Stress and anxiety is all too common these days, whether it’s from a hectic work schedule, final exam, or just the daily grind. Though they may not show it in the same way, dogs also suffer from anxiety. Barking when an owner isn’t home, sitting alone in a corner, running away, shivering when it isn’t cold, and pacing, are just a few signs your dog may have anxiety issues.
You may have heard that a friend takes CBD to manage their anxiety, but did you know that it may also work for your fur baby? Many dog owners opt for natural options like CBD dog treats, CBD oil, or CBD tinctures when it comes to treating their pup’s anxiety. Consult your pet’s veterinarian before beginning an at home CBD regime and read up to know the basics before having that conversation.
Do CBD dog treats help with anxiety?
Cannabidiol is known to provide many health benefits for humans, but what about our furry friends? Even though hemp cultivation is legal at the federal level, cannabis is still considered a Schedule 1 substance, which makes it difficult to fund the important research needed to fully understand the plant’s effects on humans and other animals. Despite the lack of research, many pet owners believe that CBD works on dogs in a similar way to humans. There are numerous firsthand accounts of the positive effects of putting dogs on a CBD regimen including a shift in mood and overall well being. Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, but anxiety can also be caused by the introduction of a new baby or dog, being in a very crowded place, and even moving to a new home. Though most veterinarians won’t recommend CBD as a treatment for anxiety or any other issues, pet owners often choose to use CBD over strong prescription medications that can cause negative side effects. Some of the most common conditions dogs have that can be treated with CBD are:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Pain (chronic or post-surgery)
- Joint issues and arthritis
- Inflammation
- Sleep issues
- Seizures
- Digestion issues
- Nausea
How many CBD treats should I give my dog for anxiety?
Just like with any medication, it’s important to understand CBD dosage for dogs prior to purchasing a CBD pet product. There are many methods of giving a dog CBD, however CBD dog treats are the simplest since your fur baby will typically gobble it up without a fuss. When it comes to CBD dosage, you will need to read the label to know exactly how many milligrams of CBD are in each treat. Remember that potency differs between brands. A quarter or half of a treat may be considered one dose depending on your pup’s size and need.
Starting CBD Dosage For Dogs
When starting CBD treatment for your dog, begin with the lowest dose, which is usually 1 or 2 mg for every 10 lbs. Dogs with anxiety usually require 1 or 2 doses per day received in the morning and evening. Always keep a journal to document the date, time, and quantity (in mg) of each dose given. Also jot down any visible changes in behavior and mood or lack thereof. If you don’t see any changes after five days, begin to increase each dosage by 2 mg. Depending on the potency of your CBD dog treats, it may be easier to add a third dose per day. It can take some time and experimentation to figure out the right dosage to treat your dog’s anxiety. Once you find the most effective dose, find CBD dog treats that contain the correct dosage so you don’t need to break apart treats. Begin with the following doses based on the weight of your pup.
- Small dogs (10-30 lbs) - 2 to 3 mg of CBD per dose
- Medium dogs (40-50 lbs) - 4 to 6 mg per dose
- Large dogs (60-100 lbs) - 7 to 10 mg per dose
- Very large dogs (100+ lbs) - 11 to 15 mg per dose
Online CBD Shop
If you’re looking for something to help take the edge off of your pup, CBD may be the answer. Visit our online CBD shop and pick something up for your fur baby and yourself (you need pampering too)!