Does your beloved canine companion experience anxiety during car rides? While many dogs eagerly hop into the car with tails wagging, some canines find car travel distressing and may even suffer from car sickness. As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to address your furry friend’s car anxiety and make their journeys as comfortable as possible. Luckily, there’s a solution that has shown promising results – CBD oil or hemp oil for dogs. In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Dog Ownership Guide, we’ll explore how CBD oil can help alleviate car anxiety in dogs and recommend the best CBD products to ensure your pup’s well-being and happiness on the road.
About Dog Car Anxiety
Car anxiety in dogs can have various underlying causes. Some common factors that contribute to car anxiety include:
- Negative Past Experiences: Dogs may develop anxiety if they associate car rides with negative experiences, such as previous accidents, sudden braking, or instances of feeling trapped or scared inside the vehicle.
- Motion Sickness: Similar to humans, some dogs experience motion sickness during car rides. The sensation of movement can lead to nausea, dizziness, and discomfort, causing anxiety to build over time.
- Lack of Familiarity: Dogs are creatures of habit and often feel more secure in familiar environments. If they are not accustomed to car rides or only experience them infrequently, the unfamiliarity and unpredictability of the situation can trigger anxiety.
- Noise and Vibrations: Loud noises, vibrations, and the general sensory overload of a moving vehicle can be overwhelming for some dogs, causing anxiety and distress.
- Travel Trauma or Separation Anxiety: Dogs that have experienced trauma associated with travel, such as being separated from their owners or being involved in accidents, may develop car anxiety as a result. Additionally, dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit increased anxiety specifically during car rides due to the separation from their owners.
- Lack of Comfort and Restraint: If a dog is not properly secured or comfortable in the car, it may feel unsafe and anxious. Unfamiliar car restraints, uncomfortable seating arrangements, or extreme temperatures can contribute to their anxiety.
Understanding the underlying causes of car anxiety in dogs can help dog owners address and manage their furry friend’s anxiety effectively. CBD oil, as a natural and potentially calming supplement, has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving dogs’ comfort during car rides.
How Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Helps Dog Anxiety
CBD was first discovered in the 1990s when researchers studied its effects on it on the body. The studies led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates major parts of the body. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil enter the endocannabinoid system and then affect how the body and brain function.
Researchers report that hemp seed oil and CBD oil reduce anxiety by changing the brain’s receptor response to serotonin. CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, which alters serotonin signals. Learn more about the research into dog CBD and anxiety here: CBD Dog Studies
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in your mental health. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression and anxiety. CBD or hemp oil sparks the production of serotonin to decrease anxiety levels.
How to Choose the Best CBD for Dogs with Car Anxiety
Not all CBD products are the same. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right blend.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a CBD extract that contains a wide range of cannabinoids, including THC, as well as other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant. The term “full-spectrum” indicates that the extract retains the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds present in the original plant material.
When it comes to addressing dog car anxiety, full-spectrum CBD can potentially provide several benefits:
- Anxiety Relief: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in both humans and dogs. The ECS plays a role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood and anxiety. Full-spectrum CBD, with its diverse range of cannabinoids and terpenes, may have an enhanced effect on the ECS, potentially promoting a calming and anxiety-reducing response in dogs.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which have shown potential anti-inflammatory properties. Car anxiety in dogs can be associated with heightened stress responses, including inflammation. By reducing inflammation, full-spectrum CBD may help alleviate the physical and emotional discomfort associated with car anxiety.
- Pain Relief: Dogs with car anxiety may exhibit signs of physical discomfort, such as muscle tension, restlessness, or trembling. Full-spectrum CBD’s potential analgesic properties can help relieve pain and discomfort, promoting a more relaxed state during car rides.
- Relaxation and Calming Effects: Certain terpenes present in full-spectrum CBD, such as linalool and myrcene, have been associated with sedative and calming effects. These natural compounds can contribute to a sense of relaxation and overall well-being, potentially helping dogs feel more at ease and less anxious during car rides.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD refers to a type of CBD extract that contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, except for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a “high” sensation.
Unlike full-spectrum CBD, which contains trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3% THC as allowed by federal regulations in the United States), broad-spectrum CBD undergoes an additional extraction process to remove all THC, making it a THC-free product while retaining other valuable compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD offers potential benefits associated with the “entourage effect,” which refers to the synergistic interaction between various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds. These compounds work together to enhance the overall therapeutic effects of the CBD extract.
By preserving a wide array of cannabinoids and terpenes, broad-spectrum CBD may provide similar benefits to full-spectrum CBD, such as potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, without the presence of THC. It allows individuals to experience the potential therapeutic effects of multiple compounds in the cannabis plant without the concern of THC-induced intoxication or failing a drug test.
Broad-spectrum CBD is often favored by individuals who want to benefit from the entourage effect but prefer to avoid THC for personal or legal reasons. It offers a middle ground between full-spectrum and CBD isolate products, providing a comprehensive range of compounds while ensuring THC remains undetectable.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of the blends. No additional cannabinoids or terpenes are included in it. While pure may seem as though it’s the best CBD to purchase, it may be less effective.
