People who own dogs love their pets as much as their human family members. Dogs are loyal, loving, and many are downright goofy and entertaining. It can be hard on us to see our dogs suffer from anxiety, and many concerned dog owners take to the internet to find remedies to help their pets when they get stressed out. CBD is a relatively new treatment available for dogs with anxiety, and you may be wondering what is the best CBD oil for your dog.
Several forms of CBD can help your dog with pain, inflammation, and even nausea, but it can be especially helpful when your dog experiences anxiety during stressful parts of life.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Before giving our dogs anything, most of us triple-check to make sure it is safe for our dogs to consume. Some foods that people enjoy, like chocolate, are deadly for canines, and we must use caution when giving our dogs anything new.
Fortunately, CBD has been shown to be safe for dogs, though their dosages may differ depending upon the size of the pup and what the CBD is being used for. As a result, it’s best to start with small doses of CBD and work your way up if you don’t notice any effects within an hour of consumption.
Does CBD Work for Dogs?
Dogs are able to absorb and feel the effects of CBD thanks to their endocannabinoid system. All mammels have an endocannabinoid system in our bodies that are believed to help us process and feel the effects of various cannibis products like CBD.
The amount of endocannabinoid receptors in animals’ body widely, and current research leads us to believe that cats have fewer receptors than dogs. Either way, the same advice holds true that starting small is always better.
When Can CBD Help with My Dog’s Anxiety?
Some dogs, especially rescues, are anxious all the time. Other dogs don’t feel anxiety except for certain situations. CBD can help when a dog feels anxious due to loud noises, separation, travel, and meeting new people.
1. Fireworks and Loud Noises
The 4th of July can be a particularly difficult holiday for pets, as the bang of fireworks isn’t nearly as fun for them as it is for humans. Some dogs may show their anxiety toward fireworks by barking or howling, others may hide in fear, and some may just sit in silence and shake.
It can be heart-breaking to see our furry friends so scared and out of sorts, but giving them a bit of CBD can help them relax when there are loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms.
2. Separation Anxiety
Dog owners hate leaving their dogs to go to work or on vacation simply because they will miss their pets, but others dread leaving their dogs behind because they suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is very common in rescue dogs, though any dog can get stressed out when their owners leave for a short or extended period of time.
CBD can help ease your dog’s anxiety when you have to go to work or leave for a longer period of time, and it may help them sleep while you are away!
3. Travel Anxiety
For some dogs, car rides are the most exciting events on the planet. Many dogs love sticking their head out of the window to feel the breeze and take in all the smells. Other dogs visibly shake in the car because they are understandably scared of the big moving metal machines we call vehicles.
Givng your dog some CBD before long car rides, or even air travel, can help your dog feel less anxious and enjoy the ride a bit more.
4. Anxiety Around Meeting New People or Dogs
Most dogs love meeting new people or other dogs on a regular basis, but others feel scared in the presence of unfamiliar beings. If you know your dog will be meeting new people or dogs, you can feed them a couple of CBD treats or add some oil to their food before you introduce them to their new friends.
CBD is gaining in popularity due to its ability to help people and pets with anxiety. CBD may not be able to completely cure an animal’s anxiety, but it can provide fast relief with few known side effects.
