CBD for Relieving Travel Anxiety in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can develop signs and symptoms of stress for a variety of reasons. Loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms can be a source of anxiety for dogs. Dogs may also display signs of distress when faced with the unknown or unusual, or if they associate a thing or an experience with an unpleasant memory or event. 

Unlike humans, dogs are not necessarily able to express themselves as clearly as humans can. Although they often do express their feelings of fear and anxiety, it is often unclear what the source of fear and anxiety might be. While most dogs enjoy a ride in the family car, it may be a source of anxiety for others. Some dogs may shake or whine when encountering car travel. Some may refuse to get in on their own. Your dog may urinate or chew themselves nervously. 

If your dog has developed a fear of riding in the car, it could be the result of motion sickness, a fairly common occurrence. Some dogs may associate a ride in the car to a visit to the vet’s office- which is stressful for many pets. 

To help relieve the stress and anxiety associated with car travel for dogs, you can place a favorite toy or blanket in the car. You can also have the dog travel in their crate. This is helpful for crate-trained dogs. You can also cover the crate to reduce the amount of visual stimulus. To relieve the fear that your dog may have of an unpleasant destination, short trips with a favorite toy or treat as a reward at the end may help to create more pleasant memories associated with car travel. Quiet music or pleasant conversation may help soothe your dog’s anxiety. Positive reinforcement and a peaceful demeanor is a big plus.

If you have identified the source of your dog’s distress as fear or anxiety of riding in the car, or motion sickness (especially in puppies who have yet to develop the motion-stabilizing ability in their ears), perhaps it’s time to consider CBD products as a stress reliever for your dog. CBD products for dogs are available as treats or as drops. 

There is a growing movement in pet care that supports using hemp (botanically related to marijuana) products and CBD (Cannabidiol) extracts in treating certain specific conditions in dogs. CBD has been found to be beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety, motion sickness, and joint and bone pain in dogs. 

All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) in their bodies, and the ECS plays a role in regulating every metabolic process in an animal’s body, both human and canine alike. A balanced ECS will help regulate stress, pain, anxiety, depression, and inflammation. CBD helps manage anxiety by changing the brain’s serotonin receptors. CBD is one of 113 identified cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, (including the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol), and can account for as much as 40% of the plant’s extract. 

When considering CBD products for your dog’s anxiety, it is important to remember that THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) can be harmful to dogs, so a THC-free CBD product is recommended. 

For dosing, it is recommended that when choosing CBD dog treats for anxiety and pain relief that they receive between 1-5 mg per 10 lbs of your dog’s weight. This is simply a guideline. For specific dosage information, as with all medications and supplements, please consult your veterinarian. 

For a wide selection of hemp products for your pet, specifically, CBD treats for dogs, please visit The Hemp Pharmacist. If you have any questions or are interested in CBD products for your pet, please call 757-577-1024.