The Truth About CBD For Anxiety
The Endocannabinoid system and cannabis continue to be researched in the scientific community and the general public. One of the main therapeutic uses being researched is the ability to reduce anxiety in animals with the endocannabinoid system (any animal with a spinal column).
The therapeutic properties of Cannabis sativa, the plant used to create CBD oil, have been recognized for millennia. Relatively recently, researchers discovered how and why Cannabis is able to treat ailments like anxiety.
When studying the plant for medicinal purposes, THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD were discovered. THC and CBD are the Cannabis plant’s main active molecules.
Over the last 50 years, there has been significant controversy due to the Cannabis plant, but major discoveries have been made despite public reluctance including:
- The ability to treat pain
- The ability to treat a lack of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain
- Cancer
- Anxiety
Studies Show the Results
A study published in Neuroscience Biobehavior focused on a topic area of particular interest to the general public; CBD and effects on anxiety. The study focused on fear, anxiety, and stress.
Before I dive deeper, it’s important to note, this study was primarily researched using humans. Luckily, the Endocannabinoid System is found in all animals with a spinal column, so this research can also be applicable here for our beloved pets.
Several other studies researched the effects of cannabis on the brain indicating Cannabis reduces fear and anxiety responses.
Case Studies: Learn from CBD Dog Health Customers
Scientific studies are incredible, but a great way to discover the therapeutic properties of Cannabis is through personal testimonials. I have compiled several for you below.
Nina the Doberman
Nina, a 6-year-old Doberman suffered from severe noise anxiety. She was unable to calm herself with any type of unexpected sound. During thunderstorms or fireworks, she would bark frantically and chew the furniture as a coping mechanism.
Nina began her recommended regimen of 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract orally each afternoon.
Within 20 minutes of first ingesting CALM, Nina no longer appeared to be affected by loud noises. After taking CALM, she lays down to take a nap. Her owner also mentioned that she is not overly drowsy from the CALM tincture. She continues to take CALM daily for anxiety prevention.
Odie the Miniature Schnauze
11-year old, Odie, began experiencing debilitating noise anxiety at an older age. He was recommended to take 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract prior to a thunderstorm, fireworks, or otherwise loud event.
Odie’s anxiety disappeared nearly immediately. He continues to take CALM as-needed.
Molly the Miniature Schnauze
8-year-old, Molly, suffered from separation anxiety and noise anxiety. She would become extremely anxious when her owners were about to leave and also experienced significant anxiety levels with loud unexpected sounds like thunder or fireworks.
Molly was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract once daily and as-needed 20 minutes prior to thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud events as well as prior to her owner leaving.
Molly’s anxiety was reduced after the first use of CALM. Within a week, her anxiety was completely eliminated. Molly still uses CALM as needed.
Daxter the Beagle/Harrier Mix
Daxter is an energetic beagle harrier mix who suffers from anxiety. Daxter was previously unable to ride in a car without becoming panicked and barking in fear and also suffered from separation anxiety when dropped off at daycare.
Daxter was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract once daily 20 minutes prior to leaving the house. He was also given 5 CBD Freeze Dried Salmon Treats throughout the day.
Daxter was able to ride in the car calmly within 10 minutes the first day that he took CALM. He now takes CALM daily before his ride to doggy daycare and enjoys his day without suffering separation anxiety. He still enjoys CBD treats daily.
Xena the Dingo
6-year-old Xena suffered from severe thunderstorm anxiety. She also became extremely fearful during fireworks and other loud noise events. Her anxiety was so severe that she was put on the prescription Alprazolam, which her owners hoped to wean her off of.
Xena was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract once daily 20 minutes prior to thunderstorms and other loud noise events.
Xena’s owners reported CBD worked faster, better, and without the sedative effect that her prescription medications had. She no longer experienced shaking or barking when thunderstorms or other loud noises occurred. She was weaned off of her prescription medications and now continues to use CALM daily.
Scotch: The Mixed Breed 5-Year Old
Scotch has suffered separation anxiety since he was a puppy. Scotch was also afraid of car rides, thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud noise events. Scotch’s owner was looking for a way to remove stress from Scotch’s life without the side effects of Benadryl or other medications.
Scotch was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract daily and 20 minutes prior to stressful events, including car rides and loud noise events.
Scotch’s owner saw a difference immediately. Now, Scotch is able to ride in the car and experience loud noises without fear. Scotch continues to take CALM daily and before stressful events.
Caesar the German Shorthaired Pointer
4-year-old Caesar has suffered from excessive stress and constant anxiety his entire life. It was recommended that he take prescription anti-anxiety medications but Caesar’s owner did not want to introduce a medication that would potentially have more side effects.
Caesar was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract daily and 20 minutes prior to stressful events.
Caesar’s owner saw a difference immediately. Now, Caesar is no longer under constant stress or suffering from anxiety and fear and is able to enjoy day-to-day life. Caesar continues to take CALM daily.
Coop and Capo: Australian Shepherd
Coop and Capo are brothers who were suffering from noise anxiety specifically triggered by fireworks, dogs barking on tv, and sirens. Not only were the dogs anxious but it was causing their owner additional stress.
Coop and Capo were both administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract daily and 20 minutes prior to stressful events.
Within minutes, Coop and Capo’s owner noticed that both are less on edge while still being themselves. They no longer bark excessively when loud noises occur and are able to relax during stressful events. Both Coop and Capo continue to take CALM daily and before stressful events.
