Dog owners struggle with their pets, such as anxiety, aggression, obsessive behaviors, and more. While training and behavior modification techniques are the foundation for addressing these problems, owners are finding that adding CBD oil to their dog’s routine provides additional support. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp plants of potential health benefits for both humans and animals.
Reduces anxiety
The most common use of best cbd oil for dogs is to reduce anxiety. Dogs experience anxiety for many reasons – separation, fear of noises, social situations, travel, etc. When dogs have an anxious disposition, it often exacerbates behavioural problems by putting them on heightened alert and impacting focus and response to commands. CBD has anti-anxiety effects by altering serotonin levels in the brain and reducing cortisol levels in the body. These anxious dogs feel more at ease on a day-to-day basis and create an improved foundation for introducing training and behavior modification.
Aids with phobia and fear responses
Anxiety, specific phobias, and intense fear reactions very frequently contribute to undesirable behaviors in dogs, such as aggression or destruction stemming from the fear itself or efforts to escape the feared stimulus. Some common phobias and fears in dogs include cars, vet visits, nail trims, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, and more. CBD oil supplements during the training process help minimize dogs’ phobic responses, lowering their fight-or-flight reactions to the fear stimuli and focusing on learning new, more positive associations and behaviors.
These repetitive behaviors are rigid, resistant to distraction, and generally have no clear purpose – though they may arise from boredom, anxiety, stress, or other factors. CBD oil gives compulsive dogs some relief from the anxiety and tension that triggers their obsessive behaviors. It also provides general mental and physical relaxation that helps soothe restlessness
Boosts motivation
One challenge owner’s face is finding ways to properly motivate their dogs during training. Food treats often work, but become less effective for dogs that have low appetite due to anxiety, picky eaters, and dogs on restricted diets. CBD oil stimulates dogs’ appetite and elevates their mood, making them more enthusiastic about rewards. It also activates the brain’s dopamine reward system, making activities like obedience practice intrinsically more motivating.
Reduces aggression
Aggressive behavior issues are complex and dangerous, so addressing them requires a multi-pronged approach. As one part of a comprehensive training program, CBD oil curbs aggressive behavior on several fronts. It helps reduce underlying anxiety, trauma, fear, and stress that often fuel aggressive reactions. The relaxing effect of CBD during situations that previously triggered aggressive responses puts them in a calmer state of mind to receive guidance. CBD also reduces impulsivity and improves emotional regulation, allowing dogs to respond in more thoughtful vs. reflexive ways.
Complements other medications/supplements
CBD interacts with some oral and topical medications, and supplements. In many cases, combining CBD with other drugs that influence serotonin, like tricyclic antidepressants or SSRIs, bolsters their effects thanks to CBD’s serotonin-altering properties. The same goes for supplements like L-theanine and magnesium. Consulting with your veterinarian your dog’s medicines and supplements don’t cause any interactions when combined with CBD.
