Best CBD Oil For Promoting a Sense of Calm in Dogs
Dog Freaking Out? Let Us Help You Keep Them Calm.
As your dog experiences stress response, they are a nervous wreck. This can drastically take away from their quality of life. Getting relief must be a priority for any pet owners with nervous pups – thankfully, relief is on the way.
CBD Oil For Dogs With Separation Stress
Cannanine™ oil can help your furry friend feel calm in times of stress related to loud noises, car rides, fireworks and more. Our hemp oil is specifically formulated to help the body balance emotions, keeping freak-outs to a minimum.
We work with the top labs in the world to make Cannanine the safest and most effective CBD oil. Cannanine has given over 50,000 pets relief – plus, every purchase funds meals for shelter dogs in need.
CBD Dog Stress Testimonial
I wasn’t sure if this would work for one of our dogs, he is very scared of loud noises. The night I gave this to him it was a severe thunderstorm and he was freaked out. If that wasn’t bad enough it was 4th of July weekend. The CBD oil brought a peaceful calming to him and made the noises less scary.
Jared
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Huge improvement, [Shadow] no longer shakes and gets stressed when he figures out we are leaving. [He] used to run out of the house with us and try to jump into the car.
Richard
Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Stress: Separation Stress
VetStreet.com reports that as many as 90% of all pet parents struggle with behavioral problems in their dogs, the most common of which are stress and aggression. Not only do these issues reduce the dog’s quality of life, but they also increase their risk of being surrendered to a shelter and euthanized.
Some people turn to pharmaceuticals to calm their anxious and aggressive dogs, but drugs come with side effects that could potentially worsen the situation. The best course of action is to seek help from a licensed veterinary behaviorist or dog trainer. CBD oil is also a helpful tool for dogs with stress or aggression as they work towards rehabilitation.
CBD Oil For Dogs With Stress
You likely know a few humans who use CBD products to take the edge off. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of many compounds known as cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana plants.
CBD oil works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a group of receptors located throughout the body, brain, and central nervous system of all animals except insects. When introduced to the ECS of an stressed or aggressive dog, CBD binds to these receptors, helping to bring the body and mind back into balance. The result can mean a calmer, more happy pup.
Why do dogs develop stress?
We often forget that our cute, cuddly house pets have a long evolutionary history. Even the most domesticated dog still retains some of its wild instincts, which include a healthy dose of fear and stress. Wild dogs are often on edge as they attempt to evade predators. This keeps them safe in an uncertain world. But when all their needs are met in a loving home, stress can be redirected and become irrational.
Separation stress is the most common result. Our dogs depend on us for absolutely everything, and when we suddenly disappear, it can be very stressful. Dogs with separation stress often resort to destructive behavior, reactive aggression, and resource guarding.
Dogs with a history of trauma also tend to develop stress. Those adopted from shelters are more likely to struggle with separation stress and phobias. The same goes for dogs with physical limitations or medical conditions. This is why stress and aggression often increase in aging pets.
Finally, genetics also seem to play a role in which dogs become stressed or aggressive. One study found that small and toy breeds are more stressed than larger breeds. This may be a survival instinct since they are more vulnerable to predators. However, it may also have to do with the fact that small dogs get away with bad behavior more often than larger dogs.
Can CBD oil be used for stress in dogs?
Since CBD comes from the same plant family as marijuana, many pet parents wonder if it is safe to give to their dogs. Marijuana has high levels of THC, which can be harmful to pets, but CBD from hemp is safe for dogs and contains at most 0.03% THC.
For those wondering whether CBD works for dogs with stress, it is all about the ECS. Your dog’s body naturally produces cannabinoids, but sometimes they are just not enough to sustain balance. That’s where CBD comes in. It improves communication to the brain, stimulating the release of calming signals to the body.
What are the signs of stress in dogs?
Stressed-out dogs are unlikely to have all of these symptoms at once. However, if your pup has several signs that tend to get worse when certain triggers are present—like you leaving home—it could be stress.
