Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil For Anxiety: Can It Calm Your Dog Or Cat?
Few things compare to the warm and fuzzy feeling we get when we see our pets. They’re our best friends, protectors, comforters, and sometimes – in-house comedians. But did you know our pets can suffer from anxiety too? And as an owner, this can be an incredibly hard thing to go through. But thankfully, studies now show that full-spectrum hemp oil could be the answer to our furry prayers.
We get it – giving your pet full-spectrum hemp oil can paint a pretty wacky picture in your mind. Perhaps something along the lines of zenned out cats and dogs with the giggles. But the truth is, it’s completely ethical (and beneficial) if it’s done the right way.
You see, there’s a wide range of positive benefits from the cannabis plant that doesn’t involve getting high. So if that’s what you’re sniffing around here for – you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Just like humans, full-spectrum hemp oil can relieve anxiety and stabilize mood for our pets. In this article, we’ll dive into how you can use this oil to keep your furry friend looking and feline good.
But first, let’s look at what anxiety is…
Anxiety In Pets
We all feel stressed and nervous at times – but anxiety is when these feelings don’t go away. And while many of us believe our pets are invincible – they certainly aren’t immune to anxiety disorder.
And our pets can be afraid of many things – from loud noises, thunderstorms, strangers, the vet, water… The list goes on.
One of the most common causes of anxiety in our pets is separation anxiety. Perhaps your friend loves you so darn much that they’re thrown into a tailspin every time you leave! This can be incredibly upsetting for both of you.
So here’s the million-dollar question: how do we tell if our pets have anxiety when they can’t talk to us? Let’s look at some common signs.
Signs your dog has anxiety:
- Aggression
- Drooling and panting
- Excessive barking or wining
- Panting
- Urinating inside
Signs your cat has anxiety:
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Aggression
- Change in appetite or weight
- Excessive meowing
- Not using the litter tray
Ok – so now we know the signs to look for in our pets – where does full-spectrum hemp oil come into the picture?
How Does Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Work For Anxiety?
Sure, the idea of using full-spectrum hemp oil for our furry friends seems a little far-fetched. But studies show it can calm them down due to in’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
So, to understand how full-spectrum hemp oil can treat anxiety – we need to take a closer look at what’s going on inside our pets…
The often-overlooked endocannabinoid system is found in humans and animals – and it’s made up of endocannabinoids (naturally occurring lipid signalling molecules) that bind to cannabinoid receptors.
On the other hand, the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are called phytocannabinoids, and these can also affect our pet’s endocannabinoid system in various ways when they use the plant.
Ok, so maybe that sounded like gobbledygook, but stay with us.
The endocannabinoid system is believed to play a central role in moderating our pet’s physiological functions – neuronal plasticity being one of these. Put simply, this is the brain’s ability to adapt to change.
So, if we put that all together… the phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant affect the endocannabinoid system, which affects neural plasticity in the brain, which affects how the brain works.
This can then stimulate the serotonin in our pet’s brains (the part that regulates mood.)
Take that, anxiety!
A recent review confirmed this idea, suggesting that the phytocannabinoids found in cannabis can decrease stress and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Fantastic news for our furry friends that are having a ruff time.
Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Versus Hemp Isolate Oil
If you’re a hemp-aficionado – you’ve probably heard the terms full-spectrum and isolate floating around. So, what’s the difference?
Put simply – full-spectrum hemp oil includes all of the compounds naturally present in the plant (this is known as the entourage effect). Whereas an isolate oil only includes a small part of its compounds.
And this romantic combination of all the compounds increases the plants overall benefits – which means, it’s not only good for anxiety, it could also:
- Help to prevent arthritis
- Aid pain relief
- Boost brain health
- Help to prevent cancer
It’s important to note that full-spectrum hemp oil responds differently to each of our four-legged friends. So what works on one pet, may work slightly different on another.
How To Use Full Spectrum Hemp Oil On Your Pet
Giving your pet full-spectrum hemp oil is a hassle-free process. Simply add a few drops to their tongue, or mix it in with their food. The dosage amount varies on the size of your pet (the larger they are, the higher the dose.)
The great news is that full-spectrum hemp oil is safe to use. It’s common to start to see positive results in your pet within 2 – 4 weeks.
So there you have it – treating your furry friend with full-spectrum hemp oil doesn’t mean your barking mad, but rather, it could make them happier and healthier.
Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletters and socials to keep up to date with our happenings on the farm and new products.