June 01, 2022 11 min read

CBD is said to have miraculous effects on human beings. It can cure anxieties, stimulate appetite, and may also have a calming effect. Without a doubt, the CBD market is booming. It has also expanded to dog goodies such as treats, oils, chews, and more.

There seems to be a huge amount of information about CBD for dogs flying around the web. Thus, it is tough for pet owners to tell what's true and what is not. Of course, you must do what is ideal for your dog's health.

This leads us to the question: do CBD dog treats help with anxiety? This article shall explore this question in-depth and provide you with you an answer. Continue reading to find out more.

Petting Golden retriever

Introducing CBD

Oil CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is derived from the hemp plants: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Cannabis plants may be more familiar to some since they are cultivated for weed. Naturally occurring CBD, on the other hand, is not at all like marijuana.

THC, the psychoactive chemical of weed that induces a high, is not present in CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most popular psychoactive cannabinoid present in cannabis, and it is responsible for the high feeling. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a psychoactive effect like THC.

CBD is an intriguing choice for individuals wanting pain and anxiety treatment without the mind-changing results of marijuana or the added adverse effects related to other prescription medicines. 

The most popularly used CBD formulation is oil, although it's also available as an extract, a vaporizer, and an oil pill. Many other CBD goods can be found online, including food, beverages, and skincare. CBD oil is CBD combined with something called a base oil or carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or other essential oils.

These are known as tinctures. Tinctures are available in a variety of concentration levels. The oil is also available in capsulated forms, jellies, and sprays.

Folks who defend the use of CBD oil claim that it can cure emotional distress, stimulate hunger, and may assist in managing certain types of seizures.

Benefits of CBD for human beings

marijuana plant and a sunset

Due to recreational marijuana consumption, there has been some argument about cannabis products like CBD oil. However, people are becoming more aware of the health advantages of CBD oil. Here's everything you need to understand regarding 6 primary CBD medicinal uses and the current state of research: 

1. Anxiety reduction 

CBD could be capable of helping you in overcoming anxiety. It may completely change the way the brain's receptors act to serotonin, a neurotransmitter related to mental wellness, according to experts. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that acquire chemical instructions and assist your cells in responding to an array of stimuli. CBD may aid with anxiety relief by helping with:

  • stress reduction 

  • lowering anxiety's physiological impacts, like an elevated heart rate 

  • reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD)

  • promoting sleep in insomnia patients

2. Neuroprotective 

Researchers are studying how CBD can benefit people suffering from neurological diseases, which are conditions that affect the brain and neurons to degenerate over years. CB1 is the name of this receptor. 

Researchers are investigating the use of CBD oil in the treatment of: 

  • Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia. 

  • MS (stands for multiple sclerosis) 

  • Parkinson's disease 

  • Stroke

3. Anti-seizure 

CBD has previously been mentioned as a viable epilepsy therapy. The research is still in its infancy. Scientists are looking into how much CBD can help persons with epilepsy reduce their seizures and how effective it is. Cannabidiol studies, according to the American Epilepsy Society, give promise for neurological conditions, and study is now being undertaken to fully understand its use.

4. Pain reduction 

CBD oil's actions on brain pathways may potentially aid with pain management. Cannabis has been proven in research to provide some perks when used following chemo treatments. Other clinical research funded by the National Institutes of Health Trusted Source is investigating the use of cannabis to treat diseases that are caused by: 

  • persistent discomfort from arthritis 

  • Muscle pain and spinal cord damage

CBD for dogs

Dog with Treat

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a specific type of molecule found organically in cannabis. It is non-psychoactive, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), therefore it will not get a person high. 

Although CBD research is still in its initial stages, certain tests and anecdotal data suggest that it may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, pain, cancer, and arthritis. CBD pet goods are promoted as a natural approach to treating these illnesses in dogs, which has piqued the interest of pet parents.

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference? 

marijuana plant

Cannabis sativa is the parent plant of both hemp and marijuana. Both include CBD, but the main distinction is the amount of THC in each plant.

THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical component that causes the psychoactive effects related to marijuana. 

At the harvest period, hemp contains less than 0.3 percent THC by fresh mass. However, marijuana contains more than 0.3 percent THC.

Is CBD safe for dogs?

Dog with CBD Treat

The use of Cannabis for animals is a grey area, whether it is hemp, marijuana-derived cannabidiol (CBD), or legal cannabis. It's crucial to note that just because certain items are available for purchase doesn't imply they're regarded as safe or good for pets. It is believed that there is very little legitimate research on the advantages and hazards of cannabinoids in pets as these items are becoming more readily accessible to people.

