There’s no doubt about it. Dogs are a big part of our lives, and having them happy and healthy is important. Finding quality, affordable products to keep them that way can be a real challenge in today’s market. This is especially true when trying to find CBD oils for dogs with anxiety.
Unfortunately, no matter how well we treat them, sometimes a dog is very nervous or anxious—maybe a thunderstorm or firecrackers trigger the feeling, they were abused before you got them, or they spent a lot of time in a crate, or they panic in a houseful of loud, noisy people, and this sends them hiding under a chair. No matter what causes it, we as owners are also filled with anxiety wondering what we can do to help them.
Recently, a sister-in-law sent me an email asking me what she could do about her new dog, a 2-year-old Maltese rescue dog from a local shelter; although he has adapted to his new surroundings, he is very anxious and doesn’t like to be left alone.
He is showing the classic signs, such as panting a lot, pacing back and forth, and licking his paws. She was looking into CBD oil and became overwhelmed by the many brands available and had no idea about quality, availability, or pricing. Does this sound familiar?
As owners, you may know what it is like to experience anxiety, so you want to alleviate it as much as you can in your dogs so that they are happy and well.
Regardless if you are in Canada, the US, or elsewhere, it is important to find reputable companies that offer third-party testing, competitive prices, and customer reviews.
Signs Your Dog May Be Anxious
Since our dogs can’t communicate with us, it is important to recognize the warning signs of stress or anxiety. Some of these are:
- shaking, hiding, crouching and tail-tucking
- panic attacks such as panting or pacing
- destructive behaviour
- excessive barking
- loss of control of bodily functions
- nervous scratching, licking, or biting of their skin
- restlessness
Why Your Dog May Be Anxious
There could be any number of reasons why a dog might be anxious. Some of them might not be readily obvious to you. Causes could be:
- fear of abandonment
- previous abuse
- fear-related noises such as thunderstorms or sirens
- too many owners in the past
- neglectful treatment
- forced into a scary situation
- not enough social interaction with humans
- being locked up for extended periods with no way to escape
DID YOU KNOW…
DOGS, JUST LIKE HUMANS, HAVE AN ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM!
Recent Studies and Findings
A study by Dr. Stephanie McGrath on dogs with idiopathic seizures found that 89% of the dogs receiving CBD had fewer seizures. Nine received CBD while the other seven in a controlled group received a placebo.
In a few states, such as Michigan and California, veterinarians are now allowed to discuss cannabis with their clients; however, there are certain guidelines with regard to what veterinarians can and cannot do.
In Canada, according to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, it is illegal to prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal purposes to animals. Dr. Sarah Silcox, President of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, advises owners considering using cannabis to speak with a veterinarian first. While they cannot prescribe it, they can advise on products sold through the legal market.
A February 2020 study on the safety of higher doses of CBD in healthy dogs was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Toronto, Canada. It was a random, blind, placebo-controlled study showing favourable safety results.
How Much CBD Should I Give My Dog
This is a good question and one I researched. How much CBD to administer to your dog depends on the dog’s weight and the oil strength – the bigger the dog, the bigger the dose. Most sites quote a standard 1-2 mg per 10 pounds. Also, a consideration is what CBD is for—is it for an illness, maintaining well-being, anxiety issues, or pain? This will all play into how much to use.
The good news is most bottles will come with the recommended dosage. Some companies offer different strengths for different size dogs. Those companies that formulate their own high-quality CBD will provide detailed instructions on how much and the recommended strength.
Just remember that pure CBD is non-toxic to dogs, and there don’t appear to be any harmful side effects.
It is advisable to start small and then work up to the manufacturer’s suggestion. Keep in mind that dosages may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you are not sure, a good rule to follow is 0.2 mg per pound.
What to Look for When Choosing CBD Products
As always, you should be diligent in your research, especially if you are a first-time buyer. The above companies are reputable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy and provide high-quality, rich CBD products.
However, there are other reputable and good ones besides the ones I mentioned. If you find a company that interests you, check them out using these few basic guidelines.
- Research the seller’s production process. The CO₂ extraction method is the most popular.
- Know where your hemp source comes from. In the states, for example, farmers must get certification from the state department of agriculture.
- It should have less than 0.3% THC. If you are told a product is 100% THC-free, check for yourself. If THC is present, it must be 0.3% or less.
- Ensure you get the full spectrum (the whole plant) or the broad spectrum. Full spectrum CBD not only contains cannabinol but also terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, ensuring you are getting all the benefits. Broad Spectrum contains the same but without any THC.
- Ask for 3rd party testing or lab results. Most companies publicly provide this information and many place it on their websites.
Final Thoughts
Your pet deserves the same quality care that you would expect for yourself. Whichever company you choose, you must check them out for yourself to make sure you are happy with their products and services.
Have you tried CBD on your dog? What were the results?
FDA Disclosure
Since 1994, I have suffered on and off with chronic pain as a result of degenerative joint changes in both my hips and knees. After refusing traditional pharmaceutical prescriptions as I felt they were invasive to my body, I started researching CBD products, specifically oils and medical marijuana products. I am happy to say that I have been taking them for over 3 years with tremendous success!
