CBD as a Calming Aid for Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
To every dog parent looking for natural, holistic solutions to remedy your dog’s anxiety, we understand your worries and the challenge of sifting through countless products to find the right solution. In this week’s PetPax Co. Paper, we’ll delve into the use of CBD as a calming aid for dogs, discussing how it works, appropriate dosages, potential side effects, and what to do if your dog consumes too much CBD. While CBD can offer some health benefits for our furry friends, we want to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions and ensure your pup's well-being.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect, meaning it won’t get your dog “high.” Instead, CBD has been widely recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation, which makes it a popular option for calming anxious or stressed dogs.
How CBD Works to Calm Dogs
To understand how CBD helps to calm dogs, it's essential to first know about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system present in all mammals, including dogs. It plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, pain, appetite, and immune response.
CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to its receptors, primarily the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are found throughout the dog’s body, including the brain and immune system. By influencing these receptors, CBD can help balance and regulate these processes, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation in dogs.
Choosing the Right CBD Supplement for Your Dog
When looking for CBD supplements for your dog, pet parents should consider several key aspects of CBD delivery methods—the bioavailability, ease of administration, ingredient quality, and potential fillers or additives in each product. Understanding how different forms of CBD—such as oils, chews, capsules, topicals, infused food, and oral melts—affect absorption and effectiveness will help you make an informed decision that best suits your dog’s needs and ensures they receive the maximum benefits of CBD.
One of the most important aspects when considering CBD supplements for dogs is bioavailability. But what does bioavailability mean?
Basically, bioavailability refers to the proportion/amount of a substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body and is thus available for use or storage. In the context of CBD supplements for dogs, higher bioavailability means that more CBD reaches the bloodstream, making it more effective. Oral melts (like our ZenMelts), oils, and tinctures typically offer higher bioavailability compared to treats or capsules because they bypass some of the digestive processes, allowing more of the active ingredient to be absorbed directly.
Popular Methods of CBD Delivery in Dog Supplements
CBD Oil/Tinctures
CBD oil or tinctures are one of the most common methods of delivering CBD to dogs. They come with a dropper, making it easy to measure the exact dosage. The oil can be administered directly into the dog’s mouth, added to their food, or mixed with a treat.
With fairly high bioavailability, CBD oil is typically absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, especially when administered sublingually (under the tongue). If given correctly, there should be minimal ingredient wastage, but some dogs may resist taking the oil directly. Also, it’s important to remember that some dogs might dislike the taste of CBD oil, making oral administration challenging.
CBD Chews and Treats
CBD chews and treats are flavored edibles that contain a specific dose of CBD. They can be convenient and easy to administer, especially for dogs that enjoy treats.
CBD chews and treats have moderate bioavailability. Since the CBD is absorbed through the digestive system, the ingredients are broken down by stomach acid, which can reduce its overall bioavailability. This type of calming supplement has a greater potential of ingredient wastage because some of the CBD might not be fully absorbed. Another important aspect to consider is that many CBD chews and treats contain fillers, artificial flavors, and a high calorie count. This might not be ideal for all dogs, especially those with dietary restrictions or weight concerns. Also, the amount of CBD per calming treat can sometimes vary, making it harder for you to ensure consistent dosing and see long-term results.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules essentially contain CBD oil in a pill form. You can hide them in a treat or give it to your dog directly if the dog is accustomed to taking pills.
CBD pills have a moderate bioavailability because like treats, capsules are absorbed through the digestive system, which can affect the bioavailability. Similar to chews, some CBD may be lost during the digestion of capsules. CBD capsules may contain fillers or other ingredients to aid in the manufacturing process. Finally, some dogs may have difficulty swallowing capsules, which makes administration challenging.
CBD-Infused Food
Some pet food brands offer CBD-infused food, which can provide your dog with a consistent dosage of CBD in every meal. Since the CBD in this form is absorbed through the digestive system, CBD-infused food has a moderate to low bioavailability that is similar to treats and capsules. There is also a higher ingredient wastage as the CBD may degrade during the cooking process or during digestion. Another aspect to consider is that pet foods often contain fillers (like chicken meal), and the added calories may not be suitable for all dogs. Finally, CBD-infused dog food can turn out to be more expensive than the combination of regular food and separate CBD supplements.
CBD Oral Melts
Designed to dissolve quickly in the dog's mouth, CBD oral melts provide a fast and effective delivery method. They are easy to administer and can be flavored to appeal to dogs. Oral melts have a high bioavailability. Because they dissolve in the mouth, the CBD can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, similar to tinctures. Essentially, because the CBD is rapidly absorbed, there is minimal ingredient wastage. Another plus point is that oral melts are generally well-accepted by dogs and come in a range of flavors.
Dosage Guidelines for CBD in Dogs
It’s crucial to find the correct dosage of CBD for your dog to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The dosage can vary based on your dog’s weight, the condition being treated, and their individual response to CBD. Here are some general guidelines
Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): 1-5 mg of CBD
Medium Dogs (21-50 lbs): 5-10 mg of CBD
Large Dogs (51-100 lbs): 10-20 mg of CBD
Extra Large Dogs (over 100 lbs): 20-40 mg of CBD
If choosing this type of calming supplement, we recommend that you start with the lower end of the dosage range and gradually increase it, if needed. Observe your dog’s response and consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog takes other medications.
Positive Side Effects of CBD for Dogs
CBD reportedly provides dogs with several positive effects, which makes it a popular choice among pet owners:
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: CBD can help dogs suffering from anxiety that is caused by various reasons such as separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in their environment. CBD can help alleviate these symptoms and promote a calmer and more relaxed demeanor.
Improved Sleep Quality: If your dog has trouble sleeping, CBD might help. Its calming effects can help promote better sleep patterns, especially for older dogs or those with anxiety.
Enhanced Mood and Behavior: CBD can improve your dog's overall mood and behavior by reducing anxiety and stress, in turn making them more sociable and less prone to aggressive behavior.
Pain Relief: CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and discomfort in dogs, particularly those with arthritis or other chronic pain conditions.
Negative Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
While CBD is generally well-tolerated by dogs, some may experience mild side effects:
Dry Mouth: CBD can reduce saliva production, leading to your dog to experience dry mouth.
Lowered Blood Pressure: High doses of CBD may cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness.
Drowsiness: The calming effect of CBD can sometimes lead to drowsiness, especially when taken in higher doses.
Changes in Appetite: CBD can influence appetite, either increasing or decreasing it.
What Happens if a Dog Has Too Much CBD?
While CBD can be safe for dogs, giving them too much can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of a CBD overdose in dogs may include the following:
Lethargy: Excessive CBD can cause extreme drowsiness or lethargy in your pup.
Extreme Drowsiness: Your dog may appear excessively sleepy or unresponsive.
Vomiting: High doses of CBD can cause nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea: Your dog might experience an upset stomach or diarrhea if you administer too much CBD.
If you suspect your dog has ingested too much CBD, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide supportive care and guide you on the necessary steps to take.
CBD Supplements for Dogs: Final Thoughts
CBD can be a beneficial supplement for dogs, offering a natural way to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and provide pain relief. By understanding how CBD works, the appropriate dosages, and potential side effects, you can make an informed decision about whether CBD supplements are the right choice for your dog.
Remember, always consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on a CBD regimen, and choose high-quality, pet-specific CBD products to ensure safety and efficacy.