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One of the most common behavioural issues we observe in dogs is anxiety. Despite this, treatment often becomes complex. Traditional therapies can be intensive and expensive for owners and may require the use of antidepressants.
In recent years, the use of CBD oil has been touted as a natural alternative to managing anxiety in dogs. To date, there is limited gold-standard research supporting the use of CBD oil for pets or dogs with anxiety. However, based on what we know from anecdotal data, experimental studies and research on the mechanisms of CBD in the stressed or anxious brain, the potential of CBD as an adjunct anxiety treatment in dogs is an exciting prospect in veterinary medicine.
Pets and humans share a similar Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which regulates everything from mood to immune and gastrointestinal. When CBD interacts with the ECS and other chemical signals in the brain, it can produce anxiety-relieving effects by modulating the body’s fear and anxiety responses. Similarly, CBD oil may reduce the expression of anxiety in dogs such as barking, whining, noise phobias, separation anxiety, pacing, and other signs of distress or discomfort.
At CBD Vet Australia, we offer free prescribing webinars for veterinarians, so please email us if you’re interested or register for our next one here.
The existing research on using CBD to treat anxiety and stress is promising, but much more is required. To date, most studies have focused on humans and rats. However, new results from a randomised, placebo-controlled, blinded study have been released, and the findings are promising.
The research team explored how CBD impacted the experience of 20 dogs in two common activities expected to cause stress – car journeys and being left alone. The trial found that a single oral dose (4 mgs per kg of body weight) of THC-free CBD significantly relieved multiple measures of dogs’ stress caused by car travel or being left alone.
When it comes to the broader evidence base, CBD is thought to work in similar ways across mammals.
While the research base on the outcomes and side effects of using CBD oil for pet anxiety is still emerging, studies are underway to help fill in the gaps in our knowledge. Given this, we recommend considering CBD oil as an adjunct treatment option when traditional therapies have been ineffective in managing a dog’s anxiety.
When it comes to dosage, investigations in dogs have shown CBD to be safe in doses as high as 10-20mg/kg/day. However, given the lack of research on the use of CBD oil as an anxiety treatment – and the potential side effects when used for this purpose – we recommend the “Start Low and Go Slow”. For the anxious patient, we find that one dose of 4mg per kg given 2 hours prior to travel or stress may significantly reduce anxiety, and can be given as an additional dose if the current dose is less than 2mg per kg twice daily.
Please contact us at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au or (02) 8294 9303 for more information or training in prescribing legal CBD for pets. We’re here to help.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
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