Cannabis-derived products for dogs are a relatively new thing. But they are already broadly popular and make astronomical claims. Is CBD for dogs effective? Let us find out.
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What Role Does CBD Play In Dogs?
Dogs are a man’s best friend. And most often, you will find the canines around you to be calm and playful. But it can act out due to poor training or certain traumatic events in the dog’s life. And this could prove to be dangerous to you and your family. While you could train a young puppy, doing so with an older, aggressive breed might be challenging. In such cases, your first action would be to consult a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. But often, the medicines prescribed for this might not yield fruitful results. And that is when CBD comes into play.
What are the Signs of Dog Aggression?
Not all of your dog’s misbehavior counts as aggression. There are sure signs, and you can watch out for them. Curbing these quickly can prevent the worsening of your canine’s behavior. Thus, you both will be able to have fun without worry. The common symptoms are listed below.
- Loud growling
- Snapping of teeth
- Pricked fur
- Yawning
- Hiding from others
These are, of course, only some warning signs. But if you spot these or any behavior which is out of the ordinary, you can take precautionary measures.
What is CBD?
Cannabis and hemp plants are currently all the hype right now. Despite the loosening of marijuana restrictions globally, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main compound obtained from these plants, remains illegal in many places. It is psychoactive, delivering several benefits while causing a high. People have sought out several alternatives. Among them, CBD or cannabidiol is the most popular. But the use of this compound is not restricted to human beings. Many animals, including dogs, can reap the benefits supplied by this magical compound.
How Can CBD Help With Dog Aggression?
When you notice the first signs of dog aggression, you must take your pet to a trusted animal care center. During treatment, your dog may have to consume different pharmaceutical drugs. But this might come at the cost of varying side effects, which can harm the canine and the relationship between you. And this is where a natural approach using products such as CBD can come in handy. With hundreds of years of anecdotal evidence backing up the claims, cannabidiol can genuinely solve the aggressive behavior shown by your dog.
The exact mechanism behind the course of action of CBD is not fully known, mainly due to the lack of tests in dogs. However, preliminary research suggests that this molecule interacts with your brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. Upon these engagements, the anxiety or aggression in a dog can reduce drastically. Of course, these effects can get replicated by the use of THC. However, that can lead to side effects such as fatigue, vomiting, etc. Besides, it is far easier to obtain CBD these days than to get marijuana.
How Much CBD Should Your Dog Take?
Since cannabis-derived products are under-researched and not approved by the FDA, it is difficult to assign a particular dosage with certainty. It mainly depends on the size and breed of your dog and on how aggressive it is when you start the treatment. You must be careful how much CBD product you minister to your pet. Besides, you should remember that most cannabidiol products safe for human consumption may not be ideal for your dog. So, make sure you are buying dog-safe products from trustworthy brands.
These drugs will often come labeled with the recommended dosage. So, follow the instructions and never go overboard. It is better to start small and gradually build your way up, depending on how your dog responds. It is essential to be regular with the amount and frequency with which you give CBD to your dog.
What Are CBD Products Available to Your Dog?
Cannabidiol-infused products are available in various forms for both dogs and humans. The only difference between the two remains to be the safety of the ingredients. Many brands sell oils, tinctures, powders, capsules, chews, etc., as a source of CBD. However, as a dog owner, you know how tough it is to give medicines to them directly. Getting a product that you can conceal through their meals or drinks is a good idea. Some manufacturers sell tasty dog chews infused with cannabidiol. These can do the trick just as well.
What should you keep in mind when using CBD for your dog?
Cannabidiol is a natural solution for aggressive dogs. It is meant to get used in conjunction with behavioral therapy. But it is not the end all and be all. We recommend going natural only after trying out the veterinarian-prescribed treatment. But remember that doing both sides by side might be challenging. Even though using CBD in average doses does not have any side effects, it can interfere with the action of other drugs. And this might hamper the progress of your dog’s behavior.
What is the conclusion?
Cannabidiol (CBD) can be an excellent addition to your dog’s supplements if it suffers from behavioral disorders. While it cannot get considered a medical treatment, it can alleviate some symptoms. And the rest has to be worked on consistently with training and other therapy routes.