Many pets experience forms of anxiety, from separation anxiety to trauma. Some internal issues may look like symptoms of anxiety. Hemp products for dogs and cats are growing in popularity, as they are for humans who experience similar issues. How do hemp products help, though?
What is Hemp?
Hemp, or cannabis sativa, is a plant that has been used for things like textiles, paper, food, and medicine for centuries. The oil used in products is derived from the plant seed, so contains much lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound found in marijuana that induces psychoactive effects. So, pet parents can rest assured that their pet won’t get high from these products. It does, however, contain the compound cannabidiol which gives it calming properties.
How Does Hemp Help to Calm Anxious Pets?
Pets’ bodies have a group of receptors in their nervous system called endocannabinoids. These receptors regulate a pet’s mood, pain receptors, sleep, appetite, digestion, and more. Low counts of endocannabinoids in your pet’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) can cause issues with any of the things mentioned above, and anxiety may stem from those problems.
The cannabinoids in hemp engage with the ECS and work to boost the endocannabinoid count and regulate the pet’s anxiety. An irregular endocannabinoid system may not be the trigger for nervousness, though. If the pet has experienced trauma that is causing its anxiety, the calming effects of the hemp can ease it.
Sometimes, a pet’s anxiety is caused by physical discomfort. Skin irritation, joint pain (or any kind of pain), or digestive issues can all induce stress that may present like anxiety. Hemp is rich in omega fatty acids which promote healthy skin. The anti-inflammatory properties also help with skin issues as well as pain, joint health, and gut health.
How to Choose The Right Hemp Products for A Pet
Hemp products are a great natural way to alleviate anxiety in a pet and there are many brands to choose from. There are also lots of forms that cater to different pets’ needs and preferences. So, how can owners whittle down the variety?
- Get approval from the pet’s vet
- Make sure that third parties have tested and approved the product.
- Read labels and make sure the source, extraction method, and CBD content are clearly stated.
Knowing a pet’s needs and preferences can also help to decide on the form of product to choose. Oils, tinctures, and capsules can be put directly in their mouth or food. If they don’t like the taste of those, treats are a great option. They come in a variety of flavors that any pet would love.
Pet owners should remember to start their pet with the recommended dosage on the product’s label. The products need time to build in the animal’s system to have a meaningful effect. Changes can take days to weeks to be noticeable. Owners can raise the dosage if they feel it necessary, and should always monitor their pet for adverse reactions. Reach out to your dog’s vet to ensure you are choosing the right products for your pet’s anxiety.
