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Uh-oh. It's that time again: Thunderstorm season. Your beloved, well-behaved pet is about to become a barking nightmare. Instead of snuggling, she's going to bound around the house, leap on furniture, scratch the doors, hide under the beds, and pee on the carpets.
You've tried everything. The special thunder coat doesn't quite cut it. You're worried about giving her Benadryl because of side effects.
Isn't there a natural alternative? Something without side effects, something that would give her relief from anxiety and let you snuggle her quietly during storms?
There is! CBD oils like the ones from Relievet work to relieve dog anxiety (It's right in our name!). Many of our customers report that their dogs are calmer and happier during trigger events like storms and fireworks.
Does CBD Oil Help Dogs With Thunderstorm Anxiety?
Only a few studies on CBD oil for anxiety in dogs have been published, and they used small groups of dogs. What we do know is that the part of a dog's nervous system, called the endocannabinoid system, is much like a human's endocannabinoid system.1
There are excellent studies showing that CBD extracts works to help relieve anxiety in humans. 2
Many of our customers report that CBD oil helps their dogs with thunderstorm related anxiety:
I mix the drops in her food and she eats all of it now. She has been on it for almost 10 days. It seems like it is starting to take effect and helping her. She is an old German Shepherd that suddenly developed intense anxiety around sundown. The CBD oil seems to be relieving her stress and anxiety.
I’ve been using Relievet CBD oil for my dog for a few months now, and I love it! He has very bad anxiety, but Vet-prescribed Xanax makes his behavior abnormal. So I found Relievet and it has the same calming effect without making him drowsy or aggressive! He was also on carprofen for his arthritis, however since starting Relievet he no longer needs it. Will continue to buy for my 12yr old PitBull!
When Should I Give CBD Oil for Anxiety? How Long Will It Take to Work?
CBD should ideally be given before the thunderstorm.
It takes CBD around one and a half hours to work to its full potential in dogs. 3 Even more important, it's much easier to give your dog a dose when they aren't scared and upset!
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give?
We recommend a dose of 2mg of CBD for each kg of your dog's weight if you are using oil under the tongue. Giving oils under the tongue (or sublingually) helps ensure the dose given is absorbed easily.
Doses from treats or oil that's put in dog food, you may need to use a higher dose. In general we recommend that you start low and slowly work your way up until you find a dose that works well for your pet.
Now, 2mg/kg is not an easy figure to come up with off the top of your head, right? That's why we have this handy table. Find your dogs weight in pounds (or the closest weight that's less) and look at the right hand column for the dose -- it's that easy!
| Weight in Pounds | CBD Dose |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 5 mg |
| 10 lbs | 9 mg |
| 15 lbs | 14 mg |
| 20 lbs | 18 mg |
| 25 lbs | 23 mg |
| 30 lbs | 27 mg |
| 35 lbs | 32 mg |
| 40 lbs | 36 mg |
| 45 lbs | 41 mg |
| 50 lbs | 45 mg |
| 55 lbs | 50 mg |
| 60 lbs | 54 mg |
| 65 lbs | 59 mg |
| 70 lbs | 64 mg |
| 75 lbs | 68 mg |
| 80 lbs | 73 mg |
| 85 lbs | 77 mg |
| 90 lbs | 82 mg |
| 95 lbs | 86 mg |
| 100 lbs | 81 mg |
How Long Will CBD Oil Control My Dog's Anxiety?
CBD will stay active in your dog for just over 4 hours. 4 At this point, it's a good idea to assess whether more anxiety control is needed. If your dog is calm, great! If not, another dose might be necessary for continued relief.
How Does CBD Oil Work on Anxiety?
In humans, CBD works on a part of the brain associated with emotion and behavioral responses, known as the limbic system. It's known to increase blood flow to certain parts of the brain and decrease blood flow to other parts, leading to decreased anxiety, relief of pain, and other positive effects.
While the effects of CBD on dog brains has not been studied yet, there are a number of similarities between the way dogs and humans react to CBD. Since these systems are similar, it's thought that the effects of CBD on dogs may work the same way as it works in humans.
Conclusion
Thunder-related anxiety is stressful for any dog and their owner. Coats and certain drugs can help, but owners may want a natural alternative.
CBD oil is a natural alternative -- one we hope will help you and your dog stay calmer and happier during your next storm!
References
Sources
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Understanding the endocannabinoid system in cats and dogs ↩︎
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Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders ↩︎
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Single Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats ↩︎
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Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs ↩︎
