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This is a personal blog sharing my experience with my dogs. You may not have the same experience treating your dog with CBD oil. I've had to do some trial and error to figure out what works for my dogs.
In the fall where we live we have windstorms. In the past, we've lost power for 3-4 days at a time; so far this year, we've only lost power for 30 minutes and I'm so thankful because I don't know how to work the generator – yet.
Rodrigo is afraid of windstorms and becomes anxious when we have high winds and power outages. I always like to have CBD oil and Ewegurt on hand during the fall because these are the only things that quickly calm Rodrigo so that we can all get a good night's sleep.
What is CBD?
Despite what some people might think, when I buy CBD oil, I'm not trying to get my dogs high. CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the compounds of hemp and strains of cannabis that are bred to be high CBD. CBD is non-psychoactive and serves as a natural supplement added to food or taken directly to treat anxiety, pain, and other health issues in humans and dogs.
- Allergies
- Anxiety, Phobias (Fireworks, Thunderstorms)
- Gut Issues
- Inflammation, Mobility Issues, Pain Relief
- Veterinarian Visits
- Introductions to New People and Situations
Why I Give My Dogs CBD Oil
I have three dogs that have various levels of anxiety and reactivity so I don't often take them off of our property unless I can control their environment. I prefer vet appointment at the end of the day (or first thing in the morning), I prefer pack walks because people avoid groups of dogs, and I don't take my dogs to the dog park. My dogs will never earn their Good Citizenship Certification due to lack of socialization, but they are happy, safe, and stress-free.
When I know my dogs are going to be faced with a stressful situation, I give them CBD oil 30-60 minutes prior. This helps them relax enough so that I can better help them through the situation. I give CBD oil before vet appointments and it curbs the fear reaction two of my dogs get. I give CBD oil before we walk in a new place, and it alleviates stress and makes it easier for the dogs to follow my lead. And I give CBD oil during storms and within 30 minutes, I can visibly see my dogs relax.
CBD Oil Also Treats Health Issues
CBD oil isn't just for anxiety, I also give it to my dogs to treat the following health issues:
- digestive issues, upset tummy
- inflammation, joint pain, mobility problems
- allergies
What I've found is that if one of my dogs isn't feeling hot and is having trouble getting to sleep, CBD oil alleviates their discomfort, helping them to relax into a good night's sleep.
Buying CBD Oil for Dogs
There are several places that I can buy CBD oil for my dogs. Buying CBD oil is most expensive when purchased at a pet store.
Marijuana is legal in Washington State and my local dispensary has a separate store that is stocked with CBD products and I've found the best deal for my dogs there – plus the people are brilliant when it comes to understanding their products.
Natural Pet Organics is not currently available.
How Much CBD Oil to Calm an Anxious Dog
Most CBD oil products come with serving suggestions on the bottle. The brand that I use recommends “1-2 drops per every 10 pounds of body weight.” My dogs weigh between 55-75 pounds and the recommendation equates to a full dropper for each of them. There are days when it's tempting to double up on the CBD oil because of my dog's anxiety or pain, but it's important to wait because, within 30 minutes, I will see my dog visibly relax.
However, I haven't noticed any negative side effects on those days when I do double up on the dosage.
CBD Oil for Separation Anxiety
We now have a fifth dog, Apollo, who has separation anxiety and no amount of CBD oil drops will calm him for long. He now takes Canna-Pet Advance Formula Capsules twice daily; each capsule lasts 12 hours. Canna-Pet doesn't leave him drowsy. Instead, it works to take the edge off so that he's not flipping out when we leave.
We have cameras around the house and I've watched him over the day and his behavior was more calm. He was still anxious, but he wasn't destructive.
It didn't take long, about 24 hours, for us to see a visible difference in our puppy.
We have learned that he's not allowed to have free range of the house if he's left on his own for more than an hour or two. If we're going to be gone for three hours, then he goes in his kennel or the puppy condo (the third bay of the garage) which has a dog door to our dogs' yard with the other dogs.
