This is a pet owner's guide to CBD treats for dogs.

CBD Dog Calming Treats: A Complete Guide

Posted by Lianne McLeod D.V.M. on

This is a pet owner's guide to CBD treats for dogs.

If you're thinking of buying CBD treats for your dog, learn everything you need to know about safe use and product differences in this veterinarian-written guide for dog owners.

Dogs experience various human-like emotions, and some of these feelings include anxiety and stress. Like humans, these emotions can result from environmental factors or internal factors.

When our furry friends experience these negative feelings, it often affects their behavior.

To avoid the kind of behavior that stress and anxiety can cause in your dog, you can add new structures to your pet’s daily routine. While your dog’s anxiety triggers may be different from your neighbor’s dog, the approach to relieve these triggers can be similar.

CBD dog calming treats are a popular choice you can use. They offer calming effects without side effects that other anti-anxiety or sedative options come with.

 

Lolahemp Offers The Best Dog CBD Treats
 

What You Need to Know About CBD

With all CBD pet products, it's important to separate fact from fiction for the sake of your dog. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from hemp plants. Hemp does not contain significant amounts of THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) By law, hemp contains less than 0.3% of this compound.

THC is a compound containing psychoactive characteristics. Of hemp's two primary compounds, CBD and THC, only CBD offers substantial health benefits such as a healthy immune system, mobility support, and calmness from anxiety.

CBD is readily available in most parts of the United States. All states have laws allowing the use of CBD but with varying levels of restriction. Essentially, CBD is legal if it is derived from hemp plants rather than marijuana plants. It can also be extracted from organic hemp seed oil found in the seeds of cannabis.

However, hemp oil contains a more desirable concentration of CBD than hemp seed oil or other cannabis seeds. It uses leaves, flowers, and stalks found in hemp plants for its production.

What are The Best CBD Products for Dogs?

Dog products with CBD sourced from organic hemp plants are typically higher quality and safer for dogs. It's absolutely essential that you choose CBD products made for pets, specifically. 

CBD products made for humans are often dangerous for dogs. Before introducing anything new to your furry friend, it’s important to understand these products.

Note that CBD calming treats are not cures to any health condition, but support a multifaceted approach to improving your dog’s overall well-being. Ensure safety by consulting with a veterinarian and selecting products specifically formulated for your dog.

Is There a Difference Between CBD Treats & CBD Oil?

In most cases, CBD treats for dogs include CBD oil. That's how treats and chews for dogs are able to include CBD. So, when you're looking at CBD treats or chews for your dog, you need to look at the source of the CBD oil as well as the other ingredients that make up the treat. 

CBD oil should be deeply understood by pet owners, both for its benefits and the different precautions to take when giving it to your dogs. 

Signs Showing That Your Dog Might Need Help Relaxing

Ever noticed some dogs can’t sit still, while others are comfortable on the couch? Some dogs are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. However, the anxious energy may have something to do with the dog’s breed.

When a dog begins displaying stress signals, it’s unpleasant for them, for you as the pet owner, and for those around you. Moments that show that your dog might need help relaxing include separation stress, noise aversion, and aggression toward people or other dogs.

1. Separation Anxiety and Stress

Separation stress is a real issue that affects many dogs and their owners. Imagine you come home from shopping only to find your couch covered in tooth marks and tears. Your pet was cowering in the corner. Your canine friend felt scared and unsafe while you were away.

2. Noise Aversion

Picture this: It’s a summer holiday and the fireworks display begins. Soon, the night turns into a miserable evening for your pooch. Your dog starts whining, shaking, and trembling. No amount of snuggles can calm them down. Such an experience can be likened to thunderstorms and neighborhood parties. Fear of loud sounds like thunder is called noise aversion and is uncomfortable for pets.

It’s important to label behaviors such as barking, growling, or snapping as your pet’s ways of communication. These behaviors occur because dogs are sensitive to loud noises.

Dogs respond to stressful situations by finding ways to communicate with you. When it happens, remember to listen to your pooch and make adjustments to encourage them to be happier.

2. Stress Caused by People and Other Pets

When you take your furry friend on a walk, they may snap, bark, or growl at other people or pets passing by. This is an indication that your dog feels uncomfortable or insecure. Adjustments are necessary since a walk should be a happy and fun time for you and your pet.

