Does CBD Help Dogs with Separation Anxiety?

Many pet owners have successfully used CBD oil to support their dogs' separation anxiety. That said, separation anxiety is a multi-faceted issue that can't always be resolved with one method. 

In many cases, it takes multiple strategies to fully resolve. This article will look into numerous aspects of separation anxiety in dogs, and whether CBD is an effective option for you to explore.

Pet owners are giving this oil unbelievable reviews for natural calming.

Let's get started. 

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs separation anxiety when they have been separated from something they are used to. Specifically, this occurs when you or members of your family leave the house. Other contributing factors may include:

• Changes in routine

• Moving to a new home

• Loss of a family member, another pet, or their favorite toy

• Traumatic experiences during periods of separation

Dogs' separation anxiety is rooted in their pack mentality and strong social bonds. They are highly social animals that have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. It’s a co-evolution that has resulted in a deep emotional connection between dogs and their human companions.

What Can I Do To Help with My Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

The good news is there are a couple of things you can do to help them. You can:

Train Them for Departures

This strategy needs you to slowly train them for when you will be gone for a long period of time. You can start by teaching your dog to settle on a mat or in their bed, and gradually increase the distance between you two or leave them in a room as you increase the duration they are there.

You can reward them when they stay calm and that may help them learn that being apart can also be a positive experience.

Create a safe, comfortable environment

You can also reduce your dog’s separation anxiety by providing a comfortable place such as a crate where your dog feels secure. You can make this space much more comfortable with their favorite toys, or possibly an item of clothing that carries your scent. This can help your dog maintain a sense of connection and comfort when you are not around.

For puppies or newly adopted dogs, crate training can be an effective tool in preventing separation anxiety. When done correctly, a crate becomes a safe haven rather than a source of stress. Introduce the crate gradually while making it a positive space associated with treats, meals, and comfort.

Creating and Sticking To A Routine

As dogs do thrive on predictability, try to maintain regular schedules for feeding, walks, and departures. You can create a special routine to do before you separate so that when it’s time, they will have gotten used to it. As you stick to the routine they have grown to love, your dog understands what to expect and it reduces uncertainty-related stress.

Socializing Your Dog

Socializing your dog can help them be less prone to separation anxiety. You can do this by exposing your puppy or dog to a variety of people, other pets, and environments. This technique works best when they are in their critical developmental periods. It will help your dog become more confident and resilient, making them better equipped to handle new situations and short periods of separation.

Using Dog CBD for Separation Anxiety

Studies have shown that CBD oil may help dogs relax. CBD for dogs are products that are specifically made for the safe consumption of dogs. In the following sections, we will expand on CBD in reference to dogs, how it works, how to administer it, and what to expect after your dog takes it.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a natural compound that is extracted from hemp plants. These plants are part of the Cannabis sativa species. CBD has very little to no THC, the compound that causes intoxication. CBD products for dogs are available in three main types: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. 

Full Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds found in the hemp plant and trace amounts of THC, which should be 0.3% or less. Several researchers suggest that full-spectrum CBD creates an entourage effect; it’s an effect where the compounds work together for enhanced benefits.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD products are similar to full spectrum as they also contain beneficial compounds from hemp plants. The difference is that broad-spectrum CBD products do not have THC, making it suitable if your dog is sensitive to THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate products for dogs only have pure CBD with all other hemp plant compounds removed. It's the most concentrated form of CBD and might be preferred if your dog needs higher doses of CBD to manage their anxiety.

From the above three types of CBD for dogs, you will find different forms of CBD, such as CBD oil, treats, chews, or topicals. Here’s a brief overview:

• CBD oil is one of the most popular forms for dogs and cats as you can add it to your dog’s food, or administer it directly into your dog's mouth. They come with droppers that make it easy to measure the doses.

• CBD treats and chews for dogs are similar to other treats and chews but are infused with CBD. They come in flavors such as beef that are familiar to your dog, making them convenient if your dog does not like CBD oils.

• CBD topicals include balms or creams with CBD in them that can be used for localized relief, such as soothing skin irritation.

How Does CBD Work For Dogs with Separation Anxiety?

As we discuss how CBD oil may help your nervous dog, we will be referring to the full spectrum CBD oil. Studies comparing the effects of full-spectrum CBD to isolated CBD and broad-spectrum CBD have shown that full-spectrum products may be more effective in helping your dog relax.

This enhanced efficacy is likely due to the entourage effect, where the combined action of various compounds produces more significant results than CBD alone. Full-spectrum CBD oil compounds include:

• Cannabinoids

• Terpenes

• Flavonoids

Recent studies indicate that CBD oil interacts with your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system that regulates your dog’s mood, stress response, and emotional balance. The cannabinoids' interaction with your dog’s ECS may potentially help them relax. Here are how CBD oil may work with your dog’s ECS:

Serotonin

One of the ways full spectrum CBD may help with dog anxiety is by influencing serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being.

CBD has been shown to interact with serotonin receptors, potentially mimicking the effects of serotonin and promoting a calmer state in anxious dogs.

GABA

Another mechanism by which full spectrum CBD may alleviate dog anxiety is through its interaction with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability. By influencing GABA activity, CBD may help promote relaxation in dogs experiencing separation stress.

Cortisol

Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit elevated cortisol levels.

Full spectrum CBD may support a more balanced stress response and reduced symptoms in affected dogs.

Choosing Separation Anxiety CBD for Dogs

When picking calming CBD for your dog, opt for products that are solely made for pets, those made with organic CBD to avoid pesticides, and preferably those with hemp seed oil as a carrier oil for its additional nutritional benefits. You should also make sure the product has been third-party tested for purity and potency.

How Much CBD Should My Dog Take

The right CBD oil dosage depends on your dog's size. A general guideline is 1 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. You should also note that it's best to start low and gradually increase the dose.

How Will I Know CBD is Working?

As a pet parent, note that the full benefits of CBD may take time to show, sometimes several weeks of consistent use. You should also know that some dogs may not respond to CBD as effectively as others. When full-spectrum CBD begins to work, you may notice:

• Reduced vocalization: Less whining, howling, or barking when you're away or during stressful events.

• Decreased destructive tendencies: Fewer incidents of chewing furniture, scratching doors, or digging.

• Improved calmness: Your dog may seem more relaxed during typically anxiety-inducing situations like car travel or exposure to loud noises.

• Better sleep patterns: CBD may help regulate sleep, leading to more restful nights and less nighttime anxiety.

• Increased interaction: A less anxious dog may be more willing to engage with family members or other dogs.

Record your dog's behavior before and after starting CBD so as to clearly know when the changes begin to happen and at what dosage. You can rate your dog's anxiety levels on a scale of 1-10 before and after CBD administration to track their progress objectively.

Another convenient technique you can use is setting up a camera to observe your dog's behavior when you're away. This can provide valuable insights into separation anxiety symptoms. Consider how CBD use affects other aspects of your dog's health, such as joint mobility or skin condition, which can indirectly impact anxiety levels.

Consult Your Vet

As a precaution, always involve your veterinarian in your dog's anxiety management plan. Your vet can perform physical exams and run lab tests to check for any physiological changes when your dog is using CBD oil.

To wrap up, CBD for dogs with separation anxiety presents a potential solution for pet owners seeking natural solutions for their nervous dogs. As a pet parent, always keep your vet aware as you use CBD oil to help your dog have a better and relaxed life.