- Attention Seeking
- Hiding
- Shaking
- Panting
- Drooling
- Pacing
- Restlessness
- Repetitive or compulsive behaviors
- Destructive Behaviors
- House Soiling
- Attempting to Escape
- Self Harm
- Stressful Body Language: Cowering, Ears Flat, Tail Between Legs
- Excessive Vocalization: Barking, Whining, Howling
- Sadness
- New or Worsening Aggression
CBD Oil for Dogs with Separation Stress
If your dog is displaying any of the serious symptoms above when you leave home, the first priority should be a health and behavior consultation with your veterinarian. They can confirm that it is truly separation stress, not a medical problem.
What they may not recommend—for complicated legal reasons—is CBD oil. This is unfortunate because CBD can work wonders to promote a sense of calm in dogs. Much like prescription medications for stress and sadness, CBD oil helps stimulate serotonin production in the brain, which stabilizes mood and helps bring a sense of calm to the body and mind. And it does all this without the risk of harmful side effects.
Benefits of CBD Oil For Dogs With Stress
Several human and animal studies have found evidence that CBD can help promote a sense of calm. Some of the benefits of CBD for treating these types of issues include:
- Boosting serotonin levels which improves mood and decreases stress.
- It is extremely safe and can be given along with many medications.
- CBD has fewer side effects than antidepressants often prescribed for dog stress and aggression.
- It is non-addictive, so dogs will not become dependent as they might on certain drugs.
How Is Stress Normally Treated In Dogs?
Veterinarians often treat anxious and aggressive dogs with human pharmaceuticals. Like all drugs, these come with potential side effects and may not be safe for all pups. Some dog parents also use Benadryl for behavioral problems. It is a convenient option due to its low cost, availability over-the-counter, and known sedative effects. However, simply sedating your dog does nothing to treat the root cause of the stress.
Can I give my dog CBD along with other medications for Stress?
The short answer is yes. CBD is extremely safe and is unlikely to cause harm when given with other medications. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before starting or stopping any new treatment.
Additionally, the current school of thought is that stress in dogs is best treated with behavior-modification therapy to help desensitize the dog to their specific triggers. Rather than complicating this process with pharmaceuticals, behavior experts prefer to use CBD as a supplementary treatment during dog behavior modification training.
How Does CBD Oil Compare to Alternative Treatments for Dog Stress?
Some people prefer to use alternative techniques to help reduce stress and excitability in their dogs. These options include:
- Herbal Remedies
- Aromatherapy
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Wraps (Thunder Shirt or a strategically tied scarf)
- Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP)
- Nutritional Supplements
Due to the misinformation surrounding CBD, many people mistake it for a drug and refuse to use it with their pets. Not only is CBD 100% natural, but it is also the only holistic and can promote serotonin levels and effectively improve mood.
How often & how much can I give my dog CBD oil for Stress?
When determining the perfect dosage of CBD for dogs, there are 3 major factors to consider:
- The potency of CBD in the oil or treat
- Your dog’s size and weight
- The ailment you’re treating
Before starting a CBD regimen (or any new treatment), you should also:
- Consult your veterinarian.
- Consider your dog’s overall health to help determine how they will react to CBD.
- Find a high-quality CBD oil with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing it is free of THC and potential toxins.
- Choose the correct CBD strength for your dog’s size and health.
Since the FDA does not regulate CBD oil, there is no standard dosage for pets. We recommend following the dosage guide provided by the manufacturer. Start out slowly on the low end of the dose range and slowly increase the amount as needed.
How long does CBD oil last for Stress in dogs?
Once you find the perfect dosage of CBD oil for your individual dog, it takes about 30 minutes for them to feel the therapeutic effects which likely last anywhere from four to six hours. Should you begin to notice the effects of CBD oil wearing off faster, slowly increase the dosage to maintain the same positive results.
