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CBD Oil For Your Pet: Can It Help Reduce Anxiety?

CBD is big business. The all-natural health phenomenon isn’t just for humans to enjoy. It’s growing rapidly in the pet world, too.

CBD offers many benefits ranging from pain management to alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. Some people find it improves their ability to focus and help them sleep at night.

But can CBD oil for your pet offer these same benefits?

Like their 2-legged human friends, animals also experienced pain, stress, and anxiety. When we take our pets to the veterinarian, we are usually only offered man-made prescription drugs. Most of these have side-effects that can cause other health problems with your pet.

CBD Oil for Pets with Anxiety

CBD oil is a natural option that offers many of the same benefits as it does for people. If you want to help reduce your pet’s anxiety, CBD oil may be your solution!

How to Spot Pet Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s reaction to stress. It causes feelings of fear, apprehension, and in some cases, paranoia. It affects both humans and pets.

This is especially true for pets during the 4th of July. The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks cause anxiety in most cats and dogs.

When the symptoms of anxiety become extreme or last for months, you or your pet may have an anxiety disorder.

Spotting anxiety in your pet can be difficult as every pet, like humans, handles their anxiety differently. If you’re unsure, here are common signs that your pet may have anxiety:

  • Constant barking or making noises
  • Peeing excessively or around the house
  • Constant chewing and biting
  • Pacing
  • Heavy breathing
  • Tail thumping
  • Escaping
  • Hiding
  • Shaking and trembling
  • Scratching
  • Pulling out fur or feathers

If you notice more than one of these behaviors, you should call your veterinarian right away. Have them diagnose the issue to make sure it’s anxiety and not something else.

From there, you can consider whether CBD oil is a good option for your pet.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is a compound extracted from the buds of the marijuana and hemp plants. Traditional weed contains the THC chemical which causes a psychoactive high. CBD doesn’t contain any THC so there’s no risk of experiencing any psychoactive effects.

The hemp and marijuana plants stem from the cannabis plant but have different amounts of THC. The hemp plant contains about 0.3% or less of THC. The marijuana plant can contain up to 30% or more THC.

CBD derived from the marijuana plant contain THC and is illegal in most states. But CBD derived from the hemp plant is legal in most of the United States.

Many people use CBD as an alternative to traditional medicines. While researchers are still studying the benefits of CBD oil, people reported benefits such as:

  • Less pain due to age
  • Less anxiety
  • Better sleep
  • Fewer symptoms of depression
  • Less nausea
  • Better range of motion
  • Improved focus
  • Helps with seizures
  • Fewer headaches
  • Less severe migraines
  • A better quality of life

If you have a pet suffering from physical pain, stress, or anxiety, CBD oil may help!

Is CBD Oil Safe For Pets?

Is CBD oil for your pet safe? For most pets, the answer is yes. Before you give your pet CBD oil, you should always talk to your veterinarian.

To ensure it’s safe, buy organic CBD oil from reputable producers or retailers. When you administer it to your cat or dog, follow the recommended dosage. Giving them too little won’t help and giving too much can cause adverse effects.

CBD is becoming so popular for pets that the American Kennel Club acknowledges CBD oil as a medicinal alternative. Dog owners are using CBD to manage their pet’s anxiety and other health issues.

There is very little research on the effects of CBD on your pet. Despite this, some veterinarians are recommending CBD as an alternative medicine for pets with anxiety.

The Benefits of CBD Oil For Your Pet

CBD oil can reduce the symptoms of anxiety in most cats and dogs. It provides the same benefits as it does with humans such as alleviating pain, reducing seizures, and easing emotional and mental pain.

Cats and dogs have an endocannabinoid system, like their human owners. This system consists of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors that interact with CBD. The system also regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and memory.

When your pet consumes CBD oil, it gives them a minor relaxing feeling. It may take a few tries before you begin to notice any changes in your pet’s behavior. Eventually, your pet’s symptoms of anxiety should subside.

How Your Pet Can Take CBD

Shop around for CBD oil for your pet, and you’ll find everything from oils and tinctures to pet treats and supplements. There are many ways your pet can take CBD. The trick is finding the one that works best for your pet.

CBD infused pet treats and supplements are an easy way to give CBD. They’re less likely to sense it as it’s already mixed in the treat or food.

You can add oils and tinctures to your pet’s food or apply it directly under their tongue. This method gives you a better selection of high-quality CBD oil to choose from. You’ll also have better control of the dosage.

You can find safe dosages based on your pet’s ailment, size, and breed.

The Risks

While the side effects and risks of CBD oil are few, there are still some you should be aware of. The most important being that CBD can prevent certain medications from working. It prevents the body from metabolizing cytochrome P450 medications.

Again, you must check with your veterinarian before you give your pet CBD oil.

Other side effects of CBD on your pet include dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and sleepiness. Try lowering the dosage of CBD when you notice any of these side effects. If that doesn’t work, stop giving your pet CBD and contact your veterinarian.

Invest in organic and high-quality CBD oil. Low-quality CBD oil contains fillers and possible toxins that may adversely affect your pet.

Try CBD for Your Pet Today

Is your pet struggling with anxiety? CBD oil for your pet is a great all-natural option with very little side-effects. With your veterinarian’s approval, try CBD oil to manage your pet’s anxiety.

Want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you and help you find the right CBD oil for you and your pet’s needs.