CBD oil is popularly used amongst humans to treat anxiety and stress. Like humans, dogs experience anxiety throughout their lives.
In fact, it is estimated that over 70% of dogs in the world have anxiety – whether it’s separation anxiety or anxiety triggered by fireworks and thunder. Cats, likewise, are a notoriously skittish and anxious pet.
Sometimes, providing your anxious pet with cuddles just isn’t enough to stop them from trembling or crying. Unlike with humans, there’s little medication that can be used for a pet to help them feel less anxious. CBD oil, however, is an exception.
If you’re looking into using CBD oil to aid your pet’s anxiety, we’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about how to give your pet CBD oil for anxiety!
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. When consumed by a human or animal, the CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for the health and well-being of the body.
These body functions include sleep, memory, metabolism, mood, appetite, inflammation, and more. CBD oil is mostly hemp-derived and comes in a variety of forms, including serums, vape liquids, and lotions.
A common misconception about CBD is that it will make the user high. However, the cannabinoid responsible for making you high is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which means CBD doesn’t work to make the user intoxicated.
Instead, CBD works to reduce stress, anxiety, and even pain in people and animals. It gives you all the benefits of being relaxed from the “high” without being intoxicated, meaning you can continue with your daily activities with less anxiety!
Can I Give My Pets CBD Oil?
Dogs and cats (along with most animals) have the same endocannabinoid system as humans, which means pets can be given CBD oil, too. CBD oil can work to lessen anxiety and stress, as well as reduce pain and inflammation and severe seizures.
Can I Give My Pets Human CBD Oil?
Unfortunately, it’s not recommended giving your pets human CBD oil. This means that if you have your own CBD oil, it’s not worth allowing your pet to consume it.
This is because the potency of human CBD is different from the potency of pet-based CBD oils, which means it’s far easier to accidentally overdose your pet on CBD.
Plus, a lot of human CBD oils are flavored with an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
As a result of this, it’s best that you find a pet CBD that is specifically designed for your animal.
How To Give Pet CBD Oil For Anxiety?
So, you’ve got your chosen CBD oil, and now you’re wondering how to give it to your pet. Most CBD oils are to be consumed orally, but when a pet is particularly anxious, they might not allow you to come too close to their mouths.
Of course, if your pet is fine with consuming oils orally, then go for it. This will involve opening your pet’s mouth and squeezing a few drops of the CBD oil down their throats.
However, for pets who don’t like to take anything orally, you might need to get creative. When a dog or cat is anxious, they can react in irrational ways if someone comes too close to them in a way that could be considered threatening.
For example, if your dog gets anxious at the sound of fireworks, putting your fingers into its mouth might scare your dog enough for it to bite you.
If you have a particularly anxious pet who won’t allow you to drop the oil into their mouths, the first thing you should try is to put the oil droplets over your fingers. Your pet might feel more comfortable licking this oil off your fingers.
If that doesn’t work, you can always try putting the oil into their food or smothered over their favorite treat or toy. This is also a good method for getting a pet to take oral medication without them knowing it (such as worming tablets embedded into a cube of cheese).
How Much CBD Oil to Give your Pet?
For anxiety-related reasons, it’s recommended to give your pet CBD oil once or twice a day. It generally takes about 30 to 60 minutes for the CBD oil to settle in, so it’s best to preempt when an anxiety trigger might happen (for example, thunder or fireworks or driving in a car).
It’s also best to follow the product’s recommended dosage depending on the animal. For example, dogs should have around 1-5 mg of CBD oil for every 10 pounds of its weight. Each CBD oil will have a different potency and each animal will have varying tolerance levels, so it’s mostly a matter of trial and error.
Pet Anxiety Treatment Plan
You should always consult with a veterinarian before you give your pet CBD oil – especially if your pet is already on medication. Your vet will also give you advice on how to design a personalized treatment plan for your anxious pet.
As well as giving your pet CBD oil, you’ve got to make a safe environment for your pet when you know a trigger is about to occur. Of course, for some pets who have anxiety regardless of triggers, this is easier said than done.
However, if your pet has separation anxiety or is triggered by loud noises, you can take away these stressors and create a comforting place for the pet to retreat to. These safe spaces should remain the same to prevent disturbing your pet.
If you make a comfortable crate or corner of the room covered in blankets and pet beds and then give your pet CBD oil, this will help to create a positive association with the safe space.
It’s worth remembering that CBD oil often needs time to work properly, so if your pet is anxious daily, then give them CBD oil every day. Over time, the potency will help to relieve their anxious symptoms.
