If you've noticed your four-legged family member acting a little bit off lately, you're not alone. Whether it's triggered by thunderstorms, separation, a new environment, or you just not being around as often, studies have shown that anxious behaviors in pets have risen pretty dramatically since the pandemic. But since you're here, you're probably already thinking about how to help your pet feel their best—and that makes you a great pet parent.
When left unmanaged, anxiety in pets can lead to chewed-up shoes, scratched furniture, health issues, and a poor quality of life for your furry friend. Thankfully, CBD may offer a natural way to ease their stress and help them feel more like themselves. Let's look at what causes anxiety in pets, how CBD may help, and some practical tips for safely using pet CBD to improve their quality of life.
So, What Causes Anxiety in Pets?
Just like people, pets can feel anxious for all sorts of reasons. Whether it comes from training tactics, the environment, or how they feel physically, understanding what's causing their stress is the first step toward helping them feel better.
Separation Anxiety and Crate Training
Some pets, especially new puppies or older dogs that are not used to being alone, may struggle with separation anxiety. When they're left alone, they might not know if or when you're coming back, making them feel insecure about when they'll get their next meal or see their favorite person again.
Dogs may respond by chewing up furniture or shoes to cope with their stress. Crates can also be particularly stressful, as they limit freedom and might feel confining, mainly if the pet isn't accustomed to being in small spaces and hasn't undergone proper crate training. Separation anxiety and crate training go hand in hand with improper training methods. On the other hand, crates and pet carriers can be extremely anxiety-inducing for cats, as most associate the crate with a trip to the vet, which can mean painful examinations or vaccinations.
New Environments
Moving into a new house or staying in an unfamiliar place can be overwhelming, especially for pets who love routine and predictability. For cats, moving can be particularly frightening—they often hate car rides, and being crated for long periods without access to familiar spots or a litter box can add to their stress. Dogs may feel unsure about their surroundings, leading them to mark territory indoors or bark excessively to reestablish a sense of control.
New Pets, People, or Changes in Routine
Bringing a new pet home or even a change in your schedule can be unsettling for your furry friends. Cats might respond by pulling out their whiskers or refusing to eat, while dogs could become more destructive or whiny.
If a new baby is added to the family, a dog might miss out on their regular walks, which can lead to pent-up energy and increased anxiety, while a cat could get stressed by a grabby toddler pulling on their fur or invading their safe spaces. Not to mention that a baby's cry is super loud, which can hurt their ears and cause their cortisol levels to spike, leading to anxiety or stress.
Travel or Unfamiliar Surroundings
Long car rides, new scents, and unfamiliar places can make pets anxious, especially those not used to traveling or being left alone somewhere new— including doggy daycare centers or boarding facilities. Dogs might feel uneasy without their regular bathroom breaks or favorite toys, making them restless or nauseous. Cats may become agitated from being confined in a carrier for long periods, sometimes to the point of panting or vocalizing constantly—clear signs of distress.
Thunderstorms and Loud Noises
Both dogs and cats have incredibly sensitive hearing, meaning loud noises like thunderstorms, fireworks, high-pitched household sounds, or even construction work can be physically painful and terrifying. This can lead to behaviors like hiding, trembling, or destructive actions as a way to cope with their fear. Dogs might dig at doors or try to escape, while cats might lash out or find an unreachable hiding spot until the noise stops.
Physical Pain or Illness
Being in pain or feeling unwell can make pets anxious too. Just like people, when a pet is sick or injured, it becomes harder for them to rest, relax, or sleep properly, which can contribute to heightened anxiety. A dog with arthritis may become more irritable or reluctant to go on walks, not just because of the pain but also due to the fear of experiencing discomfort when moving. Cats with dental issues may start avoiding food and become withdrawn and anxious about the pain they feel when eating.
Skin allergies or infections can also cause constant itching, leading pets to scratch or bite themselves, which adds to their discomfort and stress.
It's important to understand that these little life changes can have a big impact on your pets in different ways. They can only communicate that something isn't right through their behavior. Recognizing these subtle signs of anxiety can help you provide the support they need to feel safe and comfortable again.
How CBD May Help Anxious Pets
Now that you know what can cause anxiety in pets and how it might show up, let's talk about how CBD might help. Dealing with an anxious pet can be stressful and even overwhelming at times, but CBD may offer some natural support to make life easier—for both you and your furry friend.
CBD works by interacting with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is vital in regulating mood, stress, sleep, and even pain in people and pets. CBD may help balance the ECS when taken regularly, making it easier for your pet to feel their best day to day. Rather than a quick fix, consider CBD a gentle supplement that works best over time to help keep your pet calm and comfortable.
Studies have shown that CBD may be particularly effective in managing anxiety in pets. One study found that CBD for dogs reduced stress and promoted relaxation in dogs experiencing noise-induced anxiety from thunderstorms or fireworks. Another study suggested that regular CBD use helped reduce anxiety-related behaviors in dogs, including excessive barking and destructive chewing, by supporting their ECS. CBD oil for cats might also help reduce stress, especially in situations like moving or introducing new pets, where they're dealing with environmental changes.
