CBD for Rescue Dogs Dealing With Separation Anxiety, Stress, and Fear

Adopting a Rescue Dog? First of All: High Five for getting a pup the home it deserves! But behind that wagging tail or those big puppy eyes, rescue dogs carry emotional baggage. They’ve often experienced neglect, abandonment, or abuse, which means settling into their forever home comes with challenges like anxiety, stress, or fear.

And let’s be real, being a pet owner is already a big responsibility. Now add in the mix a rescue dog’s unique emotional needs. That’s where CBD oil steps in, offering a natural way to calm a rescue dog’s nerves and help them transition smoothly.

This guide discusses how various CBD products from oils to treats to topicals are a game-changer for a rescue dog. Plus, it covers real-world results and practical tips on how to safely introduce CBD into their daily routine. Ready? Dive in!

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Rescue Dogs

When adopting a rescue dog, pet parents are not just giving them a new home; they’re offering them a second chance at life. But with that second chance often comes a past filled with trauma. Whether they’ve been neglected, abused, or simply left behind, rescue dogs frequently deal with certain issues. Some of these are listed below.

Stress and Anxiety: Moving into a new home is stressful enough. With possible past traumas and sudden changes, the dog’s stress shows up as excessive barking, accidents in the house, destructive chewing, and even aggression. An observational study showed that “dogs purchased from rescue shelters often exhibit behavior problems, such as fearfulness, aggression, and excessive barking, which lead to their return to the facility,” (Wells, D., & Hepper, P., 2000)

Fear: A rescue pup shy away from new people, unfamiliar places, or specific triggers that remind them of their past. Fear makes it difficult for them to bond with their new family or feel comfortable in their environment. According to an animal trial study, “Dogs from adverse backgrounds are more likely to respond fearfully to a threatening stranger, affecting their social behavior,” (Buttner, A., Awalt, S., & Strasser, R., 2023).

Separation Anxiety: Having experienced abandonment, many rescue dogs struggle with being alone. They freak out when owners leave the house – barking, destroying furniture, or even hurting themselves. A study from Companion Animal showed that “Owner absence-related problems in dogs are associated with issues like separation anxiety, separation disorder, separation syndrome, and separation-related behaviors,” (Hargrave, C., 2023).

For many pet owners, these challenges feel overwhelming but don’t worry. CBD for dogs offers a helping hand (or paw) needed by pet parents to guide them into a calmer, happier life.

How CBD Oil Helps Rescue Dogs

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, which has psychoactive effects (no, dogs won’t get high), CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) found in both humans and animals. The ECS regulates things like mood, sleep, pain, and even immune responses – all critical factors in keeping a dog balanced.

So how do CBD products benefit a dog?

1. Calming Effects for Anxiety

Dog CBD products, especially CBD oils, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety and stress in animals. As the study in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed, “A single dose of CBD-free distillate significantly reduced canine stress during separation and car travel, with some measures showing a significant reduction compared to a placebo group,” (Hunt, A., et al., 2023). For dogs suffering from anxiety, like some rescue dogs with abandonment issues, CBD helps bring a sense of calm and relaxation. It works by regulating neurotransmitters associated with mood and stress – like hitting the “chill out” button in the dog’s brain.

2. Mood Balancing

Beyond calming anxious dogs, CBD also acts as a mood stabilizer. If a rescue dog has been swinging from one extreme emotion to the next (one-minute loving, the next minute hiding), CBD helps level things out. It’s particularly helpful for dogs dealing with trauma, as it helps them regulate how they react to their environment. Melas, P., et al., (2021) concluded in their study that “CBD has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, making it a promising new agent in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders.” 

3. Pain Relief for Active Dogs

Rescue dogs – especially seniors or those recovering from injuries – suffer from joint pain or mobility issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia. A systemic review showed that “CBD supplementation can reduce chronic osteoarthritic pain in dogs,” (Yu, C., & Rupasinghe, H., 2021). Good news, right? After all, no one wants their dog’s only walk of the day to be a slow shuffle instead of a joyful romp!

4. Improved Mobility for Senior Dogs

Older rescue dogs, or those with limited mobility, experience improved agility thanks to CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation. Whether it’s climbing stairs, fetching a ball, or just enjoying a walk around the block, CBD helps them move like their younger selves. “CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis, supporting its safety and therapeutic potential,” (Verrico, C., et al., 2020).

Finding the Right CBD Product for A Rescue Dog

After learning how CBD helps rescue dogs, it’s time to find out which CBD product to go for. Some options are listed below.

CBD Oil

This is probably the most popular choice for pet CBD users. It’s super flexible, offering precise dosage control – just pop a few drops directly into their mouth, aiming at the gums. For less cooperative pets, drop it into their food. CBD oils are perfect for dogs who need a tailored approach, especially if they’re starting with a lower CBD dosage to test the waters.

