CBD for Dog Anxiety Buying Guide

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) comes from cannabis, a type of hemp plant, but it does not have the psychoactive properties associated with marijuana. Instead, CBD offers other benefits such as reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and pain relief. Studies show that CBD can help dogs with anxiety in a similar way to humans. Humans, cats, dogs, and other mammals naturally produce their own endocannabinoids and have cannabinoid receptors.

CBD and Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotion for dogs. However, if anxiety occurs frequently or excessively, it can lead to behavioral issues. Anxiety in dogs can present in many different ways.

Dogs with anxiety may exibit:

• Aggression
• Irritability
• Pacing/ walking in circles
• Excessive barking
• Destructive behavior such as chewing and scratching
• Excessive drooling
• Attempting to escape
• Shaking

Anxiety in dogs can have many different causes, but some common ones are:

• Loud noises (like fireworks)
• A change in environment (moving houses)
• Traveling (car, train, plane)
• Separation from owner or family member
• Socializing with other dogs or people
• Underlying medical condition (pain or hormone imbalances)
• Past trauma or mistreatment

If your dog is experiencing anxiety, CBD may be able to help. Many pet owners give dogs CBD before a car ride, fireworks, traveling, or during a separation period. This can help calm dogs during a stressful event. CBD can also aid a dog’s chronic anxiety and help them sleep. CBD is a natural remedy that can be bought over the counter. Research shows that CBD lowers anxiety in dogs (Albright, 2021). Sometimes pain may cause anxiety. CBD can be used as a pain killer for dogs. Studies show CBD can reduce pain in dogs which can in turn reduce anxiety with no reported side effects (Gamble et al., 2018).

Hempeutics pharmacy offers a pet calm tincture for dogs and cats. A CBD tincture is an oil that is ingested orally. The easiest way to administer the tincture to dogs is to drop the correct dosage on their favorite treat or into their water bowl. The most effective method of administering CBD is dropping the tincture directly into the dog’s mouth, but this may be more difficult for owners. The appropriate dose of CBD tincture depends on the weight of the dog.

Dosages:

Under 25 lbs: 0.5 mL (10mg),

25-75 lbs: 0.5 – 1mL (7.5-15mg)

Over 75 lbs: 1 – 2mL (15-30mg)

Whenever using a new CBD product, starting with a small dose is recommended.  After an hour, the owner should monitor the dog and look for changes in mood or behavior. If there are no changes in mood or behavior, the dosage may need to be increased. It often takes a few days of trial and error before finding the dose that works best for your dog.

Is CBD Safe and Legal?

Yes!

Though CBD comes from cannabis, it does not have the psychoactive properties associated with THC in marijuana. So, CBD will not make your pet high. Studies show that dogs tolerate CBD medication well, but not medication with THC (above 0.3%) (Yu & Rupasinghe, 2021). Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states. Hemp and CBD products, by law, contain less than 0.3% THC. To ensure pet safety, it is important to check that the CBD products are tested by an independent laboratory for THC presence and other compounds. Hempeutics Pharmacy products undergo regular independent laboratory testing and are certified by an independent lab to ensure compliance with guidelines, quality, consistency, and safety. We source our CBD from U.S.-grown hemp and use natural ingredients. The laboratory results for each product are posted on our website. 

Give It a Try!

If your dog is in pain or experiencing anxiety, consider trying CBD. At Hempeutics Pharmacy, we specialize in custom compounding CBD products  to cater to our patients and their furry friends’ individual needs. Hempeutics Pharmacy is partnered with the Veterinary Cannabis Society to ensure our products are safe and effective for pets. We are transparent with our customers and provide them with high-quality products so they can give their beloved pets the best quality care. Contact us for a free consultation from our in-house licensed pharmacist, Dr. Peggy, to discuss what options are best for you. We conduct follow-up appointments to track the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust dosage and ingredients if needed.