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When they ask me what I am afraid of, I can not answer. When they watch me quiver and shake, I can not tell them, I am a dog with anxiety. Is there anything that can help?
CBD for dogs' anxiety might be what this pup needs. Everywhere you turn, you see CBD advertised for many pet health concerns, from anxiety to pain. Can one plant's compounds live up to all the hype?
This blog puts forward a fair assessment of CBD for dog anxiety, the effectiveness, the safety, the proper dosage, and helps you avoid the pitfalls and find the best CBD oil for dog anxiety.
DOES CBD WORK FOR DOGS WITH ANXIETY?
Dr. Judkins of Animalkind Holistic Veterinary Clinic wrote that she finds CBD products especially useful for anxiety and pain relief in her patients. Dr. Judkins gives us a practical example of CBD working for anxiety involving a canine patient with dementia who was anxious and kept his guardians up at night. They gave the dog CBD products and the result was a dog who was more present and calm.
A 2015 study shows CBD's effect on reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders. The researchers added that CBD might provide an anti-anxiety effect, minimal sedative effects, and an excellent safety profile. The study concludes that preclinical evidence strongly supports the potential of CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders.
Two studies, from 2011 and 2019, established that CBD helped reduce anxiety levels in people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder and PTSD. The close association between human and dog ECS systems indicates benefits for dogs.
The Laboratory of Panic and Respiration reviewed CBD as an anti-anxiety drug using animal models and involving healthy volunteers. CBD displayed a reduction in anxiety for patients suffering from social anxiety disorders. The study authors state that CBD's potential for anxiety relief warrants further study.
An anonymous online survey in collaboration with VIN (Veterinary Information Network–an online veterinary community) was created to assess veterinarians' views regarding CBD/hemp products. When veterinarians were asked what specific illnesses or conditions clients were asking to treat with CBD products, the most common responses were pain management, anxiety, and seizures.
Reviewing CBD pet market growth by Grand View Research, CBD accounted for 187.50 million dollars in 2021 and is projected to reach 4.79 billion dollars in 2028. Consumers are certainly pushing this growth forward. The progress provides a massive amount of anecdotal evidence and proof that something is going right in CBD pet households. The report also says the outlook is based on products for joint pain, anxiety/stress, epilepsy, general health, and others.
CAN CBD BE USED WITH OTHER ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS?
The effect CBD has on anxiety medication like Trazodone or Gabapentin is important to discuss. A 2002 study showed that CBD reduced the impact of Trazodone on stress-related hormones. The researchers concluded that CBD needs to be studied more to understand its anti-anxiety effects. It may be inadvisable to administer CBD concurrently with other anxiety medications. Talk to your veterinarian about using CBD and medicines in combination with CBD.IS CBD SAFE FOR DOGS WITH ANXIETY?
CBD appears safe for dogs, but more studies are needed to solidify that as a medical fact. The analyses and reviews discussed above have shown much available evidence and laid the groundwork for future studies.
A 2019 safety study analyzed drug metabolism and long-term tolerability regarding CBD in dogs. The study found that after 28-days CBD was well tolerated in dogs. Additionally, there were no unusual findings or adverse effects.
CBD DOSAGE FOR DOGS ANXIETY
CBD dosage for a dog's anxiety can vary a lot depending on the delivery method and a number of other factors. A general guideline is 1-2 milligrams of CBD per 1 kilogram of weight if taken under the tongue, and at least 3-6mg/kg if taken through digestion e.g. a treat. Each circumstance is different, but a good practice is to start at the lower end of the scale and increase the dosage if necessary.
If you have a dog that refuses oil there are CBD dog treats available with enough CBD to pass through the digestion process and still be effective.
See our article on CBD Dosage for Dogs for more detailed information!BEST CBD OIL FOR DOGS WITH ANXIETY
Finding the best CBD oil for anxiety can be tricky. Consumers need to consider the type of extract and the quality of the product. Relievet CBD for Pets prides itself on producing safe and effective CBD oils for dogs and cats using all-natural ingredients.- Extract type - THC has been shown to cause anxiety.
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Quality – The growing and processing of the hemp plant are important to oil quality. If you follow these guidelines, you should be purchasing a good oil.
1. USDA Certified Organic
2. Third-Party Lab Tested
3. Weight-based dosing following scientific guidelines
4. Get the right extract type: Broad Spectrum or Isolate is best for dogs
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- CBD is safe for dogs with anxiety.
- Preclinical evidence strongly supports the potential of CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders.
- Buy oil from a reputable manufacturer who has all relevant information easily accessible.
