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This article by Jennifer was originally published on FOMO Bones.
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If you have ever suffered from an anxiety attack, you will understand exactly how horrific it can be at the time. While you struggle to breathe or focus, you usually find it in you to vocalize your need for help, so just imagine how much worse it would be if you couldn’t even ask anyone for help. Unfortunately, dogs that suffer from anxiety have to go through exactly that each time they feel nervous. Whether it is separation anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or one of many other anxiety disorders, they feel completely panicked but are unable to tell us—the pet owners—what is wrong and what they need. Fortunately, canine anxiety will often manifest itself through symptoms that usually include shaking, panting, and whining, which is what alerts us to help them overcome their disorder.
Stress and anxiety can be really tough to deal with and there aren’t many options available to both dogs and humans that offer relief without some form of negative side effects. This is one of the main reasons that people are turning to CBD oil as a remedy for these times of crisis—both for personal use and for their furry friends.
A dog’s anxiety can be triggered by a number of things, many of which you can figure out in advance so that you can better prepare yourself for an episode of panic (fireworks, thunderstorms, etc.). In addition, CBD oil, hemp oil, and many other CBD products are packed with loads of other benefits for your dog aside from treating his presenting anxiety.
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How Does CBD Work for Dog Anxiety?
The benefits of CBD are slowly starting to show up in studies and it is fast becoming one of the most important aids to combat the symptoms that a dog experiences when he is feeling stressed or anxious. It is especially well regarded as a pain reliever for chronic pain and an anti-inflammatory agent when used to treat common problems like arthritis.
CBD is one of two crucial elements found present in a cannabis plant that is compounded into oil for medical use. CBD itself has less than 0.3 percent of THC when properly extracted, which is important to know as anything over that amount could be toxic for dogs. CBD works to cure anxiety in dogs via their natural endocannabinoid system to trigger parts of the central nervous system responsible for dealing with feelings of panic and fear. Through the same process, CBD triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, which, in turn, will calm your pooch down and free him from feelings of anxiety.
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It Will also Tackle Other Problems
Many often hail CBD as a miracle oil because it can also be used to treat a range of other problems that could also be contributing to your furry friend’s anxiety levels. Many medical professionals—both for humans and animals—now advocate the use of medical marijuana, including CBD oil, as it produces excellent results in a short space of time compared to other traditional medications. The best part is, there are zero side effects. There have been both scientific research papers and patient testimonials emerging in recent times that back the efficacy of medical marijuana to treat ailments such as:
- Seizures
- Cancer treatment and prevention
- Pain relief
- Arthritis and similar problems
- Insomnia
- Depression
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Using CBD as a Preventive Measure
Cannabis-based medicine has been used for thousands of years, way before it took its rightful place in the public spotlight. It is one of the few medicines on the planet that is not accompanied by any harmful side effects and it is virtually impossible to overdose on. It is for this reason that people are now turning to a daily dose of CBD for themselves and their pets, even if they are in perfect health. Many users of medical marijuana have reported that it contributes to their overall mood, positive frame of mind, and allows them to relax properly. Because our dogs can fall ill suddenly, all loving dog parents want to do everything possible to prevent unforeseen illnesses and as CBD oil’s popularity increases, it is widely used as preventive medicine for pretty much every sickness in existence.
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What Does Research Say?
Without delving into complicated scientific jargon, there is already a substantial amount of evidence that highlights CBD’s ability to treat illness in both animals and humans. There is still more testing to be done, especially with regards to CBD as a primary form of mainstream treatment rather than a complimentary supplement. However, the future is looking bright for cannabis-based products as more countries and states are legalizing its use and commercial manufacturing operations.
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Final Thoughts
If your dog has been suffering from anxiety for a while and you are finding yourself lost with regards to finding a product that will actually work without harming your dog, then you have nothing to lose by giving CBD a try. A good quality oil will be processed in a way that ensures it is entirely chemical free and pure. If you are worried about dosages, don’t be. There is currently no specific amount that you should be administering to your dog, which is another indicator that it really is safe to use. The reason for this is that a) you can’t overdose on CBD and b) it is still considered to be an experimental homeopathic medicine, which needs further research. You should always start with a lower dosage and gradually increase this dose if you don’t notice an improvement in your dog’s temperament. The taste can often be somewhat revolting, as reputable manufacturers will often use omega-3 as the carrier oil. So, unless your dog loves fish, you might want to consider mixing the oil into his food. Finally, you should consult your vet before using CBD oil to treat any kind of illness or disorder in your dog, just to be on the safe side.
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Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She’s pretty sure she was a Great Dane in her past life, but her team at FOMO pegs her as more of a Labrador. Regardless of her breed, she’s a dog enthusiast with 15 years’ experience training dogs and owners.
RJ Plant 