CBD Oil and Dog Anxiety
Like humans, dogs can also experience stress and anxiety. In fact, many factors can stress a dog out. These include but are not limited to:
- Pain and illnesses
- Separation anxiety
- Fear
- Unfamiliar environment and places
- Meeting strangers and other animals
- Sudden, loud noises like fireworks and storms
- Abuse and neglect
While medications help control their anxiety, some drugs produce unwanted side effects like:
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Incoordination of movements
- Hypersalivation
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Changes in bowel habits
- Vocalization
Today, an increasing number of Canadians are using CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety. One study even showed that 39.8% of pet owners in Canada use CBD for dogs’ anxiety. 47% use CBD for inflammation, while 72.3% use CBD for pain relief. They all reported improvement in their pet’s symptoms.
So, how do use CBD for dogs’ anxiety? Is it really safe and effective? And more importantly, how do you give CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety?
Factors to Consider When Giving CBD Oil for Dog’s Anxiety
Before giving CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety, you have to consider several factors.
- Type of Pet CBD Product
You can choose between pet CBD oil or pet CBD treats. If you find it easy to give your pet medicine, then pet CBD oil is the best option. But if your dog doesn’t like CBD oil, then give him CBD treats.
- Flavour
In addition to flavourless pet CBD products, you’ll also find them in salmon, chicken, or beef flavours. Flavoured pet CBD products not only make it easy for you to give them their daily CBD dose, but your dog is sure to love their taste as well.
- Method of Consumption
You can either give CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety directly into the mouth or add them to their food or water.
To give by mouth, simply squeeze the dropper directly and gently under his tongue or between his teeth and cheek. If this doesn’t work, then simply add CBD oil to your dog’s food or drink. Or better yet, give him pet CBD treats.
- Size of the Dog
The rule of thumb when giving CBD for a dog’s anxiety is to give 0.25 mg of CBD per 1 pound of body weight. So, for example, if your dog weighs 10 pounds, then you can give him 2.5 mg of CBD as his starting dose.
- Severity of Symptoms
For mild symptoms, you can give him 1 mg of CBD per 10 pounds. For moderate symptoms, 3 mg of CBD per 10 pounds can help. For severe symptoms, he can benefit from a higher dose of 5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds.
- THC-Free Pet CBD Products
When choosing a good CBD pet product, always make sure that it doesn’t contain any traces of THC. Studies have shown that THC can be pretty toxic to dogs.
Of note, if your dog is new to CBD, we suggest cutting the dose in half or starting at a very low dose. If you didn’t notice improvement on the low dose, then increase his dose. On the other hand, if you notice some side effects, then you can further cut down on the dose.
How Does CBD for Dog’s Anxiety Work?
Except for insects and protozoa, almost all animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Similar to the human ECS, animal ECS also functions to maintain homeostasis within the body and promote balance and well-being.
CBD helps anxious dogs feel calmer and more relaxed.
CBD not only works on the ECS but also on the serotonin receptor. Their activation promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety and stress. CBD also prevents the cells from releasing excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and cortisol. Both these chemicals are involved in a dog’s fight-or-flight response.
If illnesses and diseases make your pet anxious, then pet CBD products can help ease his discomfort. It can decrease his pain and reduce swelling caused by arthritic joints. It can even help improve cancer symptoms in dogs.
Side Effects of CBD Oil for Dog’s Anxiety
Your dog may also develop some side effects from CBD oil. These include changes in appetite, changes in bowel habits, sleepiness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
However, these are usually well-tolerated by dogs. These side effects also resolve on their own once the dog gets used to CBD.
CBD for Dog’s Anxiety and Overdose
Compared to humans, dogs do have a higher number of cannabinoid receptor type 1. It’s the cannabinoid receptor THC that binds to produce psychoactive effects. THC’s activation of the dog’s cannabinoid receptor type 1 also causes static ataxia.
Fortunately, CBD doesn’t bind very well to this receptor. This means that using CBD for dogs’ anxiety won’t induce psychoactive effects. It also won’t cause an overdose or increase addiction risk.
Again, when buying CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety, always make sure it’s THC-free to avoid unwanted side effects.
You should also be extra careful when it comes to CBD dosages. Make sure you follow the rule of thumb in giving CBD for a dog’s anxiety. Or better yet, always start your dog on a very low dose of CBD before gradually increasing the dose.
What to Do If Your Dog Took Too Much CBD Oil for Dog’s Anxiety
If you suspect you’ve given your dog a higher-than-normal CBD dose, then make sure he has ample water in his dish to relieve the dry mouth sensation. Give him a comfortable bed to rest or sleep on if he became a bit sleepy.
CBD has a generally good safety profile. The side effects are, as mentioned earlier, well-tolerated and disappear after a while. But if the side effects worsen, then please bring him to his vet.
Final Thoughts
Dogs, like humans, also experience high stress and anxiety. But you can make them more comfortable, relaxed, and calmer by giving them CBD oil for dog anxiety.
Before buying one though, always make sure that the pet CBD product underwent laboratory testing and has a certificate of analysis. See to it, too that it’s THC-free and made use of organic ingredients. Finally, do read reviews of the pet CBD product. This will help you reach a more informed decision.
