Millions of people struggle with anxiety every day and have had to resort to different methods of treatment to help them cope when anxiety hits. What’s interesting is that many people don’t think about something like anxiety affecting their four-legged friends as well, but did you know they can struggle with some of these same symptoms?

While dogs can’t actually tell us they’re anxious – though we’ve all wondered, “what if my dog could talk? – it’s often clear when they become anxious. Their behavior obviously reflects discomfort. And, if this happens a lot, you may want to consider methods of treatment for alleviating their anxiety.

Little did you know, CBD hemp oil for dog anxiety just might be your answer. Whether you’re still questioning this method of treatment or you’re interested in learning more about it, allow this to serve as your helpful guide to the basics of CBD oil, anxiety in dogs, and the benefits of using it as a treatment for dog anxiety.

The Basics of CBD Hemp Oil

Not long ago, CBD oil was held in a different light amongst society, but as people have learned more about it, they’ve come to realize the many benefits it can offer. There is a lot of confusion between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and it’s important to note these two are quite different. Yes, both are oils derived from the hemp plant, but CBD does not contain the same psychoactive components as THC. Instead, CBD oil easily interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping to soothe and calm anxiety naturally.

Anxiety in Dogs

Now that you know a little bit more about CBD oil, let’s talk about dog anxiety and its causes. There are two general types of anxiety experienced by pets – behavioral and situational – and more often than not dogs experience situational anxiety. This happens when your pet is bothered by certain activities which are outside the norm. For example, common activities include travel, being around new people, and experiencing loud sounds such as fireworks or lightning. Sometimes, these situations are out of your control, other times they’re not. This is known as canine separation anxiety.

Behavioral anxiety on the other hand, is more deep-rooted. This can be expressed through increased aggression or anxiety. While CBD oil can be effective in either case, treatments such as CBD oil alone typically cannot fix behavioral anxiety, as this is something which generally requires professional training in addition to medication. However, in either case, CBD oil can prove to be an effective treatment.

CBD Hemp Oil as a Treatment

The endocannabinoid system is a complex system that’s not yet well understood. However, what is understood is that, like humans, dogs have cannabinoid receptors throughout the central nervous system and in the brain. When canine hemp oil is ingested, it connects with receptors which stimulate the body’s natural ability to create serotonin, a mood stabilizer. This is why it can prove to be such an effective treatment for anxiety.

Unlike some traditional pain medicine for dogs, CBD hemp oil has no life-threatening side effects when used in the proper dosage. It doesn’t pose a risk to the kidneys, liver, or GI tract the way pain medication can. Of course, as with any medication, there are risks, but overall CBD oil acts as a highly effective and more natural alternative.

What to do?

You may be saying to yourself, “okay I’m interested in exploring CBD oil as a method, but where do I start?” If you’re unfamiliar with CBD oil and what to look for, a good place to start is checking for quality. Fortunately, you can find high-quality CBD for dog anxiety in the form of biscuit treats, capsules, or liquid oil. Once you’ve identified an appropriate form of CBD oil for dogs, check to see if it’s organic and how it’s been processed. High-quality CBD oils are made from organically grown hemp and are not processed.

CBD oils also vary in potency, so you may want to start on the lower end of the potency scale and see if it helps calm your dog down. Most CBD oil manufacturers provide recommended dosage amounts – beginning with as little as one or two tiny doses per day. Overall, the best way to determine the appropriate dosage for Pet CBD is to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Now that you know more about the impact CBD oil can have on your furry friend’s anxiety problems, you may want to consider it as a primary method of treatment. Given the positive effect CBD oil can have on anxiety, it’s no wonder more dog owners are giving it a try. Use this guide as a reference, and of course when in doubt, refer to your veterinarian for any questions you may have.

There are a variety of CBD products available for pets, most of them are specifically formulated CBD for cats and dogs. Pet CBD comes in a variety of forms such as CBD oil, treats, capsules, etc. You just need to decide what’s best for your feline friend!

Sources:

• “How Pet Releaf Can Aid With Your Pet’s Situational Anxiety.” Pet Releaf, 2 Jan. 2019, Accessed 6 Jan. 2019. www.petreleaf.com/cbd/pet-anxiety-prevention.
• “CBD Oil for Dogs: A One Stop Guide.” Honest Paws, 30 July 2018, Accessed 6 Jan 2019. www.honestpaws.com/blogs/pet-care/cbd-oil-for-dogs.
• Kriss, Randa. “CBD Oil For Dogs: What You Need To Know.” American Kennel Club, 24 Sept. 2018, Accessed 6 Jan 2019. www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/.