Researchers agree that there have been few studies, anecdotal accounts, and research papers about medicinal advantages in pets, and also that additional well-controlled research is required before veterinarians and dog lovers can make evidence-based recommendations. There's also a degree of ambiguity about the items available, such as whether they're made from hemp or marijuana, and what THC levels they have. 

Unfortunately, the FDA has not licensed any CBD products to be used in animals, either as a medication or as nutrition.

What Does CBD Do to Dogs? 

To contrast the variations between the endocannabinoid system of dogs and how this body reacts to phytocannabinoids (synthetic and plant-based cannabinoids) including CBD, more research is needed. 

In a dog's physiology, there seem to be 2 kinds of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. These receptors aid in the equilibrium and regulation of a pet's immunological and neural systems, which can have an impact on inflammation, anxiety, allergies, and temperament.

The transmitters, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes are the three basic components of the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids (chemicals created naturally in a pet's body) are manufactured in large quantities and bind to receptors, notably during stressful situations, sickness, or injuries. 

CBD and other phytocannabinoids function similarly to neurotransmitters in the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors. 

In comparison to every other animal, including humans, dogs have the largest concentration of CB1 receptors in the brain. According to a recent study, cats seem to have lesser CBD absorption and probably faster excretion than dogs. As a result, cats may need to be dosed more frequently to maintain proper CBD blood levels. 

Each pet is unique, and not all cats and dogs will experience the very same benefits from CBD products. If you have any doubts or issues regarding how your pet is responding to a particular product, see your veterinarian.

Benefits of CBD for dogs

Since hemp-derived CBD goods for dogs are still relatively new in the world, the research jury is still out on everything CBD can and cannot accomplish medically. 

Hemp-derived goods work in tandem with a pet's inherent endocannabinoid system, which aids in the regulation of some of the body's activities in cats and dogs. 

CBD products may benefit dogs in the following areas, according to veterinary and human literature: 

  • Anti-inflammatory properties (i.e. hypersensitivity, dermatitis) 

  • Pain alleviation 

  • Seizures and convulsions are less common. 

  • Immune system assistance (i.e. autoimmune disease, cancer) 

  • Supporting the nervous system 

  • Supporting the cardiovascular system 

  • Anxiety is lessened

  • gastrointestinal assistance 

Anecdotal data also supports the usage of CBD products derived from hemp for dogs. Dog owners praised hemp CBD treats and products due to reported improvements in a variety of diseases, like pain, irritation, anxiety, gastrointestinal system disorders, and sleep help, according to surveys. Consuming hemp-derived CBD oil enhanced the lives of pets with arthritis, according to a few peer-reviewed studies.

Does CBD treat anxiety in dogs?

As per research reported in 2016, about over17% of all canines struggle with separation anxiety. Drooling, trembling, home soiling, barking and howling, gnawing, digging, racing, destroying, and, as in my dog's case, spectacular escape attempts are all possible symptoms. 

Whatever causes your dog's nervousness, the excellent news is that there are things you could do to help him. Collaborating with your vet or a professional instructor to employ reward-based behavior modification approaches is one example. Offering your dog anxiety pills or CBD for pets can also allow them to feel more peaceful and calm.

While there isn't many peer-reviewed regarding the efficacy of CBD for anxiety in dogs, there is more than enough observational information from dog owners who already have found CBD to be successful in reducing their pup's anxiety.

Before feeding your dog anything new substance, talk to your vet about how CBD can help with dog anxiety. CBD may interfere with some drugs, and dogs with such underlying health issues may be unable to adequately metabolize CBD.

What to Seek in the Finest Cannabidiol for Dog Anxiety 

Oils, capsules, treats, and chewable are all available as CBD products for pets. The finest CBD for dog anxiety is determined by your dog's unique demands and preferences. 

CBD oils and tinctures are available with a dropper that you may use to offer your dog a specific dose by placing drops on their tongues, cheeks, or in their meal. Because oils typically have higher CBD concentrations, you'll still have to pay careful attention to the proper CBD oil dose for dogs with anxiety. Oils are the most direct way to provide anxiety alleviation for your dog. However, not all dogs prefer the taste of oils, making administration more challenging.

Exploring the Cannabidiol Pet Products Market 

On the market, expectant owners will find a range of CBD dog treats, each with a particular function and purpose. While item types and labeling data vary by manufacturer and company, prospective pet parents must become aware of the following CBD types of products and labeling information. 

  1. CBD Chews and Treats 

CBD treats and soft chews are an excellent method to get CBD to extract in your dog or cat, particularly if they like treats. These products are created in the same way that ordinary CBD oils are, but the finished oil is then incorporated into a treat or nibble.

