CBD oil for dogs

[rosemarythyme]

Wanted to see if anyone uses CBD oil for their dogs (especially for anxiety) and what they think of it? Does it seem to help? Any weird side effects?

We recently got an Anatolian-husky mix dog that was surrendered to the shelter. She is understandably very stressed and has separation anxiety to the point that she's clawed up the molding around two doors trying to get to us (for the first few days we confined her into a bathroom and a bedroom, as we have 2 other dogs and didn't want them interacting without supervision).

We had our dog trainer come out and work with her and she suggested looking into CBD oil to take the edge off her anxiety. Asked our vet as well plus a family member who is also a vet and they said their main concern with CBD is that it's not federally regulated and not scientifically proven to work, but many reviews I've read online sound positive. We currently have her on Tramadol but there's a lot of side effects so I'd really like a less pharmaceutical option.

 

[PirateGirl]

Do a search of the forums here, there is another thread much about this. Tramadol is harsh so I agree that if you can find an alternative that works, it's probably a good thing. I have used CBD for dogs, but not for anxiety. My recommendation would be to purchase a variety that is formulated for pets. It will be made from hemp thus it with NOT have THC in it. CBD is ok for dogs, THC is not. If you buy a human variety of CBD, just make sure it is one that does not have THC. I would start with a small dose and work your way up. They cannot really overdose on it, but I have found that some can lead to loose stool and the like and you don't want to come home to dog poop all over your house. You will have to see how your dog stomachs it. Give it with food. I prefer the tincture because with a large dog if you buy the CBD treats they'd have to eat a whole bag of treats to get a decent dose which not only gets expensive but could make for an overweight dog pretty quickly. The brand I buy locally is "Holistic Hound" and they carry it at my feed store. It is a CA based company. I buy the one that also has mushrooms in it because of my dog's needs and my vet's recommendation, though I don't think you need the mushroom variety for anxiety.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks, I looked up the other thread and I agree with that poster, I'm always a little iffy about supposed miracle products with nothing but glowing reviews, so I figured I'd get a more honest response here.

I planned on ordering the CBD as the dispensaries mostly carry it for human usage (so it contains some amount of THC). I was planning on getting a tincture as the dog does need to lose some weight so I definitely don't want to stuff her with excess treats.

 

[PirateGirl]

It’s worth trying. If it helps, great, if not, no real loss. We use it for arthritis pain management and cancer management in combination with some other supplements. I opted not to put a 13 year old dog through chemo. She has outlived expectations and is now 14 and still has reasonable quality of life. I can’t say for sure the tincture helps, but I am willing to try anything to help my pup. s

 

[cassie]

I have a friend who uses it on an older dog with joint pain. She says it really seems to help him. He likes it too. Licks it right off the dropper.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for the feedback, cassie. I placed an order and am looking forward to trying it out.

In the meantime we've been working a lot on our new dog using suggestions the trainer made and we even went out to eat this evening without coming home to a panicky dog (no panting, drooling, etc.) So hopefully with continued desensitization training and the CBD she'll settle down in nicely in the next few weeks.

 

[PirateGirl]

Thanks for the feedback, cassie. I placed an order and am looking forward to trying it out.

In the meantime we've been working a lot on our new dog using suggestions the trainer made and we even went out to eat this evening without coming home to a panicky dog (no panting, drooling, etc.) So hopefully with continued desensitization training and the CBD she'll settle down in nicely in the next few weeks.

This is good. I think you will find the training will help over time. I worked with a trainer on calming techniques with my dog and it made a world of difference.