Keep in mind that liquid CBD absorbs into the bloodstream faster than treats or chewables, which must pass through the stomach first. This means edible CBD products also take longer to work. CBD oil is at its peak effect within 20 – 60 minutes, while the treats are on the high end of that range. Therefore, if you are using CBD treats for stressful situations such as storms, separation stress, or trips to the vet, give them to your dog an hour before the event.
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Stress
When choosing a CBD oil for your dog, there are certain things you want to see on the website and label—and certain things you don’t.
- Look for a full-spectrum CBD oil. Full-spectrum means the product is composed of all the ingredients of the cannabis plant and is rich in fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. These ingredients produce an entourage effect that helps maximize CBD’s healing properties.
- Choose CBD derived from organic, non-GMO hemp, preferably grown in the USA.
- Choose a CBD oil manufacturer that uses CO2 extraction. This method is considered safer and generates higher-quality CBD oils.
- Be sure the CBD product comes from a trustworthy manufacturer that utilizes third-party lab testing to ensure their products are free of heavy metals, bacteria, and other harmful toxins. Look for the results of these tests to be clearly displayed with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on their website.
- Read online reviews from real users, and ask trusted pet lovers and vet staff for recommendations.
With so many products saturating the market, we understand that it’s difficult to determine which is the safest and most effective CBD oil for dogs with stress. Not only does Cannanine Organic Full Spectrum Hemp Oil™ meet all of the standards above, but it is also made specifically for pets so you never have to worry about the harmful side effects of products containing THC.
While the law states that any CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC can be labeled as safe for pets, Cannanine puts in the extra effort to remove every trace from our products, ensuring your dog’s health and safety. And we have the Certificate of Analysis to prove it!
CBD For Dog Stress: 10 Stressful Situations It Can Help Your Pup Overcome
Dogs have incredibly keen senses. They can sniff out the slightest change in weather and hear fireworks four times farther away than a human can detect. While these gifts are quite useful in the wild, they often contribute to fears, phobias, and stress in domestic dogs. Using CBD for dog stress works on both the body and the brain to promote an overall sense of calm and well-being.
Fears, Phobias, & Dog Stress
Fear is an essential survival instinct. Since dogs have spent thousands of years adjusting to life with humans, their fear responses go beyond typical fight-or-flight responses. Depending on their lifestyle, many dogs develop phobias to certain stimuli and suffer from the same types of stress as their owners.
A phobia is an excessive fear response to a specific stimuli. Noise phobias to fireworks, thunderstorms, traffic sounds, etc. are the most common, but dogs can develop phobias to just about anything. Some are fearful of people with specific traits. Others have extreme reactions to harmless objects like umbrellas and vacuum cleaners.
Stress is a bit different. It stems from the anticipation of a stressful event, whether real or imagined. Stress in dogs can be situational – such as boarding, or visiting the vet – or behavioral – like separation from a favorite human.
Signs Of Dog Stress:
- Pacing
- Panting
- Whimpering
- Trembling
- Withdrawal from Family
- Hiding
- Flat Ears & Tucked Tail
- Nervous Licking of the Lips
- Loss of Appetite
- Decrease in Activity
- Escape Attempts
- “Accidents” in the House
- Stress Diarrhea
- Self-Harm – (chewing, licking or scratching)
- Situational Aggression
Why Do Some Dogs Develop Fears, Phobias, & Stressors?
Genetics
Some dogs are born with a predisposition for stress. For example, working breeds often experience stress and develop anxious behaviors if they do not get enough exercise. If your Border Collie doesn’t have a flock of sheep to herd, you may want to enroll him in agility training!
Lack of Socialization
Just like humans, dogs have a critical development period. Children that do not receive proper socialization before the age of three are prone to lifelong issues. For puppies, the magic age is about 14 weeks. Before this time they should meet lots of humans and other dogs. They also need to visit public places and experience multiple stimuli in order to prevent future stress.
