Is CBD Helpful for Dog Anxiety? 

Anxiety affects more than just people. Our four-legged best friends can feel it too. Although more research is needed to understand and prove its benefits, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has shown promise in treating dog anxiety. It could help dogs feel less stressed and anxious. You might wonder whether it could be useful for your pet, and we have information that might answer your questions. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of anxiety in dogs and examine how some studies suggest that CBD might benefit a stressed, scared, or nervous pup. 

What Makes Dogs Anxious? 

There are many stressors that can make a dog feel frightened or anxious, just like humans. Most of the anxiety dogs experience is either behavioral, such as separation from their owner, or situational, such as loud noises, big crowds, and traveling. 

Some of the common symptoms of dog anxiety include: 

• Whimpering or whining
• Panting
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Aggression
• Lack of appetite

How Does CBD Help with Dog Anxiety? 

There are many causes of dog stress and anxiety, which can make removing triggers difficult. Whether they’re in a new and strange place, with a large or unfamiliar group of people, or suffering from age-related confusion or memory loss, normal aspects of modern life can become stressors that can make dogs feel anxious. 

Research suggests that CBD may serve as a natural alternative to prescription medications that might cause your dog to suffer unnecessary side effects. As with humans, there are cannabinoid receptors throughout your dog’s body that make up the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds to these receptors to help relieve anxious feelings throughout your pet’s body. 

Will CBD Make My Dog “High”? 

In short, it won’t. There’s a significant difference between the two chief cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is the psychoactive compound found in some strains of cannabis. It’s also the ingredient that makes people feel “high” when they ingest or inhale it. THC contains almost no CBD and is regulated and restricted by federal and state governments. Unfortunately, THC can be toxic to dogs. 

CBD, on the other hand, is extracted from industrial hemp and contains almost no THC at all. That ensures that neither you nor your pet will experience the psychoactive effects of THC due to CBD. CBD for pets typically contains less than .03% THC. CBD might help your dog feel calmer and less stressed, but it won’t cause any kind of “high.” 

How to Give My Dog CBD

There are many different ways to give your dog CBD, and CBD oil is one of the best options. Bottled CBD oils come with droppers that you can use to measure your dog’s dose carefully. A full-spectrum CBD oil might be a good choice for your dog. Full-spectrum oils contain the highest possible levels of cannabinoid compounds, which could increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment. 

The ideal dosage varies from dog to dog, which means you might need to experiment with different dosages to see what works best for your pet. Most dogs benefit from a 1-5 mg dose for every ten pounds of body weight. 

In Summary

Just like humans, pets can reap the potential benefits of the cannabinoids found in CBD. CBD contains almost no THC, which means that you don’t have to worry about how the psychoactive properties of cannabis could affect your four-legged friend. Research has shown that CBD may reduce anxious feelings and nervousness, lower stress, and improve your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.