Here, we’re going to discuss cat and dog anxiety and how CBD can help pets feel less anxious when their owners go back to work again. There’s a lot of discussion around pet anxiety these days, with many pet owners wondering if cannabis could also help this transition become less stressful.

Cannabidiol is a natural compound that humans have been using for hundreds of years, and while it’s not yet FDA approved, new studies are emerging every day regarding its efficacy.

Federally legal CBD comes from the hemp plant and doesn’t contain THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that causes a “high” feeling). This means pets will not experience psychoactive side effects when they take it. That said, keep an eye on your dog for any changes in mood or behavior.

What Causes Cat and Dog Anxiety?

Pets can get stressed when they are alone, and common triggers can be eliminated up front. Some breeds of dogs and cats are more likely to exhibit anxiety than others, so it’s important for pet owners to be proactive.

Sometimes, your cat or dog’s anxiety is caused by factors outside of your absence. For example, when a dog’s previous owners abandoned them, they might show signs of anxiety and feel especially vulnerable.

Medications they’re taking could also cause them to become stressed more than usual, and it may be worth a call to your vet to determine if there is an alternative treatment if this is the case.

In addition to feeling anxious because they’re alone, environmental stress like thunder, house guests, nearby construction, and other loud noises your pet is going to have a harder time when left alone.

This can be an ongoing issue or something that’s purely situational. But it is important to keep in mind that if you’ve been working from home and are going back to your workplace, there is a good chance your furry friend will exhibit some anxious behaviors.

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Pets

When you’re at home with your pet, they may act perfectly happy, calm, and normal. However, when their human leaves for work for the day, anxiety can peak when triggers are introduced.

Not every homeowner comes home to a torn-up couch, plants all over the carpet, or trash that’s been raided. Unless they have a pet cam, they may not know their pet is bothered by their absence at all.

If you suspect something is amiss during the day, you may consider getting a cam to keep an eye on your pet. Some of them come with a speaker so you can use an app on your phone to say hi to your anxious dog. They will love hearing the sound of your voice!

So what are some signs of separation anxiety in animals? Some signs include:

• Destruction of objects in the home
• Drooling a lot
• Not eating like usual
• Barking and whining
• Excessive panting
• Self-harm (biting and scratching)  
• Urinating or defecating inside the home (or not in the litterbox)
• Restless when left behind
• Trying to escape
• Panting, pacing, and trembling

Pets may learn to adjust when their humans are gone and also learn new coping skills. But it might take time. If you are patient and do the things that you need to do consistently, then you and your pet can feel more at ease with this change and less afraid with time.

How to Calm an Anxious Dog or Cat

Relieving anxiety in pets requires a multi-pronged approach. You may consider using a medication or hemp oil to calm anxiety in dogs and cats, but working on calming the behavior is just as important.

One of the most important factors to keep in mind is that separation anxiety is based on fear in many dogs and cats, and not spite or anger. Your pet is afraid that you’re gone, and it’s impossible to explain that you’ll be back at a certain time and everything is okay.

Because of this, you should not punish your dog for bad behavior. Punishment only exacerbates the issue, creating more fear and stress, which will lead to more anxious behavior.

Let’s look at some other tips that may relieve your pet’s stress.

• Interactive toys that require your pet’s attention
• A safe space that’s comfortable and quiet
• Gates that keep him confined to a specific area of your home
• Soothing sounds, such as a white noise machine, music, or TV
• Room diffuser or pheromones
• A variety of toys/activities that keep him busy
• A comforting toy or blanket that smells like you
• Play with him before and after you leave
• Release excess energy with walks and exercise
• Give your dog or cat treats for good behavior

Creating less anticipation around your departures and arrivals is key. Remove cues that trigger an alarm when you leave, such as grabbing your keys or making a big deal about saying goodbye. And when you come home, don’t make it a big event–simply greet your animals and act as if you’ve been there the entire time.

If you have time to prepare, start leaving the house for a few hours at a time every day leading up to your first day back at work. This training will help your dog get used to you being away, especially if you gradually increase the time away over the span of a few weeks.

Creating this expectation can help identify anxiety behaviors, and you may have time to explore treatment options with your vet leading up to your departure.

And sometimes, a trip to your veterinarian is warranted anyway, to help rule out any other conditions that could be exacerbating this anxiety. There could be a physical health reason, such as pain, at play.

Why CBD Could Help Calm Your Cat or Dog’s Anxiety

CBD is a natural compound that can help calm an anxious dog or cat. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system in your pet’s body, bringing his nervous system back to homeostasis. Endocannabinoids can stimulate the production of serotonin, which is the molecule the body produces to regulate mood.

Dogs and cats can benefit from this natural cannabinoid in much the same way that humans do, with calming effects on their nervous system. It’s important to know that cannabidiol won’t get your pet high as THC would–it just helps them relax, and could help temper your dog’s anxiety.

CBD is a compound in cannabis that has some reported medical benefits, although studies on this topic are relatively new. It does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. It can be found in hemp or marijuana, but if it is from hemp, then you are getting the medical benefits without the psychoactive effects.

CBD Can be Added to Food or Given Orally

As pet owners, we often find it ironic that our pets eat some pretty gross things, but when it comes to taking an innocuous pill or drops, they suddenly turn into Gordon Ramsey.

The nice thing about CBD is that it comes in various formulations for your animal friend. Supplements, chews, and tinctures can come in meat-flavored bites, and you will find unflavored products as well. So even if your canine is a picky eater, they may still be able to take it without much trouble.

It can also be added to food or given orally by dropping the hemp oil on the tongue. You will find many recipes online for adding it into foods like canned tuna and chicken broth, which make for a fantastic treat. If a homecooked meal on the menu doesn’t help ease your pet’s anxiety, we don’t know what will!

Why Quality Pet CBD Matters

It’s no secret that CBD has emerged in a huge way, especially since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp products. You can find numerous items related to hemp online, in dispensaries, and even at gas stations.

Sifting through them can become pretty overwhelming, and can be difficult to figure out where to start your search.

We can’t emphasize enough how much quality matters for your dog or cat. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate cannabis yet, there isn’t a lot of oversight in regard to the quality standards in the hemp plant itself, as well as the finished product.

Many reputable brands use third-party lab testing to verify quality, and we recommend you check out this article on what that means: How to Shop for the Safest CBD Products

Additionally, take a look at this article on how to use hemp products for your pet: CBD for Your Pets

While there are some things in life that are okay to buy on a budget, cannabis is not one of them. Some products slip through the cracks with heavy metals and other toxins, where others aren’t even CBD (reports have found things such as olive oil and hemp seed oil, for example).

When it comes to your pet, it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry. You want to give your anxious dog or cat something that is actually helpful to help calm them, and that’s healthy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a better idea of what to expect with an anxious dog or cat, you can work on the steps needed to help them relax while you’re away. Create a solid routine to ease them into it, and try to eliminate any triggers that cause their fear.

When your pet feels stress, they can’t talk about it like we can, and they’re going to act in ways that they know will get your attention. While some of these behaviors are mild and easy to treat, others can cause stress for the entire family.

Regardless of the severity of symptoms, there are a number of ways to turn that anxiety into a calm and happy situation. From medications to training to supplements, and even CBD, you have the power to help your dog or cat find their happy place when you’re away.

Check out some of our products to see if any would work best for your pet. Whether you need something natural like hemp treats or want to try CBD oil drops instead, we want your four-legged friends feel less anxious during these transitions!

The post CBD as a Way to Help Pets with Separation Anxiety appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at veterinary cannabidiol, how to use it, and what to look for when you’re shopping for CBD for pets.

What is CBD?

If you’re new to the world of CBD but are interested in its potential benefits for your pet, you’re in the right place! CBD is the abbreviated term for cannabidiol, which is a phytocannabinoid found in the hemp and marijuana plant. It works with the endocannabinoid system (more on that below) to regulate all the processes in the body.

CBD is not the same as THC, which is another phytocannabinoid found in the marijuana plant. THC does create a psychoactive effect and produces a “high” feeling, but CBD does not. It is important to note that while several studies exist that study CBD and its uses, it is not regulated by the FDA, so be wary of any sources that claim that it can treat, cure, or prevent any health condition.

The Animal Endocannabinoid System

Humans have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that oversees the body’s ability to regulate functions such as nervous responses, pain, immune function, and even dermatological issues. This system is charged with returning your system to homeostasis after injury, trauma, and illness.

When a disruption is detected, the ECS releases compounds called cannabinoids into the bloodstream to bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Phytocannabinoids that come from plants like hemp work in much the same way as the body’s cannabinoids.

Animals also have an endocannabinoid system. Very few studies have been conducted that evaluate how it works with phytocannabinoids. Still, a recent study published by Colorado State University found that 89% of dogs that were treated with CBD had a reduction in seizures. Another study by Cornell University reported that 80% of dogs using CBD showed signs of reduced pain from osteoarthritis.

These studies both evaluated small samples, but the results paved the way for more extensive, more intense studies to be conducted.

Can My Veterinarian Prescribe CBD for Animals?

With so many CBD pet products on the market, it’s natural to wonder why your vet isn’t talking about it. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and loosened some of the previous laws regarding CBD, the pet-vet relationship is clouded in some mystery. If asked about it, may veterinarians are likely to remain close-lipped on the issue and for good reason.

There is one exception, however. In 2018, a statewide bill was passed that allows California veterinarians to discuss CBD for pets, but they are prohibited from recommending it or prescribing it. Even in states where marijuana is legal, the laws aren’t too clear on whether or not your veterinarian can discuss it when asked.

Penalties for vets recommending CBD can range from disciplinary action to having their license suspended or revoked. Until the laws are more set in stone on veterinary cannabidiol, it’s up to pet owners to thoroughly research the topic on their own.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats?

When it comes to the safety aspect of CBD for dogs and cats, we recommend looking at several factors when making a purchasing decision.

THC-free products

Use only broad-spectrum CBD pet products. While CBD is generally considered safe for pets, THC has poisoned and even killed animals. Until further juried research can be done to test safe doses for pets, avoid THC and use a broad-spectrum product instead of a full-spectrum one.

Dosage

The FDA has not established a recommended dosage for pets, nor has it established toxic levels of CBD for pets. The AKC recommends starting with very small amounts and monitoring your pet closely as/if you increase the amount over time.

The Benefits CBD Pet Tinctures

CBD pet tinctures have been found to reach higher concentrations in the bloodstream and absorb more quickly than chews and treats. They can come flavored or unflavored, giving the owner options for dosing it directly on the tongue or mixing with food. Be very careful with a glass dropper if you’re administering CBD in your pet’s mouth.

The Benefits of CBD Edibles for Pets

While the oil or tincture version may be ideal in regard to absorption, chews and edible forms stay in the system longer. Some pets may dislike oil placed straight in their mouth or added to their food. Dogs and cats also love treats, which could make it easier for both of you.  

Don’t Price Shop

When it comes to finding the best CBD for pets, there are a lot of ways to compare the products, but one should not be the price. The cheaper products out there may not even be CBD, or contain harmful toxins. Here’s what to look for:

• Certificate of analysis: this certificate is a lab test that evaluates the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, but also tests for toxic mold, fertilizers, solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and fungi. Many counterfeit products are on the market, or they don’t have any sort of testing to prove quality and safety. And finally, if the company itself does the lab testing, you can’t verify the accuracy or oversight—always look for third-party testing.
• Organic and natural ingredients: dogs and cats can react poorly to artificial flavoring and other ingredients, so look for organic and natural ingredients. Be wary of essential oils added to tinctures, as some of these can be toxic to pets.
• Organically grown hemp from the United States: while the end product may not be USDA certified organic, it can be made from organically grown hemp. Check out this article to learn more about what this means: https://riponnaturals.com/cbd-research-articles/usda-certified-organic-cbd-what-does-it-mean/
• Do not use human edibles: to add to the last item on this list, there are some ingredients in human foods that can kill a pet, such as erythritol, a natural sweetener. Many products meant for humans contain this and other ingredients not meant for pets, so be sure to stick to pet-only CBD products.
• Avoid hempseed oil: while hempseed oil is safe and nutritious for dogs and cats, it does not contain any cannabinoids and won’t produce the same therapeutic benefits that CBD may have. Make sure that you see CBD or hemp extract in the CoA and not hemp seeds.
• Flavor: it seems like some pets will eat just about anything, but when it comes to their treats, they can be a bit pickier. You may find that one flavor doesn’t have the same excitement for your pet as another, so experiment until you find what they like.

Possible Side Effects of CBD in Animals

CBD is largely well-tolerated in pets, but some side effects can come with the territory. Start with a small dose, and if they tolerate it well, you can increase the amount after a few weeks if needed.

Here are some of the most common side effects that may occur:

• Lack of energy or sleepiness
• Dry mouth and higher water consumption
• Eating more than usual
• Lower blood pressure and lightheadedness
• If your dog is currently taking any prescription medications, CBD could interfere with the way your body metabolizes them.

Even though CBD is considered “natural” by many, that doesn’t mean it comes without side effects or that it can’t potentially harm your pet. If your pet shows any signs of illness or distress, call your vet right away.

Final Thoughts

CBD for cats and dogs is still a relatively new field of study, but with more scientists piloting research in the world of CBD for pets, we’re excited to see what further information emerges. We could see even more products hit the market, and possibly more regulations and oversight as it pertains to dosages and conditions CBD can treat.

Ready to try CBD cat treats, dog chews, and tinctures? We’ve got the full lineup of CBD pet products, all of which are broad-spectrum, third-party lab tested, and made from organically grown hemp from Colorado. Shop our products today!

The post CBD Products for Pets: Should You Try Them? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.