Aging Changes
Many senior dogs develop fears, phobias, and stress they never had in their younger years. This happens when activities they once took for granted become difficult due to losses in mobility, vision, and hearing.
Prior Bad Experiences
This is one of the most common causes of fear and phobias in dogs. If a pup is napping peacefully when a nearby balloon pops, you can bet that pooch will be wary of balloons from that day forward!
Feeling Cornered
Cornering a dog is a surefire way to activate its fight-or-flight response. Dogs kept in crates or on short tethers for long periods of time may panic if they feel trapped.
Unstable History
Dogs that have been abandoned, re-homed, neglected, etc. are much more likely to develop separation stress than those from stable backgrounds.
CBD For Dog Stress: How Does It Work?
CBD oil works by interacting with specialized receptors within the central nervous system. These receptors, known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), help control important functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, immunity, and pain sensation. The ECS’s job is to maintain a balanced state of homeostasis.
For dogs with stress, CBD induces the endocannabinoid system to increase the availability of serotonin, the “feel-good chemical.” It works on the serotonin system.
10 Stressful Situations CBD Helps Your Dog Overcome
1. Thunderstorms
In addition to the loud booms, thunderstorms alter the atmosphere, releasing a large amount of static electricity into the air. This static can cause a tingling sensation throughout your dog’s hair coat and may even cause mild shocks.
According to Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior department at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, this is why many dogs seek out basements, bathtubs and enclosed spaces that tend to have less static electricity during storms.
2. Noise Phobias
Fireworks, traffic sounds, and construction noises are among the most common phobias in dogs. While trainers use desensitization therapy to resolve the issue, CBD oil can help dogs deal with their stress in the meantime.
3. Car Rides
Many dogs’ aversions to car rides stem from a combination of fear and car sickness. CBD oil is especially beneficial for these pups because it is known to address nausea and vertigo as well as stress.
4. Vet/Grooming Appointments
Some dogs are uncomfortable with the body handling aspects that come along with visits to the vet and groomer. In addition, the frightening sights, sounds, smells and sensations of these appointments can be quite overwhelming. CBD oil not only eases the stress response in the brain, it also helps dogs that are ill or find grooming uncomfortable.
5. Boarding
Boarding facilities have all the same frightening stimuli of grooming shops and veterinary offices. Add in the separation from their humans and you have a recipe for stress. Luckily, CBD oil is safe for daily use and easy to administer so your dog can experience its benefits even when you are away.
6. Staying Home Alone
Whether you are leaving for an hour or a week, dogs with separation stress hate to see you go. CBD oil can help take the edge off these stressful moments and give your dog a sense of comfort and well-being.
7. Losing A Family Member
The death of a loved one is one of the most stressful events a person can endure. It can also be extremely traumatizing for our devoted dogs. Even if your pup is normally free from stress, CBD can help them through difficult changes in life.
8. Coming Home From the Shelter
The adoption process is already stressful with all the strange sights, sounds and smells that come with a new home. When you add in the unknown traumas of their past, it’s no wonder shelter dogs experience so much stress. Much like going to a boarding facility, CBD oil can help your new dog adjust.
9. House Guests
Dogs rely on their routine, and any changes can cause stress. Some dogs vomit or have diarrhea when guests invade their space. Even those that love visitors can suffer gastrointestinal symptoms due to over-excitement. The calming effects of CBD can help them adjust to changes in routine – and stave off the nervous nausea.
10. Adding A New Pet to the Home
Thinking of getting a new puppy or adult dog? Maybe a kitten or two? Your dog may see this as a threat to his position within the home. Adding CBD oil to both pets’ daily routines can help the transition go smoothly.
How To Use CBD To Calm Dogs:
To use CBD for dog stress, administer the recommended dosage 15-30 minutes before the stressful event. Start with a low dose, and only increase if you don’t see results.