There are several ways in which you can address stress and hyperactivity in dogs. Some of these ways include giving them physical and mental stimulation. However, you can use CBD supplements to calm and make them happier.  

Lolahemp Calming Treats for Dogs

Lolahemp Calming Treats for Dogs

How Does CBD Calm Dogs?

Let's explore how CBD works: After taking the calming treat, the dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) processes the CBD. The ECS system is also present in mammals (including humans) and vertebrates. It contains two receptors known as CB1 and CB2. Bodily functions such as appetite, motor function, nervous system, gut, and bones are controlled by these receptors.

A single dose of THC-free CBD can significantly relieves severe anxiety, stress, and other hyperactive behaviors displayed by your furry friend. The endocannabinoids in the dog’s body act as a master regulator. They signal other systems, indicating when to speed up or slow down. This, then, stabilizes the body and returns it to homeostasis.

Stress and anxiety are a major reason why dog owners seek CBD dog calming treats. But despite anecdotal reports on the effectiveness of CBD, no controlled study on dogs has shown its effectiveness. Shelter dogs with aggressive behaviors have shown reduced aggression towards humans after 15 days of CBD administration.

Is CBD Safe for Your Dog?

Unlike THC, CBD is not harmful to dogs. The worst CBD effect that has been documented is diarrhea and changes in several liver enzyme values after weeks of administration. The main concern with the use of CBD is that it inhibits a bodily chemical known as cytochrome P450. This chemical is responsible for metabolizing most drugs.

As it processes the CBD, the ECS system constantly keeps a natural balance within the body. It also makes sure that important physiological and psychological processes are functioning properly.

When used in the correct dosage, CBD can support your dog’s function of the endocannabinoid system. If your pet takes prescribed medication or is under any pre-existing medical condition, always consult with your vet before giving any CBD supplements.

Giving CBD treats to dogs

What Are CBD Calming Treats?

Before using CBD for dogs, you need to understand exactly what they are and how they are made. CBD dog treats are solutions that pet owners can use to enhance the well-being of their furry friends. CBD dog treats come with differing ingredients and doses.

Ingredients Used in Treats

CBD dog treats offer a natural solution since they are infused with high-quality CBD. 

Lolahemp CBD calming treats also include tryptophan, chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, and full spectrum phytocannabinoids.

You can provide your dog CBD Calming treats by adding CBD oil or CBD dog soft chews to your pet’s favorite meal. The CBD calming dog treat ingredients include oat flour, rye flour, brewer’s yeast, glycerin, passion flower, L-Theanine, citrus pectin, and additives.

Reasons to Introduce CBD Dog Treats

Here are the main reasons that CBD dog treats are ideal for your pet:

1. Convenience on The Go

CBD treats are the best way to dose your canine friend on the go. Whether during a walk or on a hike, they provide added support when you need it.

2. Easy Administration

Hemp chews are ideal for training and enrichment exercises as they support your dog’s overall mood and health in a way that they enjoy. It's easier to give your dog a chew than to drop oil into their mouth during training, for example.

3. Delicious to Dogs

Pet CBD chews offer a delicious flavor that makes them tastier for dogs.

CBD chews can be combined with other hero ingredients such as peanut butter, coconut flour, and water to maximize the overall health benefits. With this combination, you realize the benefits sooner.

    How to Find The Right CBD Treat Dose

    The CBD dog treats that your dog deserves don’t come with a one-size-fits-all strength or dosage. Different dogs have different shapes and sizes. Therefore, you need to reflect on that when giving a CBD dosage. The product brand shows the dosage guide on the label. This will help you determine the amount of CBD to give your pooch.

    CBD Calming Dog Treat Dosage Calculator

    CBD Calming Dog Treat Dosage Calculator

    Note that the results provided by this calculator are based on dosing instructions for twice daily Lolahemp chews. You can get more detailed information on Lolahemp Calming Chews here.

    The dosage can also vary depending on the intended use. You may have to use a higher dosage if your dog has more intensive needs like illnesses or post-surgery. However, a lower dosage is required if your need is to implement CBD dog treats into your canine friend’s daily wellness plan.

    Lolahemp CBD Dog Calming Treats

    Dog calming treats comprise CBD and other calm-supporting ingredients added to increase your pooch’s relaxation. These pet calming products include:

    Tryptophan

    Tryptophan has long been used to help humans optimize aspects of their well-being. It helps in key areas such as appetite, mood, sleep, and pain. It can also be used for dogs.

    Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that naturally occurs in eggs, milk, turkey, and other sources. Aside from its role in regulating bodily functions, it also triggers the body to produce serotonin.

    Serotonin is a “happy” hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter. This means it’s a chemical produced by your nerve cells. It sends signals back and forth to regulate bodily functions such as mood, sleep, bowel movements, memory, and appetite.

    The level of serotonin in your dog’s brain affects their appetite, behavior, body temperature, pain awareness, and other functions. As a result, an increase in tryptophan in your dog’s diet increases focus and stabilizes their behavior. You might notice that the dog becomes calmer, less agitated, and happier.

     

    Hemp treats & cbd treats are usually the same thing, and dogs tend to love the taste

     

    Chamomile

    Chamomile is a daisy-like plant used mainly for herbal teas. It has natural calming properties and is safe for dogs. It also has sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Chamomile offers the body with light sedative and antispasmodic effects. These effects can benefit your dog in case of a stomach upset. The antispasmodic properties ease vomiting and stomach upsets. This is due to the relaxation it provides to the abdominal muscles. Chamomile also calms uneasy nerves caused by anxiety.

    Valerian Root

    If your canine friend appears terrified or anxious when left alone or during thunderstorms, valerian root may offer relief. Valerian root is a herbal supplement with mild sedative qualities. Humans have traditionally used valerian root to alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

    Valerian supplements are available as capsules, drops, teas, and more. They are made from Valeriana officinalis, a native European and Asian flowering plant. However, valerian root may have some side effects if your anxious dog takes other medications. Remember to run supplements past your vet before giving them to your dog.

    Passion Flower

    Passion Flower is an excellent solution for dogs struggling with stress and anxiety. It has calming effects that improve your dog’s mood.

    Passion Flower is a perennial climbing vine native to Latin America. It produces flowers and fruit and can grow up to 30 feet high. It was used anciently as a pain reliever. Today, it is used as a natural remedy to calm the mind, body, and stomach.

    You can buy Passion Flower precisely dosed for dog usage. Such Passion Flower products ensure a safe dosage. Its harmala alkaloid component increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This prevents neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopamine) within the nervous system from breaking down. The increase in neurotransmitters provides calm and improves mood.

    Ways to Deliver CBD for Dogs

    Your CBD delivery method is important for your dog’s enjoyment and your daily routine. You can choose between calming soft chews and calming oils.

    CBD Calming Chews

    Calming soft chews are super easy to carry along on a trip and are never messy. They also come with different flavors that your dog might enjoy. The portability and consistency of CBD calming soft chews also ensure that you know exactly how much CBD your dog gets with each snack.

    Calming CBD Oil

    You can also use a simple oil tincture to administer CBD oil to your dog. A tincture enables you to control the serving size and how you provide CBD to your pooch. You can put it straight into their mouth, blend it in a homemade treat, or drop it into the dog’s food bowl.

    Other Treats to Calm Dogs Down

    Other treats that can calm your dog and improve their mood include:

    L-Glutamine

    L-glutamine promotes relaxation and calmness. Your dog ends up recovering from fear and anxiety from being left alone

    Natural Oils and Powders

    Natural oils and powders also promote calmness. This reduces stress, fear, and nerves affecting your furry friend.

    Ginger Root

    You can use ginger root to calm your dog. It soothes any aggression shown by your dog to other people or pets.

    How to find the best calming cbd for dogs

    Choosing the Best Calming Treat for Your Dog

    To identify the best CBD dog treats, start by ensuring the CBD oil in the product is safe for your pet and that it is of high quality. An ideal CBD regimen should be:

    • THC-free

    • Available in different strengths

    • Tested by a third-party lab

    • Made from domestic hemp

    • Pet-specific

    Also, remember to give your dog CBD calming products intended for dogs, not humans. A high-grade CBD product will be produced to be easily digestible and useful to your specific pet.

     

    References:

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    AUTHOR

    Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a former writer for The Spruce Pets, contributing articles for 11 years. Before Dr. McLeod began writing about pet care, she worked several years in small animal practice. She has written extensively about the care and keeping of exotic pets and pet health care. She now researches water quality and chronic disease at the University of Saskatchewan. Lianne McLeod earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Simon Fraser University. She continued her education and received a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Now, she splits her time between her family, research and writing about pet health for all the animal lovers out there.


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