How to Make Your Dog Less Anxious
November 03, 2023
CBD oil has a lot of benefits, and one of them is reducing anxiety. This benefit of CBD oil also extends to dogs. If your furry friend is anxious, it is natural for you to be concerned. You may consider taking the help of CBD treats for dogs if your dog is anxious. Here, this guide will discuss how CBD oil can lessen anxiety in dogs. However, it is highly advised that you discuss with a veterinarian before using CBD oil for your dog.
Image Source: CBDNorth
Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs
There are a few specific symptoms that might point to your dog's anxiety. Discussed below are a few of these symptoms:
1) Behavioural Indicators
One prominent aspect of anxiety in dogs is the manifestation of specific behavioral indicators. These include excessive barking or howling, destructiveness (such as chewing furniture or shoes), increased agitation, and difficulty settling down. An anxious dog may also display repetitive behaviors like excessive pacing, spinning, or licking. These behavioral symptoms often arise as coping mechanisms and attempts to alleviate stress.
2) Aggression and Agitation
Anxiety can trigger aggression or heightened agitation in dogs. This may present as growling, snarling, or even biting, particularly when the dog is confronted with perceived threats or feels cornered. Canine aggression related to anxiety can also surface during certain situations, such as when being separated from their owners or when encountering new environments or people.
3) Physical Symptoms
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various physical symptoms. One commonly observed sign is increased heart rate and panting, even in the absence of physical exertion or warm weather. Restlessness, trembling, or shaking limbs are also indicative of anxiety. Additionally, some anxious dogs may experience gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight fluctuation.
4) Avoidance or Escape Behaviors
In an attempt to cope with anxiety-inducing stimuli, dogs may exhibit avoidance or escape behaviors. For instance, they might try to hide in enclosed spaces or under furniture, seeking solace and security. Other dogs may attempt to escape the source of their anxiety by digging under fences, squeezing through openings, or even bolting away when outside.
5) Changes in Sleep Patterns
Just like humans, dogs can experience disrupted sleep patterns when they are anxious. Sleeping more than usual or, conversely, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may be signs of underlying anxiety. If your dog displays these changes, it is important to consider potential triggers and address their anxiety to promote healthy sleeping habits.
Common Causes of Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs can get anxious due to a lot of reasons. Some common causes of anxiety in dogs are discussed below.
1) Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as changes in living conditions or exposure to noise, can cause anxiety in dogs. Dogs are highly observant, and their surroundings greatly affect their emotions. Moving to a new home or being in a busy and unfamiliar environment can lead to stress and anxiety in our furry friends.
2) Behavioral Factors
Behavioral factors greatly affect anxiety in dogs. Insufficient socialization during their critical developmental stages, sudden changes in routine, or lack of mental and physical stimulation can cause restlessness and anxiety. Separation anxiety is another common behavioral factor, usually occurring when dogs are left alone for long periods without proper training or gradual desensitization.
3) Medical Factors
Anxiety in dogs might have a root cause, which is a medical problem. Anxiety-like sensations might be brought on by pain or discomfort brought on by particular health conditions, such as arthritis, digestive disorders, or hormone imbalances.
What is CBD Oil?
In Cannabis sativa, CBD is a chemical present that lacks the psychoactive feature of THC. CBD is then extracted and mixed with oils like coconut or hemp seed oil to form CBD oil. What's interesting to note is the varying concentrations of CBD in these oils, providing versatility in usage and dosing.
How Can CBD Oil Make Your Dog Less Anxious?
There are many ways in which CBD oil can make your dog less anxious. Some of the ways in which CBD oil can reduce your dog's anxiety are discussed below:
1) Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System(ECS)
The ECS controls various functions, including anxiety and mood. Both humans and dogs experience similar effects on their endocannabinoid system when using CBD oil. By interacting with specific ECS receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, CBD oil helps regulate anxiety levels and promotes balance in the system.
2) Reduction of Stress Hormones
CBD oil may reduce anxiety in dogs by lowering stress hormone levels. Studies suggest that CBD oil can influence the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, resulting in decreased anxiety-related behaviors.
3) Promotion of Relaxation
CBD oil may help anxious dogs by promoting relaxation. The main ingredient, cannabidiol, has soothing effects that can help dogs stay calm in anxiety-inducing situations.CBD oil may help our animal pals feel more at peace and have fewer symptoms of anxiety by encouraging relaxation.
4) Anti-inflammatory Effects
Another noteworthy aspect of CBD oil's potential role in reducing canine anxiety lies in its anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that anxiety and inflammation are interconnected, with heightened inflammation possibly exacerbating anxiety symptoms. CBD oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help regulate inflammation levels, potentially addressing this link and indirectly alleviating anxiety in dogs.
5) Improved Sleep
Sleep disturbances are often observed in dogs experiencing anxiety. CBD oil's potential to improve sleep patterns can be beneficial in addressing this particular aspect. By influencing sleep cycles and promoting a more restful slumber, CBD oil may help reduce anxiety-related sleep disturbances and contribute to the overall emotional well-being of dogs.
Conclusion
CBD oil has become a potential tool to mitigate anxiety in dogs. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, lowering stress hormones, increasing relaxation, having anti-inflammatory effects, and maybe enhancing sleep patterns, CBD oil provides a complete approach to treating canine anxiety.
To completely understand its effects on dogs, further study is required. Therefore, it's crucial to speak with a veterinarian before attempting any novel treatments.
Reference links:
https://www.innovetpet.com/blogs/news/cbd-oil-for-dog-anxiety
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cbd-oil-for-anxiety-can-it-calm-your-anxious-dog/
Image Source: CBDNorth