If your pet's anxiety is linked to physical pain or inflammation, CBD may also provide relief. Pain can make it difficult for pets to rest, relax, or feel comfortable, especially in older pets with chronic issues like arthritis. One study found that CBD significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis, which in turn may help ease the anxiety that often accompanies chronic pain. By reducing inflammation and discomfort, CBD may help your pet feel more at ease physically and mentally.
Practical Tips for Using CBD for Pet Anxiety
If you're ready to try CBD to help your pet manage anxiety, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind to ensure it's effective and safe for them. Since some pets have faster metabolisms than humans, it's often best to give them CBD regularly and consider multiple doses throughout the day if needed.
How to Feed It:
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CBD Treats: CBD-infused treats are an easy way to administer CBD, especially if your pet is a picky eater. It can make the experience much more tasty and enjoyable for them, and the pre-dosed treats help you track how much they're getting. The best part is most pets will willingly take a treat, as they may be less inclined to have you squirt a bit of CBD oil in tincture form into their mouth. That can be stressful— especially for cats.
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Mixing with Food or Water: Adding CBD oil to your pet's food is another excellent option, especially for cats or dogs who are comfortable eating their usual meals. Mixing the oil in with breakfast or dinner can help make CBD a consistent part of their routine, and most of the time, they won't even realize it's in there. On the other hand, traveling can be a major anxiety trigger for pets. Adding cat CBD oil to their water during road trips or flights can help keep them calm and make the journey a little less stressful for everyone. Our CBD pet tinctures are specially formulated for both dogs and cats.
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Administering Directly: If you want to use a pet-friendly CBD tincture and your pet is comfortable with you putting things in their mouth, you can squirt dog CBD directly into their mouths. It's often quick and painless, but you'll want to avoid this if you have a cat or a dog that doesn't like being held or having your hands in their mouth. If your pet isn't picky, you could put a dose of CBD oil for dogs or cats in your hand or on a plate and allow them to lick it up instead.
How Much CBD Should You Give Your Pet?
The amount of CBD your pet needs will depend on their body weight and the intensity of the stress you're trying to manage. It's best to start low and gradually increase until you notice a positive change. As a general rule of thumb, smaller pets will need lower doses than larger breeds, but always check the product instructions or talk to your vet for specific guidance on dosing. Regular use is critical to balancing their ECS, so daily doses can be beneficial for keeping anxiety at bay.
Using Other Comfort Measures:
While CBD can be a great addition to help with pet anxiety, it works even better when combined with other practical solutions that help keep your pet calm:
- ThunderShirts: If your dog gets anxious during storms, a ThunderShirt can provide comforting pressure to help them feel more secure.
- Feliway Spray for Cats: This calming spray mimics natural pheromones to help ease stress in cats, especially in situations like travel or when introducing new pets.
- Chew Toys or Bones: Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs. Providing them with a chew toy or bone can help channel nervous energy in a productive way.
- Safe, Quiet Spaces: Giving your pet a quiet place to retreat when they're feeling overwhelmed can make a big difference. For dogs, this might be a crate with a cozy blanket, or if they struggle with separation anxiety and crate training, a quiet room behind a baby gate or a full-sized kennel that feels less confining might be more suitable. For cats, a quiet room or elevated perch can offer the comfort they need.
- Distractions: Keeping pets engaged with activities they enjoy can also help manage anxiety. YouTube videos designed for cats or interactive hunting games can provide a positive distraction, while dogs may benefit from a long-lasting chew or a game of hide-and-seek with treats.
Combining organic CBD for dogs or cats with other anxiety-reducing techniques can help your pet feel calmer and more comfortable, giving them the best chance at living a relaxed and happy life.
Safety Considerations
While CBD may be an effective tool for managing anxiety in pets, it's essential to use it safely. Always choose CBD products that are specifically formulated for pets since they're refined to remove THC and other cannabinoids that might be harmful to pets. Human CBD products may also contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners, which are toxic to pets, so it's crucial to stick with pet-safe formulations.
Before starting your pet on CBD, always talk to your veterinarian—especially if your pet takes other medications or has underlying health conditions. Your vet can help ensure no potential complications and determine the proper serving size.
It's also important to remember that CBD for cats or dogs isn't a prescription anti-anxiety medication and shouldn't be considered for a quick fix. In some cases, severe anxiety may require additional intervention, so if CBD and other comforting tactics alone don't seem to help, reach out to your vet for further support.
Conclusion
Caring for an anxious pet can be challenging, but your dedication to finding the best solutions shows just how much you love them. By incorporating organic CBD into your pet's routine, you may help them feel calmer, happier, and more comfortable—giving them the quality of life they deserve.
At Lazarus Naturals, we care about you and your pets, and we're committed to providing safe, third-party tested CBD products to support their well-being. Best of all, they’re formulated with your pet’s wellness in mind. Our pet products are chock full of functional ingredients that support them, from wild-caught salmon oil rich in Omega-3s for shiny coats and pumpkin puree for sensitive tummies. Together, we can help your furry friends feel their very best.