If you have a dog, you’ve probably been through separation anxiety from time to time. It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare: You come home after a hard day at work and your beloved canine is tearing the living room apart because he or she was left alone for too long. Or maybe it’s not your pup’s fault – you’re just a little later than expected getting home from a dinner date. No matter the reason, one thing is certain: You want to make life easier for your dog and yourself in the future.
The good news is that you can do something about it. One of the most popular tools used by pet owners to help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs is CBD oil for dogs.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant species – also referred to as marijuana. A number of studies have been conducted on CBD oil’s potential benefits for humans and animals, resulting in a significant amount of evidence that it can be an effective tool for controlling anxiety.
Many people don’t realize it, but the cannabis plant consists of more than one hundred different compounds. CBD is just one of them, and by itself doesn’t produce a “high.” This means that when you take out the THC (the compound in marijuana that produces its characteristic high) you end up with an oil that offers the healing effects of cannabis without the buzz.
As a result, CBD offers numerous benefits to pet owners who want to help their dogs feel less anxious and stressed without resorting to commonly used pharmaceuticals such as Valium or Prozac.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?
Yes. Because of a unique digestive system and metabolic rate, dogs process toxins at a different pace than people do – but this doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from CBD.
One of the chief concerns people have about giving their dog CBD oil is that the compound might be dangerous for Fido’s liver or kidneys. The possibility that cannabis might harm these organs has been one of the biggest criticisms lodged against its use in humans, but studies don’t indicate it poses a significant risk to them.
In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy notes that CBD “demonstrates no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential” and suggests that it has a “paucity of adverse reactions.”
Another study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science reports that CBD has “a good safety profile” and is “non-toxic to animals.”
Anecdotal evidence backs up these claims. For example, many veterinarians recommend the use of CBD products to their patients suffering from serious illnesses without encountering any problems associated with toxicity or overdose.
What Types of CBD Oil are Available?
There is a wide range of CBD products available that contain various concentrations and potencies. Plus, because the compound has virtually no side effects or contraindications, you can administer CBD oil to your dog in high or low doses depending on what you think will work best for them.
Is it really effective?
Although studies on CBD oil’s effectiveness in humans are still ongoing, preliminary research suggests it may be helpful for controlling anxiety. There are countless reports of pet owners using CBD to help their dogs that are struggling with issues like noise phobias, fireworks, separation anxiety, thunderstorms, and travel problems.
But unlike pharmaceuticals, which can produce dangerous side effects, CBD poses no risk of toxicity or overdose. If you’re interested in giving your dog CBD oil, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian first. Your vet will be able to recommend and give you a better understanding of the right dosage for your pup’s needs so that they get all of the benefits without any unnecessary risks.
Conclusion
Before starting your pet on CBD oil, remember to store the product in a cool dry place where they can’t get their paws on it. This will ensure that your pup is safe if they ingest some of the oil by mistake.