Researchers have found that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum have an entourage effect – a beneficial interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes making it more effective.
Now you know the best CBD oil to purchase is either full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, the next step is to know which CBD products are those blends.
Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Car Anxiety
Again, not all CBD products are the same. When shopping for CBD dog treats and other products, it’s important to research the brand and how it was manufactured.
Pet owners who choose the best CBD oil for their furry friends are usually the ones that are most happy with its effects.
CBD Oil Tinctures
Tinctures are drops of CBD oil you can put into your dog’s mouth or onto food. You can even make it a treat by mixing it with a bit of peanut butter! Some dog owners love it, and some do not. The only way to know if it will work for you and your pup is to try it.
About KING KALM™
Dog Ownership Guide recommends KING KALM™ as the best CBD oil because it’s not only Broad Spectrum but it’s also combined with hemp oil and krill oil. Krill oil is high in omega-3s. Researchers report that Omega-3 regulates CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can increase the efficiency of CBD in the body.
Krill oil also has a calming effect on dogs, which makes it perfect for car anxiety.
KING KALM™ 75mg CBD
The 75 mg CBD KING KALM™ is the lowest concentration available from the brand. It’s high-quality Broad Spectrum CBD oil WITH krill oil and hemp seed oil for additional benefits.
King Kalm™ is best for small and toy dogs, including:
- Mini Schnauzer
- Toy Poodle
- English Toy Spaniel
- Pug
- Chihuahua
- Havanese
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Maltese
KING KALM™ 150mg
Pet owners with medium size dogs usually purchase this dosage – 150 mg. This Broad Spectrum CBD with cannabinoids and terpenes makes it quite effective in reducing anxiety during car rides.
KING KALM™ CBD 300mg
King Kalm™ CBD 300 mg is best for large dogs. It is highly effective in curbing anxiety due to many different causes:
- Car Rides
- Noise Discomfort
- Separation Anxiety
- Car Sickness
- Chronic Pain
- …and much more.
KING KALM™ CBD 600 MG with Copaiba & Krill Oil and DHA
KING KALM™ is made out of a proprietary Broad Spectrum CBD oil mixed with Capaiba, krill oil, and DHA.
This is the most powerful formula in the Kanine Gold Series. Researchers have found that the combination of Copaiba and DHA is highly beneficial to pets of all kinds with a very low risk of negative consequences (when compared to the use of pharmaceutical products).
While this dosage can be cut down in the amount given, it’s best for large furry friends.
Best CBD Oil Dog Treats
CBD dog treats are the easiest way to give your pup CBD oil. The following are some of the best brands of CBD oil-infused dog treats.
Diamond CBD
Diamond CBD designed its line of full-spectrum CBD dog treats to be nutrient-rich, organic, and hemp plant-derived. All their dog products are made in the USA and contain THC or synthetics.
Diamond CBD’s brand of dog treats – Medipets – are made with real beef, chicken fat, and cheese bits.
Dosages range from 100 mg to 600 mg for small dogs, medium dogs, and large dogs. Treats can be easily broken up for small dogs. Dog owners should speak to their vet for dosage recommendations.
Medipets’ CBD treats for dogs come in many tasty flavors, such as meaty steak treats, wavy bacon, and more.
HolistaPet CBD Dog Treats
HolistaPet, a well-known CBD pet brand, makes dog treats from hemp seed powder and natural ingredients.
All of HolistaPet’s products are:
- Organic
- Vegan
- 100% Natural
- Superfoods Enhanced
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Tested and Verified by a Certified Lab
- Broad Spectrum
Pet owners can feel good about choosing this product for their pup.
Each bag of CBD dog treats contains 30 treats with each treat having 10 mg of CBD. The treats are perfect for small and large dogs because dosing is easy. Treats can even be halved to provide doses of 5 mg or 150 mg with one and a half treats.
Unleash the Joy of Stress-Free Car Rides for Your Furry Friend!
By now, you are equipped with the knowledge of the best CBD oil for dogs with car anxiety. However, before embarking on this journey towards happier car rides, it’s crucial to prioritize your pup’s well-being by consulting with your veterinarian. Their expertise ensures that any new addition to your pet’s routine aligns with their specific needs for improved health and comfort.
Remember, the path to success starts with a cautious approach. Begin with the lowest recommended dosage of the chosen CBD product and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effects. Within just a couple of hours, you’ll witness the positive impact it can have on your dog’s anxiety levels.
At Dog Ownership Guide, we take pride in being your trusted companion throughout your journey to raising a happy and contented dog. Our commitment to providing valuable guidance ensures that both you and your furry friend can experience the sheer joy of stress-free car rides.
So, gear up, be the loving and proactive dog owner your pup deserves, and together, let’s transform car rides from anxiety-inducing experiences to moments of pure canine bliss. Your happy dog awaits!
How Much CBD for Dog with Anxiety
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Want to learn how long CBD lasts? Read: How Long Does CBD Last for Dogs
