Four-legged furry friends are a source of joy, love, and comfort for many pet owners. However, just like humans, many rescue pups struggle with stress, anxiety, or PTSD, leading to several behavioral and health issues. 

Fortunately, there is the advent of a natural remedy that has been gaining popularity worldwide for the past few years to help dogs cope with stress and anxiety. The natural remedy is CBD- a cannabis compound. Some recent research discovered that a single dose of CBD products, such as CBD pet treats for dogs, cbd oil, etc., can reduce stress in dogs caused by separation or car travel. 

This article explores the purported benefits of CBD for anxious dogs. 

Understanding Dog’s Anxiety and Stress

Dogs are the beloved companions of many pet owners, and just like humans, they experience stress and anxiety. Understanding these emotions and how they affect your furry friend’s behavior and health is crucial for its well-being and for creating a harmonious environment. 

Dogs can be stressed and anxious due to the following reasons:

• Separation from their owners or any close family member.
• Changes in routine or environment.
• Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms.
• Medical conditions or chronic pain.
• Car travel.

You can know whether your dog is anxious through excessive panting, barking, restlessness, destructive chewing, or withdrawal. In addition, if not treated on time, chronic stress can significantly weaken your pet’s immune system, leading to various health issues.

Introducing CBD Oil for Stressed Dogs

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural cannabis compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in both humans and dogs. The ECS system regulates multiple physiological processes, such as stress response, mood, digestion, and pain perception. 

Below are some potential benefits of CBD pet treats for dogs dealing with stress and anxiety:

• Calming effects: CBD is famous for its calming effects; thus, giving it to your dog can make it feel more relaxed and less anxious. The compound can help reduce the physiological responses associated with stress and anxiety, such as an elevated heart rate.
• Reduces fear-based behavior: CBD can provide a sense of relaxation to your dog and, thus, might alleviate fear-related behaviors such as trembling, excessive barking, or hiding during loud noises.
• Improves sleep: Falling asleep might be difficult when your four-legged friend suffers from stress or anxiety. CBD is researched to promote better sleep patterns, helping your companion rest more comfortably.
• Pain management: Chronic pain can be among the significant causes of stress for dogs. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties might reduce inflammation-caused pain and, thus, reduce stress, improving your dog’s overall well-being.
• Support for aggressive behavior: Some stressed or anxious dogs might exhibit aggressive behavior. Regularly giving CBD to your anxious dog can reduce aggression by calming its nerves.

The Science Behind CBD for Dogs 

• A clinical trial at Colorado State University researched how hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products can impact dogs suffering from chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis. According to the study, adding full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD oil decreased pain scores and improved mobility and overall quality of life for 94% of dogs participating in the clinical trial. Since chronic pain can make your dog stressed or anxious, relieving it with CBD can help your dog overcome their stress.
• Researchers at Mars Incorporated discovered that dogs treated with CBD were significantly less sad, had lower cortisol levels, and were more relaxed than dogs treated with a placebo. 

Does CBD Make Your Dog High?

There is a significant difference between the two strains of CBD. CBD supplements for pets extracted from industrial hemp plants usually have high levels of CBD and virtually no THC. Conversely, CBD oil extracted from marijuana often has little quantity of CBD and a high quantity of THC, making your dog feel high. CBD extracted from industrial hemp is legalized in the US, but marijuana is highly regulated even in the states that legalize the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes.

You should know the difference between these two CBD strains to protect your dog against the toxicity of THC. Now that CBD doesn’t make humans and dogs high, it’s safe for your furry friend. It will be best to look for CBD pet drops containing 0.3% THC or less to calm your dog without making it feel high. 

How Do You Choose the Right CBD Product for Your Anxious Dog?

CBD advertising and labeling can be confusing and sometimes misleading. So, to find the right CBD product for your anxious dog, you must shop carefully. Consider the below-discussed factors to choose the best CBD pet drops for your furry companion:

• Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum vs. isolate: Full-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes found in cannabis plants. Pet products made of full-spectrum CBD also contain THC and, thus, are ideal if you want to produce an entourage effect for your dog. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain all cannabis compounds except THC, making them safe for your dog’s consumption. Lastly, CBD isolate products contain only CBD.
• Third-party testing: You should check whether CBD products for dogs have undergone third-party testing for potency and purity. It will ensure you give your four-legged companion a safe and effective product.
• Dosage: It’s advisable to talk to your dog’s veterinarian to know the correct dosage for your pet based on its size, weight, and specific needs. It will help if you look for CBD products based on your canine companion’s dosage requirements.
• Administration: You can find CBD oil for dogs in various forms, such as treats, tinctures, and capsules. It’s recommended that you choose the administration form that is most convenient for your dog.

Final Thoughts

CBD products for pets have shown a promising effect as a natural remedy to address anxiety and stress in four-legged canine companions. While there is limited research on how CBD can help your anxious dogs, many pet owners have reported positive outcomes after using pet-specific CBD products to help their dogs manage anxiety and stress. By getting the right CBD product from a reliable CBD hemp store and following proper guidelines, you can provide your furry friend with the comfort and relief they deserve.