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Dog owners everywhere can relate to this situation: your furry friend is stressed out. Whether it’s a thunderstorm, fireworks, or just a simple trip to the vet, anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways. Enter CBD dog treats, an emerging solution many are considering. But what exactly are they, and how do they help?
Understanding Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs experience anxiety just like humans, but for very different reasons. Common triggers include:
- Separation from their owner
- Loud noises, like thunder or fireworks
- Unfamiliar environments or people
- Past traumas or negative experiences
Signs of an anxious dog can range from excessive barking or whimpering to more subtle signs like pacing, shivering, avoiding eye contact, or panting. Looking at your dog’s tail can sometimes quickly tell you how they’re feeling: a lowered tail is a defensive position and your dog is worried about something. A tail pointed up generally means that your dog is relaxed and happy.
Chronic anxiety can lead to health issues, destructive behaviors, and reduced quality of life, so it’s important to have a good means of reducing your dog’s anxiety consistently.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which gives users a “high”, CBD is non-psychoactive and is touted for its potential therapeutic benefits, which includes anxiety reduction in dogs.
How CBD Can Help with Anxiety in Dogs
Much like in humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex cell-signaling system plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds in the body that interact with cannabinoid receptors.
The mechanism between CBD and the body’s natural ECS receptors isn’t fully understood yet, but it seems to modulate and stimulate the ECS, enhancing the system’s ability to maintain balance and homeostasis. By influencing the ECS, CBD can potentially help regulate the mood disorders and anxieties faced by our canine companions.
Broad Spectrum Vs. Full Spectrum
While CBD itself has been shown to be helpful in reducing anxiety, it’s important to note that some CBD products use full spectrum hemp extract, which contains trace amounts of THC (full spectrum). Just like in humans, there are some dogs whose anxiety can actually be increased by the use of full spectrum products.
As pet owners, it’s important to take into consideration whether or not we’d take the risk that our dog might have their anxiety increased by a product we use.
Just to be on the safe side, Relievet’s CBD Treats for Dogs are made with broad spectrum hemp extract which contains no THC.
Benefits of CBD Dog Treats
Why choose treats over oils or other forms?
- Convenience: Easily administered without fuss.
- Controlled Dosage: Pre-measured amounts ensure effectiveness.
- Dogs love them: It’s a lot easier to feed a dog something delicious to them like beef liver than an oil.
- They last longer: Since they are digested, treats tend to have a longer effectiveness in the body compared to oil.
Table: Comparison of CBD Oil and CBD Treats
| Feature | CBD Treats | CBD Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Solid | Liquid (usually with a dropper) |
| Administration | Given as a treat; eaten by the dog | Applied under the tongue or mixed in food |
| Dosage Precision | Pre-measured doses per treat | Flexible dosage; measured per drop |
| Absorption Rate | Slower due to digestion | Faster if administered under-tongue |
| Palatability | Variety of flavors available | Varies |
| Convenience | Easy for on-the-go; no spill risk | Requires careful measurement |
How to Choose the Right CBD Dog Treats
Quality is paramount. Here’s what to consider:
- Source: Ensure the CBD is derived from high-quality, organic hemp.
- Third-party Testing: Always opt for brands that offer up-to-date lab results.
- Effective Dosage: Make sure to get a product that delivers an effective dosage.
Conclusion
As we’ve journeyed through the world of CBD and its potential impact on canine anxiety, several key points have emerged. CBD dog treats stand out as a promising natural remedy for our furry friends, offering a potential alternative to more traditional methods of managing anxiety. The interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system in dogs appears to offer a sense of balance and calmness, making it a valuable tool for owners searching for solutions to their pets’ anxiety issues.
As with any treatment or supplement, it’s important to approach CBD with knowledge. Not all CBD products are created equal, and the importance of sourcing high-quality, lab-tested treats cannot be overstated.
Given what you know now, you’ll be able to make an informed choice on whether or not to use CBD Dog Treats for your dog’s anxiety, and how to “sniff out” the ones that are high quality, effective, and most of all safe for your beloved pooch pal.