How I Give CBD Oil to My Dogs
I give CBD oil to my dogs two hours before (or after) meal time.
I give CBD oil to Rodrigo, Zoey, and Scout will take it directly from the dropper, which is preferred because it's going straight on their tongue and gums an being absorbed faster. However, Sydney, who has joint issues, isn't up for this, so I put the oil on my fingers and rub it on her gums or allow her to lick it off.
I no longer add CBD oil to food for my dogs unless the product states that it is effective this way and they have plenty of reviews from pet parents.
Canna-Pet Advanced Formula Capsules – I add a capsule to Apollo's raw meals. I don't need to break the capsule; he swallows it as he eats his food.
Don't Be Fooled By Inferior Products
There are a lot of people creating CBD products – oils, treats, salves, etc. – and not all are created equal. Thanks to social media, we can reach out to brands a speak with them about their products, sourcing, ingredients, and more. If you are looking for a CBD oil product, I suggest asking for recommendations from other dog owners – this way you can learn first hand what works and what doesn't work. While every dog is different, I have found that seeking reviews within the dog lover community is a great way to find the best products to test out.
I'm currently using the following products with my dogs:
- Irie CBD for Pets
- ZuRi CBD for Pets
- Canna-Pet Advance Formula Capsules – these can be added to meals and lasts 24 hours!!! I recommend this if you have a dog with separation anxiety.
And, finally, be patient. As I stated earlier, there will be some trial and error. What works for one dog may not work for another.
It really depends on the type of CBD oil that you get. I had to do a lot of trial and error and what finally worked with our dog that has separation anxiety is a product called Canna Pet: https://canna-pet.com/products/canna-pet-for-dogs/
This product has a lot of great reviews. I’m so relieved that it works too because a friend tried it and didn’t have any success. For some dogs, they need something stronger, prescribed by a veterinarian.
,our dog is very calm and not upset by new situations or people but— when we leave her she get things off our counters and eats anything she can find even goop hand cleaner. Will CBD OIL calm her when we leave
Yes. An 8-month-old puppy can get CBD oil. If you’re concerned, I encourage you to discuss this with your vet so that you get the best amount.
can an 8 month old pup be given this to calm her
It works for anxiety in cats, too. It used to be that when my cat wasn’t sleeping, he was constantly on edge and afraid of seemingly everything. Especially his own tail, he’d attack it and hiss at it when it came into his field of view. Since I started giving him CBD he’s much more relaxed and not afraid of his tail anymore, which as far as I can tell is a good thing.
Hi Kimberly,
I received my Pet Blend CBD oil. I have a question about the dosing instructions, please?
1-2,drops per 10 lbs. of body weight.
Does that mean a full dropper amount? Or, literally, 1 droplet from a full dropper of the oil? Thanks. Will let you know how we do!
You’ll have to let me know if the CBD oil helps. Another option is Ewegurt. I give it to one of my dogs 30 minutes before we leave for a walk and it calms her down a bit: http://www.ewergurt.com.
Kimberly, I am so happy to stumble on to your site.
I have a 16 lb Pomeranian and a 10 lb Yorkie/Pomeranian. For different reasons, both have seizures and are on medication.
During outdoor walks both dogs become very excited and barky at the onset of their walk. Problem is, my Pomeranian experiences seizures brought on by the over-excitement. His veterinarian says he cannot increase the anti-convulsive meds as he is at the highest level already. I am very interested in CBD oil to help ease the anxiety for both of my boys, and they can enjoy their walk.
How much, if any, THC does it have but really important Will it calm her down and how long after she takes it will it work and how long does it work?
That coupon has expired. I’ll update the post. Please try this: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/cbdoil – KTW15
Hi Loretta
I don’t know how the CBD oil will affect your dog, but it does help my dogs tremendously and there have been no side effects.