CBD oil works fast, and does not have to build up in your dog’s system over the course of several days like some pharmaceuticals. You should see the results the first time you try it.
If you will be using CBD oil for a specific event like boarding or holiday fireworks, try testing it out several days prior to the stressor. This will give you a chance to see how it works for your dog, and identify the perfect dose.
Which Is The Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Stress?
When your dog is battling stress, you want a product that is not only effective, but safe.
Cananine™ Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil from Hemp is all-natural, non-GMO, and completely free of THC, the cannabinoid in marijuana that makes you high. While hemp naturally contains small amounts of THC, Cannanine removes every trace to ensure your dog’s safety.
View the Certificate of Analysis showing a 0.0% level of THC here.
Cannanine CBD Oil is made from 100% organic, human-grade Colorado hemp and is legal in all 50 states. It contains no heavy metals, bacteria, or mold, and its patented Nano-Sized Microemulsion guarantees your dog gets the benefit of every drop.
Best of all, it works! Just ask our customers:
CBD Dog Stress Testimonials
Richard’s dog Shadow was battling separation stress when he decided to try Cannanine. He chose it above other CBD oil products because of its Certificate of Analysis and the fact that each purchase provides 7 meals for shelter dogs in need.
“Huge improvement,” Richard wrote in his testimonial. “[Shadow] no longer shakes and gets nervous when he figures out we are leaving. [He] used to run out of the house with us and try to jump into the car. No more shaking or running out with us when we leave. He just sits and watches us go.”
Mary used to give her dog Rosie Trazadone for sedation when it came time to have her nails trimmed. She decided to try Cannanine for Rosie’s grooming phobia because of its competitive price and superior customer service. Here’s what Mary had to say:
“She is more relaxed around people and can get her nails clipped without any type of drugs!! I would absolutely recommend Cannanine to other dog parents. In fact, I already have!”
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
Can CBD Oil Help My Dog Chill Out?!
Your dog is a perfect angel when you are home together hanging out. BUT, what about when you head off to work? Or when guests come over? How about when there’s a thunderstorm?
If stressors like these lead to barking, pacing, or trembling, your pooch may be suffering from stress. Unlike prescription drugs, CBD can naturally sooth their nerves with virtually no side effects.
What Causes Stress In Dogs?
Some pups seem to be born stressed out, and in a way, they are. Certain breeds carry a genetic predisposition for stress and nervous behavior, especially if their exercise needs aren’t met. Others need strong leadership and lots of socialization to build up their confidence. This is especially true of rescue dogs coming from unstable backgrounds.
Most commonly, dogs develop specific fears and stress due to prior bad experiences. For example, puppies that suffer motion sickness are likely to be nervous riding in cars as adults. Similarly, dogs that have been adopted from shelters seem to have a higher risk of separation stress once they find loving homes.
Regardless of their history, any dog can suffer the mental and physical symptoms of stress.
How CBD Helps Your Dog “Chill Out.”
CBD oil works by interacting with specialized receptors within the central nervous system. These receptors help control important functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and immunity, helping to maintain homeostasis within the body.
Dogs with stress suffer from over-stimulation of the nervous system, throwing the above functions out of balance. You know how hard it can be to sleep or eat properly when you are stressed out. The same is true for your pup, although it may show up in different ways.
CBD naturally increases the availability of serotonin, the body’s “feel-good chemical.”
What Is The Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Stress?
When your dog is battling stress, you want a product that is not only effective, but safe.
Cananine™ Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil is made from 100% organic, human-grade Colorado hemp. Every batch is tested to ensure absolutely no heavy metals, bacteria, or mold.
Cannanine CBD Oil is all-natural, non-GMO, and completely free of THC, a potentially harmful chemical found in marijuana. Most hemp products contain small amounts of THC, but Cannanine removes every trace to ensure your dog’s safety.
