Taking your dog to the vet or anywhere that involves moving vehicles is a stressful experience. Not only for you, but also for your furry friend. However, there is a solution that can make the experience easier for both of you: CBD. According to a new study, dogs who enjoy a daily dose of CBD see “significant reductions” in stress and anxiety related to car travel.
The study, conducted by scientists at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the United Kingdom, looked at the behavioral and physiological stress response in dogs given CBD (THC-free cannabis) compared to a placebo group who did not ingest CBD. The researchers partnered with Mars Petcare, a pet food and vet company, for this study.
Twenty dogs participated in the study, all of whom showed symptoms of anxiety and stress regarding car trips. These were not dogs who eagerly stuck their heads out of car windows. However, when given CBD two hours before the required drive, every dog given CBD showed “meaningful improvements” during the 24 weeks of the study.
So how did the researchers measure the dogs’ stress levels? They monitored cortisol levels, which are associated with stress and are produced and released by the adrenal glands situated above the kidneys. They also looked at more obvious factors such as whining behavior. The results showed that these stress indicators were significantly influenced by CBD administration. The study suggests that a daily dose of 4 mg/kg may have a mild anxiolytic effect on dogs when traveling in a car.
Interestingly, even the placebo group saw a decrease in stress levels. This could be attributed to dogs getting used to driving over time. However, it is important to note that the dogs who took CBD had lower levels of cortisol post-test than they did at the beginning of the study.
While CBD does reduce anxiety in dogs, it is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive approach that includes other interventions such as behavioral modification therapy. The researchers suggest that CBD could be used as a single dose treatment prior to acute stressors.
Further research is needed to better understand the effect of CBD at different dosages on improving dog emotional wellbeing.
Stress can be detrimental to dogs, just like it can be to humans. Anxious dogs may experience physiological changes such as increased heart rate and suppressed digestion, as well as behavioral shifts like heightened reactivity or depression. Stress can also lead to digestive problems, urinary issues, and obsessive-like behaviors. In some cases, stress can even manifest as aggression.
CBD is not the only way dogs can benefit from cannabis. Previous studies have shown that CBD can reduce seizures in dogs and alleviate arthritis pain. However, the legalization of cannabis has resulted in weed-sniffing police dogs losing their jobs, which may actually reduce their stress levels and serve as another win for canines and cannabis.
In conclusion, CBD can significantly lower dogs’ stress and anxiety during car travel. It is a safe and effective option that pet owners can consider to make their furry friends’ journeys more comfortable. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new treatments or medications for your dog.
