Will CBD help with your dog's anxiety?
Dog anxiety is not only a problem for the pet, but also for its owner. How can you help your dog with anxiety and relieve not only him, but also yourself? Appropriate training methods supported by natural food supplements, such as the increasingly popular CBD oil, can help you. In this article, you will learn what methods and remedies are available, what CBD oil for dogs is, how it works, which one to choose and how to administer it.
- How does anxiety manifest itself in a dog?
- How can I help my dog with anxiety?
- About CBD oil
- How to choose the best CBD oil for a dog?
- How to dose and administer CBD oil?
- Conclusion
How does anxiety manifest itself in a dog?
Anxiety in a dog can be acute or chronic and can manifest itself in a variety of ways. If you notice your dog's restlessness, attempts to escape, unusual aggression, shyness, excessive barking or whining, tremors, restless breathing, excessive salivation, licking or yawning , this may indicate that the dog is experiencing acute anxiety. It usually has a rapid onset, is intense and lasts a short time.
If you find any of these symptoms in your dog for a long time, if your pet destroys things in the home, If you bite your paws and notice changes in your appetite and digestion , it may be chronic anxiety. Chronic anxiety can last for months, years, or even a dog's lifetime.
What is separation anxiety?
A specific type of anxiety is separation anxiety, which occurs when a dog is left alone. Symptoms include, in addition to destroying things , constant barking or whining after you leave the home, or urinating or defecating inside the house .
Possible causes of anxiety
Anxiety in a dog can have various causes, for example:
- changes in the household and the usual environment (for example, moving, new family member, construction work on the route of usual walking,...)
- loud noises (such as thunderstorms or fireworks)
- lack of social interaction or physical activity
- bad experiences from the past, trauma
- genetic predisposition to anxiety
How can I help my dog with anxiety?
Long-term anxiety negatively affects not only the mental, but also the physical health of the dog. It can cause digestive and heart problems and generally weaken the animal's immune system . An anxious dog is problematic, prone to destructive behavior and aggression , which makes its owner and those around them uncomfortable. Timely resolution of anxiety brings prevention of more serious problems, improvement of the dog's overall quality of life and strengthening of the relationship between animal and human.
If the symptoms of anxiety are intense or frequent, consult a cynologist and a veterinarian about the problem , who will recommend the most suitable methods and preparations. Treating anxiety usually requires a comprehensive approach , which includes creating a safe environment for the dog, proper diet, sufficient mental and physical activity, strengthening the mutual relationship and proper training .
Natural supplements: Herbs and CBD
What can you give a dog for anxiety? You can support the therapy with one of the over-the-counter products or with a product prescribed by your veterinarian. Available natural supplements include, for example, products containing herbs such as lavender, valerian, lemon balm or chamomile . It can be oils, drops, tablets or collars with natural essential oils .
CBD oil is popular with owners of anxious hair due to its natural origin, good tolerability, wide range of effects and easy dosing . There are also various treats or tablets with CBD intended for pets.
Research shows that about half of pet owners who give CBD to their dogs to reduce anxiety find it effective. A study from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in New York shows that in 83% of tested dogs, there was a reduction in anxious behavior in connection with the administration of CBD .
Dog training
If your dog becomes anxious, it is important to remain calm , even if the dog is acting aggressively. If not necessary, do not react negatively to the dog, do not raise your voice and do not use physical punishment , otherwise you will create an even more stressful environment and cause fear in the dog, which will weaken his trust in you and make the anxiety even worse. Try to communicate confidently and calmly with the dog, motivate him positively and reward him for desirable behavior .
Try to prevent situations that could be stressful for the dog . Create a safe environment for your pet and build a strong relationship with them through training and play. Gradually get the dog used to it by first exposing it to minor or short-term stressful situations, and once it can handle these situations, gradually increase their intensity.
About CBD oil
CBD oil for dogs is a natural extract from the hemp plant that contains cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main active chemical compounds found in hemp. CBD is not psychoactive.
CBD has a similar effect on dogs as it does on humans: it interacts with a complex network of cell receptors, the so-called endocannabinoid system in their body, thus affecting various physiological processes . CBD has a wide therapeutic potential, in addition to alleviating anxiety, it can also relieve pain, have an anti-inflammatory effect, help with joint and muscle problems, alleviate epileptic seizures, improve sleep quality and support appetite.
Side effects are rare and usually mild . These include drowsiness or, on the contrary, increased activity, digestion problems may occur.
How to choose the best CBD oil for a dog?
How to choose the most suitable CBD oil for your pet?
There are several types to choose from on the market:
- Full-spectrum oils: Contains all substances present in the hemp plant that work synergistically and can enhance the effectiveness of CBD.
- Broad-spectrum oils: Contains a spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, but does not contain the psychoactive substance THC .
- Isolated CBD: Pure cannabidiol without other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Every dog is different, and while one may be fine with a full-spectrum oil that seems more effective, another may cause side effects. Therefore, try what suits your pet.
There are CBD oils on sale with different concentrations , for dogs typically from 3% to 10%, and in different sizes. Start with a weaker concentration, you can gradually increase the dose and strength until you achieve the desired effect.
You can also buy oils registered as a veterinary product . These oils have passed the commission inspection of the Institute for the State Control of Veterinary Biopreparations and Medicines, which guarantees that they have a safe composition and that the package (on the label) contains understandable and true information.
Give preference to products with more detailed information on the origin of the hemp from which the product is made. Avoid products with artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Consult a veterinarian beforehand about the use of CBD oil , who will assess the severity of the problem, the overall health of the dog and, based on this information, recommend the best oil and dosage, taking into account the size and age of the dog and any medications or supplements you are giving it.
Where can you buy CBD oil for dogs?
You can buy high-quality CBD oil for dogs from a veterinarian, in pet stores and in e-shops specialized in the sale of pet supplies or in the sale of hemp products. View our range of CBD oils for animals .
How to dose and administer CBD oil?
How often and how much CBD oil to give your dog depends on its size, weight, the severity of the anxiety and overall health of the dog, and the concentration of the CBD oil . Unless otherwise directed by the veterinarian, dose according to the manufacturer's recommendations on the label or package. It is always better to start with a lower dose, which you can gradually increase to achieve the targeted effect.
CBD oil can be given to a dog in different ways. Some dogs like the oil and you can drip it directly into their mouth . Another option is to mix it into food or treats . Try to avoid contaminating the dropper to maintain the purity and effectiveness of the oil.
Conclusion
Treating anxiety in a dog is a complex matter. CBD oil can be a great help in managing your dog's anxiety. It is important to choose a suitable and high-quality product, dose it correctly and consult a veterinarian about its use. With the help of CBD, you can significantly improve the quality of life of your pet and relieve him of anxiety and yourself of worry.
Author: Hemnia
Photo: Shutterstock
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