View the Certificate of Analysis showing a 0.0% level of THC here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
How CBD Oil May Help Your Dog With Stress
The life of a dog isn’t always all belly rubs and nap times. Dogs experience many of the same emotions humans do, and unfortunately, stress is something we share. Stressed dogs are nervous, and sometimes afraid. They overreact to certain situations, and their apprehension interferes with quality of life. While counting to 10 and meditating helps some humans deal with moments of unease, dogs rely on their owners to help them manage their emotions in healthy ways.
There’s a long list of medications veterinarians often recommend for stressed dogs, but holistic vets are recognizing the physical and psychological benefits of a more natural substance. CBD from hemp oil is an all-natural compound used to treat a number of ailments in both humans and dogs. Studies show CBD oil helps people find relief from stress, and similarities between the human and canine endocannabinoid systems support the belief it’s also an effective treatment for dogs.
Stress in Dogs
Stress in dogs presents itself in many ways. For some pups, overwhelming emotions result in what behaviorists call displacement behaviors. This is when a dog exhibits a normal behavior outside of what would be normal context. Shaking their entire body as if wet when they’re perfectly dry and scratching when they’re not itchy are examples.2 Stressed dogs may also yawn, lick their lips, and widen their eyes to look like little half moons.5
Some signs of stress in dogs are subtle hints of discomfort, while other dogs express their nerves with more prominent behaviors. These excessive stress behaviors could include incessant barking or whining.2 A dog that is stressed when alone might also try and chew their way out of a door. A puppy that’s afraid of loud noises might try to jump through a window pane during a thunderstorm. These potentially dangerous behaviors are often triggered by something specific, while other dogs have more generalized stress that doesn’t have an obvious cause.
The Facts on CBD Oil From Hemp
CBD is a type of compound called a cannabinoid found in cannabis. Marijuana may be the first type of cannabis that comes to mind, but for treating dogs, experts turn toward marijuana’s relative—hemp. Both marijuana and hemp have CBD, but hemp is chosen as the safer treatment because of what it lacks. Along with CBD, marijuana also has a different type of cannabinoid called THC. THC is the compound responsible for making people high, and it’s also considered dangerous for dogs. Hemp, however, has all the CBD that marijuana does, but it only has negligible amounts of THC.3 With less than .3% THC (if not 0%, like our CBD oil), CBD oil from hemp is legal in all 50 states, and most veterinarians agree it’s safe for dogs.
The reason behind the many health benefits of CBD oil has to do with the body’s endocannabinoid system. All mammals have this network of cannabinoid receptors that serve as the body’s control center for health. The system’s job is to increase and decrease immune response based on what’s going on in the body to maintain overall health.1
When introduced to the body, CBD oil activates those cannabinoid receptors. It opens up two-way communication between receptors located everywhere including organ tissue, glands, the brain, and the nervous system. With that extra stimulation, the body can then move forward with the needed response to target a specific problem and bring the body back into homeostasis.
Using CBD Oil to Treat Stress
Activating the endocannabinoid system opens the door for the body to signal the brain about what’s going on. Chemicals are at the root of stress, and through chemical transmissions, the endocannabinoid system can tell the brain to release calming signals. The improved communication between cannabinoid receptors allows the body to release tension and calm down.
In a study exploring the effects of CBD oil on people with stress, it was found that by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD oil decreases the levels of subjective stress in relation to cerebral blood flow. Because the human and canine endocannabinoid systems are alike, experts predict the results are the same with man’s best friend.4
When using CBD oil to treat a dog’s situational stress, it’s usually recommend to administer the treatment up to 30 minutes before the dog is expected to be overcome by emotion. If the dog is usually nervous at the vet, for example, their owner could administer CBD oil before they leave the house for the appointment. This will give the endocannabinoid system time to respond and help the dog stay calm. The newness of using CBD oil with dogs means dosing isn’t exact, but the most widely accepted suggestion is 1-5 mg per 10 pounds of the dog’s body weight.1 A push for more studies is expected to soon result in a greater understanding in exactly how CBD oil can be used to treat canine stress.
