The information is current and updated according to the latest veterinary research.
Learn more »
Separation anxiety is the most common type of anxiety disorder in dogs, and it can be very serious. Dogs are known to experience separation anxiety when their guardians leave them alone. This can manifest in a variety of destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or incessant barking. Although the condition is often frustrating for dog owners, it can be treated relatively easily with a combination of training and medication.
In recent years, CBD oil has become a popular remedy for a variety of human health problems. Some dog owners have started using CBD oil to help treat their pets’ separation anxiety. But does it work? There is some anecdotal evidence that CBD can help dogs with separation anxiety. However, there is still no scientific research to support these claims. Dogs with separation anxiety may benefit from CBD oil if used regularly, but more research is needed to determine whether or not this is the case.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the compounds found in the cannabis and hemp plants. In most CBD oils, the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives marijuana its effects, is not present. Several studies in humans have shown that cannabinoids interact with endocannabinoids, both in the peripheral and central nervous system.1 CBD and THC are cannabinoids, which mimic the endocannabinoids that all vertebrates naturally produce.
There are receptors throughout the body for endocannabinoids. As master regulators, endocannabinoids send signals to other body systems to slow down or speed up, thereby stabilizing and restoring the body’s balance. There are several different ways in which the cannabinoids in cannabis act on these receptors. The high caused by THC is different from the anti-inflammatory effects caused by CBD. CBD is becoming more and more attractive for pet owners to try with their dogs as more and more people are using CBD for their own ailments.
Image credit: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay
How does CBD affect dogs?
Researchers in the United States and overseas have examined the use of CBD to treat a range of conditions in dogs, including osteoarthritis pain, seizures caused by intractable idiopathic epilepsy, and noise-induced fear. CBD has been found to be effective for the treatment of arthritis, with limited success in the treatment of seizures and behavioral problems. It was also found to be well tolerated with minimal or no side effects in many studies.
Is CBD harmful to dogs?
As for CBD for dogs, it has been shown to cause diarrhea, lethargy, dry mouth, and a change in liver enzyme levels after several weeks (especially in dosage studies). This makes it relatively safe compared to THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which can cause toxicity at prescribed human doses. One of the main concerns about CBD is that it inhibits a chemical pathway called cytochrome P450 in the body, which is responsible for metabolizing most drugs. There is a possibility that CBD can make a drug less effective if its metabolized product determines its effectiveness.
CBD could make a drug toxic if it is not removed from the body within a certain period of time. If your dog is taking other medications, you should never give CBD to your dog without first consulting a veterinarian.
Image credit: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay
Can CBD products help dogs with anxiety?
Please note
The FDA has not yet approved the use of CBD or any other hemp-containing product in animals to treat any disease. If you plan to administer CBD to your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
Dog owners looking for relief for their dog’s anxiety, especially noise reactivity, often turn to CBD. Despite anecdotal reports of its effectiveness, no controlled studies have yet proven its benefits. A study from the University of Western Australia may offer hope for aggressive behavior. After 15 days of CBD administration, shelter dogs with aggressive tendencies showed less aggression towards humans. University of Kentucky researchers found that physiological responses to noise were not significantly different between CBD and placebo, but worse than trazodone (a commonly prescribed anxiety drug). It should be noted, however, that CBD was administered 4-6 hours before the test, which may have been too long.
Is there anecdotal evidence that CBD products help with separation anxiety?
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD products can help with separation anxiety in dogs. Anecdotal evidence is evidence that is based on personal experience rather than scientific study. Many people, including some veterinarians, believe that CBD products can help calm dogs who are anxious when their owners leave them alone. Although there have been no scientific studies to confirm this, the overwhelming anecdotal evidence suggests it’s worth a try if your dog suffers from separation anxiety. But remember, talk to your vet first!
Image credit: Vane Nunes, Shutterstock
What kind of CBD should I buy?
A veterinarian should be consulted before starting a pet CBD regimen and high quality CBD products should be used. There are many products on the market, but not all products are made correctly, labeled correctly, or contain what they say on the label. Make sure you only use brands that can provide lab-tested results with their products, so you can be sure that the dosage information is accurate and that the product is free of contaminants.
Recognize the signs of separation anxiety in your dog
Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs, characterized by behaviors such as whining, barking, pacing and destructiveness when the dog is left alone. Dogs with separation anxiety may also drool, urinate or defecate in inappropriate places. They may dig holes in your lawn, destroy your furniture, or get out and roam the neighborhood.
If left untreated, separation anxiety can lead to significant behavioral problems in dogs. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist to help you resolve the issue. There are several treatment options available and most dogs will respond well to a combination of approaches. If your dog has separation anxiety, he is one of the hundreds of thousands of dogs in the United States who suffer from this stress. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral problems in dogs, according to the American Veterinary Association. 20% of dogs in North America suffer from separation anxiety and 15% do not respond to medication.
Image credit: Etc Photography, Shutterstock
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD shows promise as a potential treatment for separation anxiety in dogs. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings, as there are still some unknowns about CBD and its effects on dogs. More research is needed to determine the correct dosage and, in particular, to investigate the interactions of CBD with other medications. Dosage and source should also be considered before starting CBD for dogs.
If you’re considering using CBD to help your dog with separation anxiety, check with your vet first.
Featured image credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock
