Separation anxiety (SA) is a very common problem for pet owners as well as veterinary professionals. There are many great resources available to assist with this behavior, but one that goes largely overlooked is CBD oil or cannabidiol.
CBD has been shown to have many benefits including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which can help with anxiety and stress. CBD can be used in conjunction with other medications or therapies to enhance the treatment of SA.
So What is CBD Oil?
CBD is one of many compounds that are found in the cannabis Sativa plant. It doesn’t contain THC, the psychoactive compound that leads to a high after ingesting marijuana. However, it does contain hundreds of other cannabinoids with potential therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, neuroprotect. These properties make CBD a popular alternative or adjunct therapy for many conditions: seizures, anxiety and stress disorders, arthritis, and more, confirmed by https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/marketplace/best-cbd-oil-for-anxiety-depression/ .
CBD oil is administered orally, either in capsule form or mixed with food. The preferred treatment is the oil itself as it has been shown to have a higher bioavailability than CBD edibles. In addition, the number of side effects associated with CBD is negligible compared to the other medications listed above.
How Can CBD Oil Help with Separation Anxiety?
Anxiety manifests itself in many ways, depending on the individual’s personality. For some people, anxiety can lead to panic attacks, hypervigilance, excess barking, destruction of property, and more. Pets that are most affected by separation anxiety tend to hide or exhibit behaviors such as chewing, scratching, vomiting, or urinating.
CBD has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety by changing the brain’s reaction to certain neurotransmitters. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD may activate 5-HT 1A/2A/3A serotonin receptors which would lead to an antidepressant effect and a reduction of anxiety.
Another study showed that CBD administration leads to a significant neuro-chemical decrease in Serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine concentrations in the limbic system. This would be responsible for reducing panic attacks as well as general anxiety. Once again this supports the effectiveness of CBD as a treatment option for dogs with separation anxiety.
CBD oil is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional medications for treating anxiety. CBD has also helped with other types of anxiety including PTSD, OCD, and even social phobia in humans.
How to Use CBD Oil for Dogs?
If you are interested in trying CBD oil as an adjunct treatment for your dog’s separation anxiety you should speak with your veterinarian first. They will have a better understanding of your dog’s health and can help you determine the right option for them.
Some veterinarians are reluctant to use CBD oil because it is still considered an alternative treatment by the veterinary community, but more and more vets are becoming comfortable with its use as scientific research continues to show that this is a viable option for your dog’s anxiety.
If your vet believes it would be right for your pet they may start with the lowest dose possible and slowly increase until you see an improvement in behavior.
Conclusion
Separation Anxiety is a very difficult condition to deal with and has a profound effect on the pet. It can even lead to depression in your dog, which makes treatment that much more important. While there are many medications available to assist with this disorder CBD oil may be an excellent adjunct or alternative therapy for dogs suffering from SA.
The use of CBD oil is on the rise as a treatment for anxiety and more studies are being done to determine its efficacy. In addition, CBD is typically an effective anti-inflammatory agent which can help with arthritis pain and other joint issues that may be causing your dog to feel more anxious.