As the knowledge on the use of CBD as an anticorrosive medication for a lot of conditions grows, many pet owners are finding themselves wondering how this could effect their pets. For many dogs, it is stress, loud noises, and separation that cause anxiety. It can be understood why CBD might have an anxiety-reducing effect if one considers how CBD would interact with a dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a very complex endocannabinoid system of receptors, lipids, and enzymes, which is held in a state of balance. The ECS of dogs regulates mood, pain, and stress such as in humans’. 

Interact-How CBD/ECS

CBD is one of the phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant but does not possess the euphoric characteristics found with THC. The major mechanism by which CBD acts on the ECS is through CB1 and CB2 receptors. Unlike THC, best CBD for dog anxiety indirectly affects the former but directly inhibits the latter. CBD may also elevate natural endocannabinoids within the body, which heightens stress and anxiety response. CBD may also affect anandamide, one of the body’s endocannabinoids that suppresses anxiety and enhances feelings of well-being. CBD acts in conjunction with ECS to induce many physiological effects that cause reduction in anxiety among dogs. Studies have revealed that CBD can cause the reduction of symptoms of anxiety, which include excessive barking, destructive behavior, and lethargy.

Scientific Studies

There have been studies with some evidence that CBD benefits dog anxiety; however, much remains to be researched. A 2018 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association concluded that CBD significantly reduced dogs’ anxiety-related behaviors when they experienced high amounts of stress, such as during loud noises or car rides. During another CBD study related to chronic pain, patients claimed to experience reduced anxiety. More and more, it seems, CBD is a safe and successful treatment for dog anxiety.

Considerations for Administering CBD to Dogs

CBD can help calm dogs, but its administration should be taken with a grain of salt. Seeking a vet before embarking on a CBD regimen is important to ensure that the dog receives what it needs. Effectiveness might also depend on the health, weight, and type of best CBD for dog anxiety. The market is full of inferior CBD products, so a veterinarian-recommended brand is crucial. The dog’s CBD response should be followed over time and dosages adjusted to receive the optimum results. CBD seems to boost the dog’s system of endocannabinoids, thereby making it a new anxiety treatment. Potentially more research may be necessary for the effects that specifically apply in dogs. The anxiety-reducing properties of CBD may be applied by pet owners to enhance the quality of life in pets.