To learn more about Cannanine CBD Oil, visit this page.
Sources:
1. https://www.allthebestpetcare.com/information-library/what-hemp-cbd-can-do-for-your-dog-or-cat/
2. https://doggonesafe.com/Signs_of_Anxiety
3. https://ministryofhemp.com/hemp/not-marijuana/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20829306/
5. https://iheartdogs.com/the-meaning-behind-your-dogs-whale-eyed-expression/
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
How is stress normally treated in dogs?
The main ways that dogs are treated for stress include counterconditioning, desensitization, and medication. Counterconditioning includes changing your dog’s reaction to particular stimuli that induces stress through conditioning. For example, you may train the dog to lay down when they are provoked rather than urinating on the floor. Desensitization therapy includes slowly introducing the dog to the stimuli in small doses until they lose the fear. When they behave well, you can reinforce the good behavior with positive reinforcement like a treat or encouragement. The last common way that dogs are normally treated for stress is through medication. Common medications include SSRIs and antidepressants. If the dog is experiencing their stress symptoms due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, they may be medicated with other types of drugs.
Can I give my dog CBD along with other medications for stress?
The main take away from if you are able to mix CBD oil with other stress medications is that they can make other medications less effective. For this reason you may want to consult your veterinarian about how CBD products could interact with medications your veterinarian has previously prescribed. Additionally, you may want to discuss with your veterinarian, that if you are going to use multiple medications, one of them being CBD oil, how far you should spread apart the doses from one another to limit the potential interference. Typically you will not want to give one medication in addition to CBD oil within a 2-hour period. This typically allows for one medication to be fully digested before another is given. But again, it may be in your best interest to always consult your veterinarian when mixing medications of any sort.
Can CBD oil be used for stress in dogs?
Yes, there are numerous studies that have concluded that the calming effect induced when CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors can help to reduce many types of stressful behavior. Whether that is separation stress or if simply your dog can be startled easily, the calming effect should have some sort of noticeable change in their behavior.
How long does CBD oil last for stress in dogs?
Although reactions are different for every dog, the average time it takes to see a change in behavior after receiving a dose can vary from 30 to 60 minutes. Also, remember that a dose in the morning on an empty stomach can increase the time it takes for a dog to metabolize the CBD into their system.
What are signs of stress in dogs?
Dogs who are experiencing stress may express those feelings in various ways. The way they express those feelings can be different between individual dogs, however, stress disorders can be seen across all breeds. Dogs can experience stress for various reasons. They may become startled or scared, they may have separation stress, and some dogs do not develop stress until they get older and begin to have cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Here are a few more details about the most common causes of stress in dogs.
Separation stress: This type of stress happens to dogs when they are left alone and/or separated from their family members. This may result in the destruction of furniture when they are left alone at home. Or, they could urinate and/or defecate in the house as well.
Fear: stressed dogs may react negatively when they hear a loud noise, or see strange people or animals. Sometimes even the shape or color of an object like an umbrella can cause stress reactions. Another common fear-related stress is from car rides.
Old age: Dogs who develop cognitive dysfunction disorder can experience confusion as when they get older. Their perception could be altered, memory fading, a decline in the ability to learn, all of which can result in stressfulness.
As these are the most common causes of stress in dogs, now let’s look at the signs that you should be aware of to determine if your dog may have or is developing an stress disorder.
The most common, and potentially dangerous response to stress is aggression. This may lead to biting, scratching, nipping, or other aggressive and potentially violent behaviors. Other symptoms to be aware of include the following.
- Restlessness.
- Excessive panting and/or drooling.
- Destructive behaviors like destroying the sofa or other furniture.
- Depressive behaviors.
- Pacing.
- Urinating or defecating in the house.
If you are beginning to notice these behaviors taking place frequently, your dog could potentially have a stress disorder. You may want to talk to your veterinarian about potential treatments including CBD oils or chewables.