Table of Contents

Chill Out CBD for Dogs

My family recently got a dog that struggled with anxiety.

He would regularly wake up from a dead sleep at the slightest sound and sit bolt upright.

He felt like he had to pay attention to every sound and smell, which meant he was skeptical of everything and quick to bark at strangers.

My dad had wanted a dog for almost 30 years, and he lost a lot of sleep over this dog.

You probably know a dog that is terrified of loud sounds.

Or a dog that’s terrified of strangers or other dogs.

Anxiety in dogs is a common problem.

According to a recent study conducted in Finland, seven in every ten dogs have at least one anxiety-related behavior.

If your dog struggles with anxiety, CBD for dogs may bring your pet relief and bring you peace of mind.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is an oil.

While it can be derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant, it is typically extracted from the hemp plant or produced in a lab.

CBD does not contain any THC, the chemical in marijuana that produces a high.

Why does CBD work?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in all mammals.

The Innovative Veterinary Care website says that “a balanced ECS promotes appetite, sleep mood regulation and stability, gait, pain perception, memory, body temperature, immunity, reproduction and fertility in both humans and pets.”

The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

The dog’s body produces endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids bind themselves to endocannabinoid receptors, which signal that a system is unbalanced with the ECS.

Then the ECS can help return that system to homeostasis (a balanced state).

When the endocannabinoids are no longer needed, enzymes break them down.

CBD doesn’t bind to the endocannabinoid receptors the same way endocannabinoids do.

But, many scientists believe that CBD prevents endocannabinoids from breaking down, allowing the ECS to work longer.

Is CBD right for my anxious dog?

Research on CBD is limited, probably because hemp was legalized nationwide in 2018.

However, there is significant anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of CBD as a treatment for anxiety in dogs.

Hundreds of dog owners have turned to CBD for pain relief and to help treat anxiety (this site alone has thirteen testimonials about dogs with anxiety).

The testimonials include cases of dogs with negative reactions to loud sounds (fireworks and thunderstorms), car rides, and separation anxiety.

CBD for dogs comes in many forms including capsules, oils, and infused treats and soft chews.

Each of these forms has benefits, but the AKC recommends buying and using CBD oil.

The oil allows you to easily control the dosage (literally down to the drop).

Potential Side Effects

One of the few studies conducted on side effects of CBD in dogs found that sedation was the most common side effect, found in 19% of dogs taking CBD.

None of the other side effects (overactive appetite, dry mouth, etc.) occurred in more than 5% of dogs.

The biggest concern with CBD in dogs is that it affects how other drugs are metabolized.

Always be sure to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog CBD.

These concerns can be avoided, at least in large part, by using CBD in the appropriate dosage.

Here’s a calculator you can use to determine proper dosage of CBD for your furry companion.

What to look for when purchasing chill out CBD for dogs

Avoid CBD products created for humans

These products can contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.

The AKC also recommends that you avoid CBD that contains other substances that are harmful to animals (solvents, herbicides, pesticides, etc.).

Be sure to look at the certificate of analysis (CoA)

The market for dog CBD is largely unregulated, so it’s hard to be sure that the product you’re buying is what the label says it is.

The CoA is a document produced by a third party (not the company producing the CBD product) that has tested the product and can confirm that you are buying what you think you’re buying.

For more information on CoAs, check out this site.