If you’ve ever had a pet with anxiety, you know how hard it can be. Trying to calm your dog down during a thunderstorm or fireworks can be brutally difficult. What’s more, it’s heartbreaking having to leave your anxious pet alone during the day, not to mention how destructive they can be as they take out their nervousness on whatever they can find. Fortunately, growing research points to CBD oil as a possible solution for keeping your pet calm. However, there’s a lot of confusion and controversy surrounding CBD oil and whether or not it is safe to use. Nevertheless, before we jump to any conclusions, let’s take a look at what CBD oil actually is try to discover if CBD can help with anxiety for pets.
What Is CBD, and Is It Legal?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in many breeds of cannabis Sativa plants, such as hemp and marijuana. Products containing less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gets you “high”) are legal in all 50 states. This includes CBD oil and other products containing this “cannabinoid.”
So, is it legal? The short answer is: yes, although the confusion lies in its relation to marijuana and the controversy surrounding it. However, CBD is one of 113 known compounds found in the cannabis plant, and the government is really only concerned with one of them (THC).
Marijuana is another story entirely. More and more states may have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, recreational use, or both, but there are still some areas where you can get arrested for marijuana possession.
Hence, it’s vital to know in which states marijuana is legal. Most importantly, distinguish the difference between CBD products and marijuana products that not only can harm your pet but also can get you arrested.
Whether it’s for your pet or for yourself, buy your CBD products only from reliable sources. Also, be familiar with what should be and should not be in your CBD products.
>And, no, CBD will not get you or your pet “high.” In fact, it has no psychoactive qualities. Moreover, the majority of CBD found in pet supplements is sourced from hemp, a plant with extremely low concentrations of THC.
Can CBD Help With Anxiety for Pets?
The research, though by no means conclusive, points to a lot of great possibilities,’ but how does it work? Numerous studies are only just beginning to uncover the answer.
According to current research, CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system that is naturally-occurring in most mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. This system is connected with the receptors that stimulate the body’s ability to create serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer. In this way, CBD is thought to have a calming effect that can potentially help mitigate anxiety.
It should be noted, however, that the study of CBD and other cannabinoids is still in its infancy and most of the information we have comes from clinical trials on humans or lab tests on animals, such as rats. Nonetheless, the effects of CBD are similar in humans, dogs, cats, and other pets, and if you’re struggling to find a solution for your pet’s nervousness, it might be time to give it a try.
How to Select a CBD Product That’s Right for Your Pet
Anxiety is common in many pets. In fact, some experts estimate that close to 30% of the canine population suffers from some form of anxiety. For some, CBD may offer a solution. However, when selecting a product, there are some things to keep in mind in order to ensure the best possible results. Let’s take a look at a few.
1. How Is It Processed?
As there are currently no regulations on the manufacturing of CBD, it’s important to research the methods the company of the product uses. Those selling it cheaply may use petroleum-based solvents to extract the CBD, such as hexane and butane, which can be toxic. High-quality CBD products use pharmaceutical-grade ethanol to remove toxins. In addition, some of the best CBD oil comes from organically grown hemp.
2. What Is the Proper Dosage?
Another important consideration is the dose you intend to give to your pet, which will depend largely on the size of your pet. The current recommended dose is .05mg per pound. However, it’s always a good idea to start with a low dose and work up from there.
3. Has It Been Independently Tested?
Reputable CBD manufacturers should offer information showing exactly where the CBD came from and what the product contains. They should also offer access to independent lab results and a certificate of analysis. When in doubt about a product, check the manufacturer’s website before you buy to ensure it comes from a reputable company.
4. What Can You Expect After Dosing?
Some pets show immediate relief. Others may take up to a few days to show effects. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pet to ensure they are reacting to the CBD appropriately. Many pets show a significant reduction in anxious behavior while taking CBD products. They may also be more responsive to behavioral therapies and training.
Should You Try CBD With Your Pets?
If you’re still not sure is CBD is right for your pet, that’s okay. It might not be. After all, as mentioned earlier, the studies surrounding it have only just begun to show results. However, it’s important to realize that CBD is both legal and perfectly safe to consume. It’s a natural substance that comes from the hemp plant that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal qualities.
Another one of the great things about CBD is that it’s not just for anxiety. Many users have claimed that it acts as an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever. For this reason, you may also want to consider using it if your pet is having joint issues or other painful conditions. Studies have also shown it can help to regulate mood and even combat seizures.
In other words, much of the data highlights the potential benefits of CBD, including as a remedy for anxiety. You can find numerous stories of pets who have benefited from regular dosing.
The bottom line is, If you have a dog or other pet that suffers from separation anxiety every time you leave the house or is terrified every time there’s a thunderstorm, it may be time to give CBD a try. If you do, let us know how it goes and please feel free to share your story in the comments section below!
My dog has a lot of problems with anxiety, and I’m not sure what to do to help him. I didn’t know that CBD could potentially help with this kind of thing! I’ll make sure that I get a CBD tincture that is the right size for him. That way, I won’t accidentally give him too much.