Kimberly, I have a 4 1/2 yr old miniature schnauzer who is terrified of thunder. She senses when it is coming and when it hits she barks constantly until it is over. I have a friend who works in a smoke shop and said they have cannabis for dogs at their store. I don’t know the name of it or what company makes it. I will find this out in a few days. Will the brand that you use really calm my girl down and have your dogs had any of the side effects. My girl weighs 14 lbs. Thanks in advance.
I just went to buy some based on the GRATEFUL50 coupon and I get a message that this coupon does not exist when checking out …
Hi Carrie – it depends on the time of the year or if one of my dogs is experiencing joint pain. If all is good and I only use it on the Fourth of July and for storms, then a bottle will last 6 months. If I have to use it daily, then a bottle will last about a month. My dogs weigh between 60 lbs and 80 lbs.
Curious how long does bottle will last you?
CBD can be derived from the cannabis plant that’s why it is safe for our pet. There is no substance that can harm them from using it upon reading this https://www.greenmed.io/blog/can-recreational-medical-cannabis-coexist/ It is a major phytocannabinoid, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. And as a pet owner, I already tried it on my snowie. When he has a Lyme disease it is dangerous for my cat it is a tick-borne illness that is transmitted through deer ticks. And I used CBD as a medicine for him and it works.that’s why its safe.
Any luck with this answer? Mine also has bad separation anxiety and I’m just starting to look into this idea …
The CBD oil doesn’t act as a sedative; it just takes the edge off so that my dogs can enjoy their day.
Hi Kimberly. I have a German Shepard/Australian Shepard that has huge car anxiety. He loves going places and is always very happy when we get to our designation, but the car ride is horrible on him. My concern is giving him something like the CBD oil and then him being too flat to want to play ball or go on hikes, etc. What is your experience? Thank you.
IrieCBD offers a pet product, which is what I give to my dogs: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/cbdoil
I have a 14 yr old golden retriever. I mainly want the CBD for thunderstorm anxiety however he does have arthritis. Which product would you recommend.
I buy my CBD oil from IrieCBD: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/cbdoil – if you use KTW15, you’ll save 15% off of your order.
How to sensibly buy LEGAL and best quality cbd products for my dog? I’ve heard how CBD dog treats could benefit your dog; reduce seizures, anxiety, pain etc.
Hi Nikki – I don’t have a dog with separation anxiety, so I can’t tell you if it works or not. I recommend checking in with a group about CBD oil, contacting a few brands, or speaking with a trainer or holistic vet who may have experience treating dogs with CBD oil.
Will this work for separation anxiety? My dog barks and thrashes around his crate for hours until someone comes home. And then is perfectly fine.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who has been doing a little homework on this. I like all of the points you made. Keep up the great work..
Good morning, Diana
I’m sorry about your dog’s diagnosis. I’m not a veterinarian. This is a personal blog about my experience with my dogs and I’m unable to offer medical advice. My recommendation is to seek a second opinion with a holistic vet and to contact KetoPet about their diet that is saving dogs’ lives.
My 61 lb. dog Johnni has a large mass above her kidneys, mass on her left lung and also a small nodule also in her lymph nodes. She was given 1 to 2 weeks to live, that was almost 4 weeks ago and was sent home from a specialty vet hospital to spend some quality time since they deemed the cancer to be all through her. Since this past Sunday things have gone downhill. I am so desperate and heart broken, is there any CBD product that could help her or am I just in denial because I do not want to accept this diagnosis.
Great, thank you!
I ordered the one for pets, which is this one: https://www.keepthetailwagging.com/cbdoil. The other ones are for humans and they have a brief description of what they offer, like pain relief, stress relief, etc.
What’s the difference in the blends, Kimberly? I wouldn’t know which to order.
I stumbled onto your site and am glad I did. I have 4 dogs who are terrified when thunderstorms happen. They crawl under the bed, behind the couch and under tables. Or, they sit in my lap, and I have large breed dogs!. Benadryl doesn’t really do all that much. I read with interest your post on CBD oil. Very interesting it helps with joint and mobility problems, as I have older dogs who are arthritic and am thinking maybe CBD oil will help with that as well. Thank you for an interesting post.