Sampson: The Unknown Breed and Unknown Age Beaut
Samson was dropped on his owner’s doorstep when he was 6 weeks old and from a young age suffered separation anxiety and thunderstorm anxiety. He would counter climb, find things to shred and rip up furniture while his owner was gone. Unfortunately, even after extensive training, he was always afraid when his owner left.
Samson was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract daily and 20 minutes prior to his owner leaving the house. He takes it mixed in with his breakfast.
Samson is now able to stay home without anxiety and is also no longer afraid of thunderstorms. His owner reports that she loves how calm he is now. Samson continues to take CALM daily.
Ziggy: The 2-Year-Old Australian Shepherd Mix
Ziggy is completely deaf and suffered from extreme anxiety after spending time in the pound. After he was rescued, he became extremely attached to his new owner and had severe separation anxiety. He also became anxious at night and was aggressive when he was unable to see in the dark, nipping at his owner’s house guests.
Ziggy was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract daily and 20 minutes prior to his owner leaving the house or bedtime. It was administered directly to the gums.
Ziggy now is able to remain calm even when he does not hear someone approach him. He is also able to sleep during the night and no longer shows aggression toward houseguests. Ziggy continues to take CALM daily.
Fern: The Young English Bulldog
1-year-old Old English Bulldog, Fern, was adopted as a rescue and had behavioral issues. She suffered from anxiety and had an overall very anxious personality.
Fern was administered 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract daily and 20 minutes before stressful events.
Fern is now able to travel and is able to use CALM to relax when becoming overwhelmed. She is able to spend time with her family without any major behavioral issues now. Fern continues to take CALM daily.
Oskar (Breed Unknown)
Oskar is a rescue who suffers from severe noise anxiety. Events such as fireworks, thunderstorms, and even passing trains cause Oskar to shake and bark excessively. He is also anxious when his owners leave, often scratching at the door for hours.
Oskar was given 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract once daily and 20-30 minutes prior to a potentially stressful event.
Oskar no longer fears loud noises when he has taken his daily dose of CBD. His owners report that when he takes CBD, he is calm and lays down to take a nap without the sedative effect that Benadryl used to give. Oskar continues to take CBD daily for anxiety.
Jolene: The 7-Year-Old Mixed Breed
Jolene suffered from severe anxiety, including noise anxiety. When thunderstorms came, Jolenebarked frantically and paced around, often causing the dogs around her to begin barking. Additionally, Jolene suffered from a large wart-like tumor on her back-left paw. She found it painful to walk on and was no longer able to run and play.
Jolene was given 1 mL of CALM 550 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract once daily and 20-30 minutes prior to a potentially stressful event. REMEDY was administered to her paw once daily after cleansing the area with a diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
Why Isn’t CBD Prescribed More for Anxiety?
A study conducted by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) researched veterinarian experiences with Cannabidiol (CBD). Veterinarians’ knowledge, viewpoints, and experiences were all taken into consideration in the study.
Approximately 2,100 veterinarians completed an anonymous online survey to collect the results. The results were then analyzed based on where each veterinarian practiced medicine as well as their graduation date from veterinary college.
The study found most veterinarians (approximately 61%) felt comfortable discussing CBD with their colleagues, but only 45% felt comfortable discussing this as an alternative with clients due to varied reasons.
Recent graduates were found to be more likely to be resistant to learning more about Cannabidiol. Those veterinarians who did discuss Cannabidiol as a treatment alternative outlined the various benefits including pain management, seizures, and reduction of anxiety. The only side effect the veterinarians surveyed outlined was drowsiness.
The reasoning for those who were not comfortable discussing CBD as an alternative with their clients was because the veterinary board did not provide a sufficient amount of guidance regarding its use.
Cannabis is actually one of the earliest cultivated crops and has been grown in Taiwan due to fiber content for over 10,000 years. The Emperor, also a pharmacologist, wrote a book in 2737 BCE outlining the medical benefits of cannabis and its ability to treat ailments including constipation, absent-mindedness, and gout.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, CBD oil can be incredibly helpful in treating ailments, especially anxiety. There are many different types of anxiety (general anxiety, separation anxiety, fear-based anxiety, etc). And, anxiety is one of the main issues encountered by Canine Behavior Experts. If you are experiencing a difficult time with anxiety in your dog, book a 1 on 1 consultant call with me today to obtain a recommended regimen for your beloved furry family member.
Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino is a holistic pet expert who has been caring for animals for over 20 years and operates a rescue farm, Fire Flake Farm, in Florida. She is also the owner of Beautify the Beast, a natural pet salon and shop. After getting her certificate in Medical Cannabis Biology and Therapeutic use from the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she founded CBD Dog Health to provide high quality, all-natural medical cannabis products designed specifically for pets. Angela has seven dogs, Odie a 12-year-old mini-schnauzer, Nina an 8-year-old Doberman. Jolene a 7-year-old mutt, Maza a 7-year-old mutt, Rhemi an 8-year-old poodle, Potato a 15-year-old shih-tzu, and Miss Daisie a 15-year-old black lab, plus 4-10 more at any time that she is fostering or boarding. She uses Full Spectrum Hemp Extract on all her pets at her rescue farm every day and has since 2016. She is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Veterinary Cannabis Association, and has trained hundreds of medical doctors and veterinarians about the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis on animals. Visit www.angelaardolino.com for more information.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5407316/