The advantage of giving your dog CBD treats is that they are easy to give since they are typically pleasant and pets appreciate the taste. The negative is that the dose can't be altered gradually (up or down), so it's not as precise as an oil extract.

  1. CBD Oil for Dogs

CBD oil for dogs also referred to as an oil tincture, is made out of a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extract coated in a carrier oil. Coconut oil and refined coconut oil are common oils, however, others can be used.

The most significant advantage of dog CBD oil is that it is administered to pets via a precise dropper. This enables you to treat your pet with greater precision and modify the dosage (down or up) as necessary. Additionally, when oil is provided under your pet's tongue, cheek, or mouth, it also has the ability to be ingested more rapidly through mucosal membranes than a tablet or capsule.

The two most significant drawbacks of utilizing CBD oil tinctures are that some pets dislike the flavor of plant material extract and that oils are harder to travel with owing to the risk of spillage. 

We suggest dropping CBD oil directly into your pet's mouth (the recommended approach), but you may also place it in a treat or on top of their meal. Think about putting it on the edge, up against your pet's cheek, instead of straight just on the tongue, when dosing straight in the mouth.

  1. Pills and tablets containing CBD for dogs 

The ultimate oil product is contained in a gel tablet, identical to how ordinary CBD oils for dogs are created. These really are popular choices since they are effective for pets who dislike the taste of CBD oil or are finicky eaters. Additionally, capsules are excellent for traveling. They're less untidy and easier to transport. 

There seem to be two drawbacks to using CBD capsules for pets. While giving pets pills, the dosage cannot be easily altered (increasing or decreasing) as it can with chews. Furthermore, unlike an oil product, these are not easily absorbed by a dog's system.

What to Look for in a CBD Product for Your Dog 

Choosing the best CBD product for your pet's individual needs necessitates study, consultation with your veterinarian, and research. Not all products are suitable for all pets, and some animals react to CBD (as well as other cannabinoids) in various ways. 

You understand your dog, therefore if you believe a CBD product could help, it's worth looking into more. In addition to speaking with the veterinarian, here are a few pointers to assist you in selecting the best products:

  1. Check with others and read online reviews. 

If you have a friend, close relative, or neighbor who has had experience with CBD products for their dogs, talk to them about their pet's symptoms and which items worked and didn't seem to work for them. This is valid for internet reviews, websites, or chats, in which you can learn about items that have helped anecdotal experiences for other pets with similar symptoms to yours. This will assist you in starting a conversation with your veterinarian. 

  1. Recognize your pet's requirements. 

The correct product for your dog will be determined by its overall health and wellbeing requirements. Anxiety, discomfort, arthritis, cancer, epilepsy, allergy, and other conditions are typical reasons that people choose CBD products for their pets. 

If your pet suffers from anxiety, a holistic (whole-body) product like CBD oil could help. If you have a local ailment (such as a hurting elbow or a hot spot), you should look into topical products. 

  1. Conduct thorough research on the company. 

Not all CBD dog treats producers are made equal, as previously stated. Research the firm and manufacturing method before deciding on a product. Look for products from companies that are transparent about their testing practices and standards. Investigate how companies obtain their ingredients and where those components originate. Consider products created by or recommended by veterinarians who are knowledgeable about CBD.

Are CBD Pet Supplements Legal? 

Yes, cannabidiol CBD dog treats are permitted if they include just under 0.3 percent THC. These items do not require a prescription. 

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized hemp cultivation and granted the CBD business a road to be used and investigated in the United States, which was previously prohibited to grow in the United States. 

It's critical to conduct your homework on products before giving them to your pet. Not all manufacturers are the same. Make sure you know where your items come from and that the firm that makes them is respectable.

If your dog or cat is dealing with anxiety, arthritis, or perhaps another health condition that you suspect could profit from CBD dog treats, it's crucial to talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog or cat's living. 

Please remember, however, that the CBD study is still ongoing, and some vets may not be legally permitted to discuss, prescribe, or dispense CBD medicines, or may not feel very comfortable doing that.

Conclusion

Researchers have found out how cannabidiol, or CBD, a chemical found in hemp, can aid our pets with a variety of pain and stress-related ailments. Separation anxiety, and old-age-related pain, such as arthritis or hip and joint pain, are examples of these concerns. Another advantage of CBD dog treats and snacks made from hemp is how they can help calm canines that are scared of fireworks or thunderstorms. This article covered how CBD dog treats can help relieve anxiety in your four-legged furry friends.