Cannabidiol (CBD) is known as a therapeutic product for managing pain, inflammation, and anxiety in humans. As a result, many pet owners are asking if CBD is also good for pet dogs. According to an online source, CBD promotes overall wellness for both people and pets. This is why many pet owners consider using CBD for their furry friends. Many have found that CBD oil can help with your dog’s behavioral problems.
This article summarizes the key points of using CBD products for pet dogs. Before that, here’s a summary of the causes of behavior issues in dogs.
Causes Of Dog’s Behavioral Issues
Stress and fear are normal biological responses when there’s a perceived threat to an animal. This sense of anxiety is a good thing since it helps to keep your dog safe from harm. The issue is when anxiety becomes irrational or chronic.
For instance, while dog owners would think that dogs have it so easy, fed regularly, and get lots of love, there are times that they feel anxious to be always confined in the house. Without the freedom to exercise freely, dogs may feel stress, and this can lead to destructive behavior.
Trauma is another thing that can cause anxiety in dogs. Mental or physical abuse, sudden shock, or environmental changes can contribute to the dog’s stress. Physical problems and genetics may also be responsible for your dog’s anxiety. As well, dogs with pain, illness, allergies, and some medical conditions can show stressed or aggressive behavior.
Many pet owners have found ways to address similar behaviors in their dogs. They either ask for assistance from a reputable veterinarian or use CBD oil.
CBD Oil and Canine Behavior
CBD oil can improve your dog’s mood and reduce its stress level by managing the dog’s serotonin levels. CBD oil can also alleviate symptoms such as pain that may be contributing to the dog’s feelings of aggression and anxiety.
CBD oil for dogs works by activating their endocannabinoid systems that regulate mood and emotion in response to stress and fear that, in turn, trigger behavioral problems. In this way, CBD can lower the stress and anxiety levels in dogs and improve their mood to minimize aggressive behavior.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptor cells that mediate a variety of body functions that relate directly to behavior. This body system also generates natural cannabinoids such as 2-AG and anandamide on an as-needed basis in response to stimuli from external and internal environments.
For instance, the body generates endocannabinoids in response to stress and exercise. Endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors to change neurotransmitter activity in the brain and thus regulate mood and mediate stress so that dogs reduce aggressive behavior.
When CBD boosts neurotransmitter activity in dogs, calming effects modulate stress, anxiety, and fear. This can calm down overprotective or agitated dogs that act aggressively.
The Use of CBD Oil for Dogs
More research is needed to prove the benefits and effectiveness of CBD oil for dogs, particularly in relation to canine behavior and physical health effects. For instance, if a dog is calmed down due to CBD consumption, your pet may not respond to emergencies or intruders in the way that you’d like.
Indeed, some owners have been concerned about this, asking questions such as “Will my dog still bark at unwelcome intruders or thieves in my house if they are fed CBD products?” Indeed, this is a valid concern that still has no clear answer. Your best bet is to contact other pet owners who have given CBD products to their dogs and see if they can answer this question.
Meanwhile, if you don’t have a clue about providing your dog CBD products, it is best to consult your veterinarian. This particularly important when your dog is also taking other medications or supplements. Although many recommend the use of CBD oil for dogs, it does not mean that this therapy is appropriate for all dogs. Thus, advice from your vet is crucial.
Takeaways
Keep in mind that it may take time to see the calming effects of CBD oil on your pet dog’s aggressive or anxious behavior. The first important takeaway is for you to consult a veterinarian about providing any CBD product to your pet, about potency, dosage, and schedule. Second, regardless of your experience in using CBD oil for your dog, it is best to try out various dosages, keep making observations, and keep taking notes. It might take time to see any effects. Finally, for best results, make sure and choose a quality product and a reputable brand of CBD oil for dogs.
