It could be argued that an epidemic of anxiety is affecting the world today. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis, has emerged as a promising candidate to alleviate anxiety in humans. But what can it do for our pets? This article asks the question of whether the same can be said for anxiety in dogs, particularly concerning barking and stress.
When derived from the hemp plant, CBD, the plant-based compound is made into an oil formula with therapeutic potential – known as CBD Oil. Although for some people CBD seems relatively new on the food supplement scene, the same cannot be said for the plant it comes from.
Hemp: Then vs now
Hemp has been around for a long time and is used in many cultures for its therapeutic properties and strong fibre. Historically, hemp was a staple crop, widely cultivated for its fibre, seeds, and oil. It played a crucial role in everyday life, used in making everything from textiles to food products.
Its prevalence meant that both humans and animals were often exposed to hemp in their diets. This historical context is significant because it underscores a natural interaction with cannabinoid compounds found in hemp, which are now largely absent from modern diets.
Reintroducing hemp through CBD supplements could potentially align with these historical dietary patterns, potentially aiding in addressing deficiencies in our current food chain.
The evidence: CBD for anxiety in dogs
One study examined the impact of CBD on barking behaviour in dogs that are away from their care providers. It was designed to determine whether CBD had any effect in reducing stressful barking during separation from owners.
- This placebo-controlled study used ten dogs aged between four and seven years. Each dog underwent two test phases: One received CBD at a dose of 2. 0 mg/kg daily and the other received olive oil as a control across two weeks for each phase.
- The study established that all dogs barked or whined more when left alone but the level of vocalisation was lower in the dogs that were given CBD compared to the group that received the placebo. This could indicate that CBD has the potential to decrease stress-related vocalisations.
These findings are consistent with human data indicating that CBD possesses anxiolytic properties, thus implying the same may also be true for dogs. This may make CBD useful for treating separation anxiety in pets, showing its therapeutic application without the negative side effects seen in conventional medicine.
CBD for anxiety in pets during travel
One research looked at the effects of a one-time dose of CBD on dogs in stressful conditions such as car travel and separation from their caregivers. It was designed to establish whether CBD could help in the reduction of stress and anxiety in dogs.
- Fourteen adult dogs were used in an experiment in which they were exposed to car travel or separation. Biochemical and subjective markers of stress were assessed prior to and post the administration of CBD or the control.
- The study revealed that the impact of CBD on stress levels was mixed with some evidence of stress reduction during car travel rather than separation. In particular, the use of CBD appeared to decrease the behaviours that are linked with anxiety and stress including increased rate of heartbeat and cortisol levels during car travelling.
The study offers preliminary evidence of the possible therapeutic value of CBD in reducing anxiety when in a car, though the results were not as promising in cases of separation. This is indicative of the fact that the use of CBD in controlling anxiety in dogs depends on the environment.
Safety and purchasing tips
Since the use of CBD for pets is gaining popularity, pet owners need to purchase products that have been tested and formulated for pets. The CBD pet oil from Dr. Hemp Me is recommended as a great starting point for owners exploring CBD supplements for their dogs’ anxiety and stress.
Pet oil spotlight: Dr. Hemp Me
One brand provides laboratory-tested and highly reviewed CBD pet oils. These supplements are suitable for dogs, cats, and other animals who experience anxiety regularly.
Versatile dosage
Thankfully, there are a few different ways a dog owner can get CBD pet oil into their pet’s diet. Some dogs are fussier with new smells and tastes than others. Some dogs are more tolerant to supplements so one method of administering the dose may deliver it better to their system than another.
Sublingual
Let your dog lick the dose of drops directly from your hand or fingers. Drop the guided number of drops onto your hand and allow them to lap the oil up in their own time. Or rub the oil directly onto the inside of their mouth.
The term ‘sublingual’ means your pet is getting their dose fast and absorbing it fully as it passes through the gums into their bloodstream. Digestion doesn’t interfere here.
Treats and food
Grab one of your pet’s favourite treats and drop the oil onto it. This is a quick and easy way of adding some herbal benefits to their daily treat. You can also add the dose to their morning meal and mix it into their food bowl.
Some of the oil may be able to pass through the gums sublingually, while most will be digested, and CBD content released later in the body.
Topically
A clever way of adding CBD pet oil to a fussy eater’s diet is to massage the oil into the skin on the back of the neck. Like a worm or flea treatment, CBD Oil can soak in through the skin.
Just make sure to move as much hair away as possible to get to the skin.
How cannabidiol is beneficial to dogs?
Similar to humans, dogs also have receptors known as the endocannabinoid system that responds to CBD, which might have curative effects.
The study also proved how CBD can help in the reduction of the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs, and a significant reduction in stress vocalisation was observed.
This evidence indicates that CBD can be beneficial in treating stress-associated behaviours and anxiety in dogs such as excessive barking in dogs during separation from their owners.
Of course, more extensive research on different types of effects is recommended to investigate these effects on a wider variety of dog behaviours and environments.
CBD as a safe alternative
CBD is safe for use in dogs, based on the fact that it does not cause any harm even when administered in large quantities. Compared to other forms of medication that can have certain negative impacts on the human body, CBD is more natural and safe.
Conclusion: CBD for anxiety in dogs
Preliminary results of the study indicate that CBD may be a safe and effective addition to the management of anxiety and stress-related behaviours in dogs, including vocalisations during separations. More studies are needed to explore the potential of CBD and how it should be properly administered in various stressful situations for dogs and other animals.
Disclaimer
CBD oil is marketed as a dietary supplement and the product is not meant for use in the treatment of illness. It is also important to note that before beginning a new regimen for your pet, you should always consult with your veterinarian to determine if the treatment is safe for your pet’s current medical state.
References
- Alliance for European Flax-Linen and Hemp, “Hemp in history”, Alliance Flax Linen Hemp, allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu/en/everything-about-european-hemp/hemp-in-history (Accessed: 22 May 2024)
- O’Sullivan, S., “CBD for Dog Barking: Could it Really Work?”, Hemp Me, www.drhempme.ie/cbd-info/cbd-for-dog-barking/ (Accessed: 22 May 2024)
- Masataka, Nobuo. (2024) “Possible effects of cannabidiol (CBD) administration on the vocal activity of healthy domestic dogs upon their temporary separation from caregivers.” Heliyon
- Hunt, Alysia B G et al. (2023) “A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science
- Corsato Alvarenga, Isabella et al. (2023) “Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases.” Annual review of animal biosciences
