dogs’ Behaviors. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.760845.
• Lesnikova, D. (2022). Adaptation of pets to new living conditions. Russian Veterinary Journal. https://doi.org/10.32416/2500-4379-2022-3-4-15-18.
• Lindig, A., McGreevy, P., & Crean, A. (2020). Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior. Animals: an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10010127.
• Linge, R., Jiménez-Sánchez, L., Campa, L., Pilar-Cuéllar, F., Vidal, R., Pazos, Á., Adell, A., & Díaz, A. (2016). Cannabidiol induces rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects and enhances cortical 5-HT/glutamate neurotransmission: role of 5-HT1A receptors. Neuropharmacology, 103, 16-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.017.
• Shin, Y., & Shin, N. (2016). Evaluation of effects of olfactory and auditory stimulation on separation anxiety by salivary cortisol measurement in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Science, 17, 153 – 158. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2016.17.2.153.
• Vaughn, D., Paulionis, L., & Kulpa, J. (2021). Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation of repeated oral cannabidiol administration in healthy dogs.. American journal of veterinary research, 82 5, 405-416 . https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.82.5.405.