CBD Treats and Chews

For picky eaters (or dogs who just won’t let their new parents near their mouth with a dropper), CBD treats or CBD chews are a delicious and convenient alternative. They come in a range of flavors (bacon, peanut butter, yum!) and strengths, making it easier to turn a dog’s supplement routine into a daily treat time.

CBD Topicals

Got a rescue pup with itchy skin or localized pain? Dog CBD topicals like balms and creams are applied directly to affected areas for targeted relief. Though less common than oils or treats, these products are a great way to tackle specific skin conditions.

Important Considerations for Choosing CBD for A Rescue Dog

CBD is just what a pup needs. But Before running off to stock up on CBD products, keep a few things in mind and make sure the product in the cart meets the requirements and that a pet parent knows how to apply it properly.

1. Quality and Purity Matter

Not all CBD is created equal. Look for full-spectrum CBD that’s been tested by third parties for purity. Products free of contaminants, harmful additives, or unnecessary fillers are key. Nobody wants to accidentally give their dog something that makes them sick.

2. Dosage is Key

Whether a dog is in New York, or a small town in Iowa, or anywhere else, starting with the right CBD dosage for a dog’s size, age, and health condition is critical. When in doubt, consult the dog’s veterinarian. They help pet parents figure out how much CBD the dog actually needs and prevent overdoing it.

3. Observe and Adjust

Keep a close eye on how a dog responds to the CBD product. Some dogs feel the benefits right away, while others need a bit more time. If no changes are noticed or if something feels off, adjust the dosage or consult the dog’s veterinarian.

Real-Life Rescue Dog Success Stories

So, what do the results look like? While research on CBD for pets is still evolving, some real success stories are hard to ignore. Take ElleVet for example. ElleVet is one of the well-known brands in the CBD world, and they’ve seen major success in using their products for rescue animals. 

Incorporating CBD into A Dog’s Daily Routine

Ready to give it a try? Listed below is a guideline on how to safely introduce CBD into a rescue dog’s routine.

Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a lower dosage and gradually increase based on how a dog reacts.

Consistency is Key: Make it a part of the dog’s daily routine. Administer the CBD dosage at the same time each day for best results.

Patience, Patience, Patience: CBD isn’t an overnight fix. Be patient and give it time to work its magic.

Consult The Dog’s Vet: Always work with the dog’s veterinarian to monitor the dog’s response and make sure the dog is on the right track.

Final Thoughts

Bringing home a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding things for some people – but it’s not without its challenges. Luckily, CBD oil and other CBD products provide a natural, gentle way to help a rescue pet navigate anxiety, fear, and stress. From calming anxiety to boosting mobility, CBD is a potential game-changer for both the dogs and their parents.

References

• Buttner, A., Awalt, S., & Strasser, R. (2023). Early life adversity in dogs produces altered physiological and behavioral responses during a social stress-buffering paradigm. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.856.
• Costa-Vallejo, J. R., Lima, A. M., & Carneiro, L. B. (2020). The effect of CBD oil on anxiety-related behavior in shelter dogs: A preliminary study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 37, 58-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2020.08.002
• Hunt, A., Flint, H., Logan, D., & King, T. (2023). A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604.
• Flannigan, G., & Dodman, N. (2001). Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs.. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219 4, 460-6 . https://doi.org/10.2460/JAVMA.2001.219.460.
• Hart, B. L., Kogan, L. R., Phelps, A. N., & Fajt, V. R. (2021). Cannabidiol in veterinary medicine: A review of current knowledge and clinical applications. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 258(10), 1055-1064. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.258.10.1055
• Hargrave, C. (2023). Canine separation–related problem behaviours – part 1: social living and owner absence. Companion Animal. https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2023.0023.
• Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., Hellyer, P. W., & Rishniw, M. (2020). US veterinarians’ knowledge, experience, and perception regarding the use of cannabidiol for canine medical conditions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00546
• McGrath, S., Bartner, L. R., Rao, S., Packer, R. A., & Gustafson, D. L. (2019). Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301-1308. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.11.1301
• Melas, P., Scherma, M., Fratta, W., Cifani, C., & Fadda, P. (2021). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Molecular Targets and Epigenetic Insights from Preclinical Research. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22041863.
• Silver, R. J. (2020). The endocannabinoid system of animals: A key therapeutic target in veterinary medicine. Veterinary Sciences, 7(4), 130. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci7040130
• Wells, D., & Hepper, P. (2000). Prevalence of behaviour problems reported by owners of dogs purchased from an animal rescue shelter. Applied animal behaviour science, 69 1, 55-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(00)00118-0.
• Verrico, C., Wesson, S., Konduri, V., Hofferek, C., Vazquez-Perez, J., Blair, E., Dunner, K., Salimpour, P., Decker, W., & Halpert, M. (2020). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. Pain. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001896.
• Yu, C., & Rupasinghe, H. (2021). Cannabidiol-based natural health products for companion animals: Recent advances in the management of anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Research in veterinary science, 140, 38-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.08.001.