Our last post discussed the benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) for dogs with arthritis, but as many cannabis enthusiasts know, the properties of hemp are extensive. While it’s still an unconventional way to treat anxiety in dogs, there’s plenty of research to back up its use and many pet-lovers swear by it. It’s essential to be able to recognize dog anxiety, find out what steps you can take to ease it, and always consult a vet before starting CBD treats.
Signs that your dog is experiencing anxiety
– Sudden aggression
– Urinating or defecating in the house
– Excessive barking or howling
– Restlessness
– Destroying furniture
– Not eating
– Excessive licking
– Hiding, pacing or cowering
As you can see, there are multiple signs of anxiety that don’t always look like typical fear. It’s important to first rule out any medical issues that might be the cause before assuming it is anxiety-related.
Some common causes of anxiety
– Loud noises (thunder, fireworks, music)
– People arguing
– Moving into a new home
– Travel
– New pet or baby
– Being separated from their owner
What CBD treats can do for your dog
All dogs, birds, cats, and even fish have an endocannabinoid system, meaning that their bodies produce endocannabinoids to regulate physiological functions like appetite, metabolism, memory, and even mood. Receptor cells within the nervous system are able to react to both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids found in cannabis. CBD doesn’t bind to these receptors to get you “high” the way THC does, but it promotes the increase of natural endocannabinoids to regulate the body and mind. This is why CBD is so effective at decreasing stress and anxiety levels.
Treats can be a fun, easy supplement in your dog’s diet, but it’s important to be aware of THC content and the milligrams of CBD in each treat. Though there isn’t a cut-and-dry answer, you’ll want to consider starting off with 0.25- 0.50 mg of CBD per pound of body weight per day. Some dogs may need more than that, but usually, a smaller amount is needed to treat anxiety compared to problems like pain or seizures. It’s a good idea to start off small, though, since more does not always mean better treatment. And of course, always talk to your vet and ask their professional opinion; they have more knowledge on different dog breeds and their needs.
You’ll want to look out for unwanted side effects of high dosage. This would include diarrhea, vomiting, tremors (especially in products with trace amounts of THC), dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. If these reactions occur, it’s suggested that you reduce the milligram dosage by 25%. As long as you follow basic recommendations for your dog, there should be no major issues.
Best Treats Brands on the Market Today
Keep in mind that all of these products have their own recommendations on their labels and should be followed accordingly. These are all trustworthy and reputable brands used by pet owners and vets alike.
– Charlotte’s Web Calming Chews
Checklist
If you decide on a different brand, be sure to look for hemp extract, not marijuana which can have too much THC that can be toxic for your pet. Also avoid hempseed oil, which has no CBD. It’s crucial that the product has a certificate of analysis (CoA), was made with a CO2 extraction technique and is U.S.-made organic without preservatives.
Investing in full-spectrum CBD (with trace amounts of THC) or broad spectrum (with trace amounts of THC) can both be equally beneficial to your dog’s anxiety. Full spectrum is usually seen as more effective, since it contains the most cannabinoids, terpenes, and omega fatty acids, but some dogs can be sensitive to the tiny amount of THC.
