Pet owners are being recommended hemp as a way of calming their furry friends this Halloween.

Irish business Hemp Heros has created a product the company believes can help animals during the stressful season.

David Hartigan, CEO and Founder of Hemp Heros said owners should be mindful that Halloween "isn't for pets".

"With fireworks going off, a lot of pets can get extremely anxious."

Hemp Heros says the range of products, which includes CBD capsules, CBD drops and CBD infused ‘Pooch Butter’, "are specially formulated for pets of all sizes".

"In addition to having a calming effect on animals, CBD is extremely safe for pets as it is non-toxic, non-addictive and non-intoxicating", the company said.

Dog with a Halloween pumpkin. Credit: Oleksiy Boyko/Alamy

CBD as a way of calming pets as been endorsed by the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Anita Broadmore from Galway SPCA, said the charity is "very pleased" with its effectiveness.

“Many of our dogs can become quite stressed and anxious during their stay."

"In order for us to help them overcome this, we have started using CBD oil", she said.

"We find it has a very calming effect on our dogs that need it and takes the slight edge off during their time with us. We are very pleased with the results so far.”

Fireworks

Fireworks are having a "devastating impact" on guide and assistance dogs especially, according to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The charity, which supports those who are vision impaired and the families of children with autism, warns that fireworks can be extremely distressing for all animals, but particularly working dogs.

Ulla Quayle, one of the charity's benefactors, said her guide dog was forced to retire due to increased stress levels caused by fireworks two years ago.

CEO of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Tim O'Mahony said that situations like Ulla’s are "not uncommon".

"Not only is the impact on the dog heart-breaking but it’s devastating for the owner who must wait to be matched with another dog which can take many months."

"Every Halloween our teams support a number of our Clients whose dogs have been adversely impacted by fireworks”, he said.

Advice for owners

The charity advises the owners of guide dogs to tire dogs out during the day with exercise so they may be asleep when fireworks are likely to go off.

It also recommends that dogs be kept indoors after dark and in living areas that aren't very quiet.

Televisions and radios can help drown out the sound of fireworks too.

In the event that your pet might get spooked and run off, ensure that they are microchipped and registered.

Owners are advised not to dress pets up in Halloween costumes.

Hemp Heros said: "It’s all about being comfortable and stress free!"

Main image shows a cat wearing a witch hat sitting next to green pumpkin. Picture by: Sheri Lim/Alamy