There’s plenty of research that shows that owning a dog can be helpful to humans who struggle with feeling uneasy. What if your dog is the one who seems to have these feelings, though?
Yes, dogs can struggle with anxiety, too.
They may experience separation anxiety when you leave them alone for too long, or they might experience car anxiety when it’s time to go for a ride.
If your dog’s car anxiety makes taking them for rides a nightmare, you might want to consider giving them CBD oil.
Read on to learn more about CBD oil and how it can benefit your pooch.
Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs are a lot more similar to humans than you might initially think. They get stressed out and anxious just like we do, and some dogs are more anxious than others.
Some breeds that are more prone to developing anxiety include:
- Chihuahuas
- Dachshunds and Miniature Dachshunds
- Maltese
- Toy Poodles
- Yorkshire Terriers
Generally speaking, smaller dogs are more likely to experience anxiety compared to larger breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers.
Symptoms of Anxiety
What does anxiety look like in dogs? There are a lot of different symptoms anxious dogs might experience, including the following:
- Trembling
- Tucked tail
- Hiding or withdrawing
- Reduced activity
- Escape behaviors (e.g., digging or running away)
- Increased motor activity (e.g., running in circles)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Licking or biting the self
If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, especially when you’re about to put them in the car or leave them alone, there’s a good chance that they are struggling with anxiety.
Health Risks of Untreated Anxiety
If your dog has anxiety that goes untreated, they can experience a variety of health issues, including premature graying of the muzzle.
Some research also suggests that dogs who suffer from various types of canine cancer are also more likely to have experienced heightened levels of stress or anxiety.
Anxious dogs are also more likely to injure themselves when they engage in anxious behaviors like biting, excessive licking, or escape behaviors.
Traditional Anxiety Treatments
Traditionally, when dogs suffer from anxiety, veterinarians will prescribe them antianxiety medications similar to those prescribed to humans. Common anti-anxiety medications for dogs include tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine and SSRIs like fluoxetine (the generic form of Prozac).
These medications can be very effective for dogs with anxiety. At the same time, though, they can also yield unpleasant side effects, including vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Because of these side effects, many pet owners are starting to turn to CBD oil for their anxious pets instead.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
CBD differs significantly from another well-known cannabinoid, THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any mind-altering effects. It does not get you (or your dog) “high” when consumed.
THC is also toxic to dogs, but CBD appears to be perfectly safe.
Benefits of CBD for Anxiety
Many humans have successfully used CBD to help themselves feel better, and they’re doing the same with their pets.
CBD may help to minimize uneasy feelings by binding to various receptors throughout the body, including the serotonin and vanilliod receptors. As a result, it can help to promote feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being.
Some research also suggests that CBD could be helpful in both dogs and humans because it promotes the growth of new brain cells in the part of the brain responsible for cognition and memory function — the hippocampus.
Anxious individuals tend to have a smaller hippocampus compared to others, and new brain cell growth in this region seems to help reduce these symptoms.
CBD can also help to reduce feelings of digestive discomfort in dogs and in humans. This, in turn, reduces their risk of vomiting while in the car or during other stressful situations.
Other Benefits of CBD for Pets
Dog owners are looking for ways to help their pet find relief from car anxiety and other types of anxiety.
CBD also provides a variety of other benefits for dogs. Some dog owners use CBD ointment to help older dogs with stiff or achy joints. Others use CBD oil to help their dog sleep through the night.
If your dog struggles with anxiety in addition to some of these other issues, you might get more bang for your buck by giving them CBD oil in conjunction with their other treatments.
How to Administer CBD
When it comes to serving CBD oil for dogs, there’s not a lot of hard and fast research indicating how much you ought to give them.
A good rule of thumb, though, is to administer between one and five mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. If you have a 20-pound dog, you could give them 5-100mgs of CBD oil.
It’s always best to start with a lower quantity to see how your dog reacts.
CBD oil is not dangerous, and there’s virtually no risk of overdose. It is, however, a good idea to start low and slow and then gradually increase the serving size if your dog seems like they could tolerate more.
If your dog does get a little more than is ideal for them, they’ll likely be only a little extra tired. There shouldn’t be any lasting side effects.
Try CBD for Car Anxiety Today
As you can see, CBD oil could be a very helpful tool for your dog if he or she struggles with car issues.
It may help to put them at ease during the journey and make the process of transporting them more pleasant for everyone.
Are you interested in giving CBD oil a try? If you want to try giving your dog CBD oil, it’s important to make sure you’re giving them a safe, high-quality product.
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