The Best CBD for Dog Anxiety and How to Safely Give it to Your Dog
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Studies have shown CBD oil to be safe when administered properly. ElleVet Sciences CBD Oil for Dogs provides some of the best CBD oil for dog anxiety and other health and cognitive issues. ElleVet’s full-spectrum CBD pet products are veterinarian researched, tested, approved, and recommended. Follow the dosing directions for your dog’s weight and never give it to dogs under one year old.
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Please note that while full-spectrum CBD oil has shown promise in helping pets with various issues and providing various other health benefits, before giving your pet any CBD treats, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
If your dog shows signs of anxiety like trying to escape, inappropriately eliminating, barking excessively, or other undesirable behavior, you’re probably wondering what can help.
Anxious dogs are truly miserable, and according to veterinary behaviorist, Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, dogs that have anxiety can suffer from what is the equivalent to a human panic attack, meaning the dog is physiologically activated. Simply put, your dog’s perceived “bad behavior” could be a physical response to anxiety.
I went to see Dr. Radosta back when my dog, Buck, was experiencing severe separation anxiety. Buck was a rescue dog and became very attached to me, to the point where I would have to sneak out of my own house and put my car in neutral to roll it out of the driveway so he wouldn’t hear me leaving.
Getting him help from a behaviorist was necessary and helped him enjoy his last few years so much more.
What I learned about dog anxiety through my experience with Buck, and later with Chilly’s noise aversion, was what prompted me to create Pet Anxiety Awareness Month.
Because of these experiences, pet parents will ask me about CBD oil. Specifically, they want to know what is the best CBD treats and other CBD products for dogs with anxiety and how to make sure it’s safe for their dog.
What Is the Difference between Cannabis, THC, and CBD?
Cannabis, THC, and CBD have been widely talked about in the media, but what are they exactly? Cannabis is marijuana. Cannabis is not what we are discussing today, but rather its cousin—CBD (cannabidiol). THC is another component of marijuana and what provides the psychotropic effect, or “high.”
So CBD won’t make your dogs high. “While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a high,” writes Harvard University. CBD is completely legal and available all over the US and elsewhere. These days, it’s everything from face cream to tea! The properties in CBD may help with inflammation, anxiety, and pain.
How Does CBD Help with Dog Anxiety?
CBD for dogs comes from the hemp plant. According to ElleVet, when you give your dog CBD, whether oil, dog treats, or by other means, it interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system, which influences your dog’s brain and mood.
Think of the body as having special locks called receptors, and CBD dog treats as a key. When the key fits in the lock, it helps the body maintain balance. Sometimes, things can go out of balance, like when our pups feel stress. When we give dogs CBD treats, it’s like giving them extra keys to help restore that balance.
CBD and a related compound, CBDA, interact with a variety of receptors in the body. Some receptors help detect discomfort, and CBD for dogs helps calm them down. Other receptors are involved in mood and happiness, and CBD boosts their activity. This means CBD can help reduce feelings of discomfort and also promote a sense of well-being in dogs with anxiety. In simple terms, it helps them feel better and more at ease.
I give my dog, Tulip, CBD for dogs before I leave the house since she has mild separation anxiety, and I previously gave my dog Chilly the same for his noise anxiety. It has worked for my dogs, but please keep in mind every dog is different, and you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement, including CBD products.
Many dog parents use CBD dog treats or oil for help with:
- Separation and noise anxiety
- Reactivity
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Most CBD dog treats and oils are generally considered safe for dogs, as shown by this medical study and others. But like any supplement, each dog reacts differently. When I give CBD oil to my dog, it chills her out without causing her excessive drowsiness.
However, I have heard of instances where pet parents gave their dog CBD, and it elicited a near paranoia effect. There can be a couple of reasons this happens:
- The dog is too young. You should never give a dog under one year old CBD dog treats, chews, or oils.
- The dose was too high. Most directions say it’s best to start out slow and work up to the full dose.
What’s the Best CBD Oil for Dogs?
I realize there are hundreds of CBD brands for dogs in existence, and I cannot personally say I’ve tried all of them. However, my standby is ElleVet Hemp CBD + CBDA Oil for Dogs.
Why I like ElleVet’s Oils:
- Vet-approved: Cornell-tested and backed by some of the nation’s leading veterinarians, ElleVet’s CBD for dogs has undergone multiple clinical trials for proven effectiveness, with an 83% positive response rate! It also has 91% palatability (lots of dogs happily accepted their chews) and a lack of side effects when given with food or other treats.
- Bang for your buck: Offering high potency at a low price per mg of CBD + CBDA, their CBD products deliver both quality and value, aimed at helping as many pets as possible.
- Expert-backed: With an advisory board of world-class veterinarians and scientists, their CBD dog treats and oil products are not just rigorously tested but also trusted by experts who use them on their own pets.
How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog for Anxiety?
If you’ve gotten the okay from your veterinarian to use CBD oil, ElleVet recommends a starting dose of 2mg per kilogram given twice a day every day. However, stress and anxiety vary from dog to dog, so you can contact them for the appropriate CBD dosage for your pup. Keep an eye out for any side effects like sleepiness or an upset tummy, and if you notice anything off, talk to your veterinarian.
Can I Give My Dog CBD Oil along with Other Medications?
If your pup is on other medications, talk to your veterinarian first. Studies have shown that CBD oil affects certain liver enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of many dog medications. Mixing most CBD oils for dogs with other meds might alter how these meds work or even affect the recommended dosage. Your veterinarian will give you the go-ahead or offer an alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Give a Dog CBD?
Giving your dog CBD is usually pretty straightforward, but the best method can depend on a couple of factors, like your pup’s personality, size, and whether you want to measure doses down to the drop.
ElleVet offers their CBD oil for dogs in the form of oils, chews, and gels. They have the best CBD dog treats for anxiety in the form of soft chews—great for small pups who love a good treat! If you’ve got a picky eater or a big dog, their CBD oil is your best bet for easy dosing and cost-effectiveness. ElleVet’s soft gels are good for dogs who don’t like the taste of the pet CBD oil or chew and have sensitive stomachs and food sensitivities.
The Last Woof
CBD dog treats and oils may be safe, but please remember to check with your veterinarian before trying it. I recommend ElleVet’s pet CBD products since they’re researched, backed, and used by veterinarians. If you need more help with your anxious dog, please visit petanxietyawareness.com. Let’s help our dogs live their best lives!
Anxiety can be extremely hard, and there is little out there to help dogs dealing with it. That is why CBD oil for dogs with anxiety is a fantastic option for owners in these times of stress. With CBD oil treats, I reward my pet in the morning with a calming treat before leaving for work, which will help my dog not suffer as much from separation anxiety during the day. CBD oils are in the best interest of my little fur baby and me, but like with all things, always make sure it is ok for a pup.
Hi Betty,
Yes, CBD oils and treats are helping lots of pets! Glad you’re finding it to be helpful too!
Kristen