{"id":27621,"date":"2023-04-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=27621"},"modified":"2023-04-14T13:04:55","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T13:04:55","slug":"cbd-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/cbd-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Can CBD Help Your Dog Sleep Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As humans, we know anxious minds and frayed nerves can often lead to sleepless nights. It isn\u2019t any different when it comes to our canine companions. Some dogs can experience quite a bit of anxiety<\/a>, which may impact their ability to get enough sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a pet parent, how can you help your anxious pup? Increasingly, more and more dog owners are turning to CBD<\/a> to calm their jitters. While it can be considered a trendy wellness treatment, it could potentially be the key to calming your dog\u2019s anxiety and improving their sleep, just like it has been in humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But does it really have the same effect on pets? And is CBD safe for dogs? This article will explore CBD for dogs and outline any sleep benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is CBD?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not aware, CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp and other plants, explains Candy Akers, holistic veterinarian and owner of Journeys Holistic Life<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCBD stands for cannabidiol, and these molecules react with the endocannabinoid system (ECS),\u201d she says. \u201cBoth humans and dogs have these complex internal regulatory systems along with many more mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So far, in humans, CBD has helped address complex health conditions such as immune function, stress response, pain management, appetite, anxiety<\/a>, and sleep disorders, notes Akers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does CBD affect dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be wondering: Is CBD good for dogs? Akers says she’s seen her canine patients experience a wide range of health benefits after taking a CBD supplement. In Akers\u2019 professional opinion, CBD can help decrease pain, lower anxiety, prevent seizures, soothe joint problems, and generally promote a calm and stable mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeveral less discussed benefits revolve around topics such as surgical recovery, adrenal imbalances, recurrent UTIs<\/a>, stomach pain or nausea, PTSD<\/a>, social disturbances such as bullying or displaced aggression, nerve sensitivity, grief, motion sickness, early spay\/neuter, and irritable bowel syndrome,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, Akers says CBD can help dogs sleep better, noting that her pug mix, Kasey, experienced sleep improvement after she was diagnosed with significant dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike many cases, the symptoms seemed to get worse in the evening,\u201d she says. \u201cI noticed that if I couldn\u2019t get her calmed down after dinnertime, she would go through cycles of overexcitement, confusion, and pacing around in a circle pattern. I tried everything, every supplement<\/a>, herb, food, drug, drug combination, and environment modification idea. The only thing that made a noticeable difference in her brain balance was CBD. I have hundreds of clients that have seen these same results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with Akers\u2019 personal and professional account, many pet owners swear by CBD to calm their dogs and ease them into dreamland. It\u2019s definitely something that\u2019s requiring further study<\/a>, but currently, CBD for dogs looks promising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re on the fence about whether CBD may actually help your dog\u2019s anxiety and sleep quality, note that at the very least, hemp oil is a rich source of omega-3 fats, which can decrease inflammation, support a healthy coat and skin, and improve heart and brain health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is CBD for dogs safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCBD safety for dogs depends on the actual product, but in general, yes, most CBD supplements designed for dogs are safe,\u201d Akers says. To improve safety, only use reputable brands that provide third-party testing to confirm the absence of toxins, pollutants, or potential contaminants, she adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would also advise my clients to only use products where all ingredients were produced in the US,” says Akers. “Even if a product says, \u2018Made In The USA,\u2019 you still have to check where the ingredients came from because a company can buy \u2018CBD\u2019 or \u2018Hemp\u2019 from China and then mix the products to make it in the US. But where the ingredients actually come from is the main thing to check.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She says pet parents should purchase their CBD products online and should read reviews to find a good product. You could also ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or your vet may even sell CBD at their clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, you should know that CBD can produce some side effects in dogs. According to Akers, she sees these side effects rarely, but they can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n