When I brought Nukka (pronounced noo-ka) home in August of 2010, her first reaction was to jump on my face and claw me playfully. Around that time, she would dig holes in the backyard and steal socks and underwear from my roommates and me. She was genuinely full of puppy energy. The only thing that threw me for a loop was that she didn’t seem to cope well when she was left alone. Every time I came home, I would have to spend 20 to 30 minutes soothing her. Otherwise, she would freak out to the point of making herself sick.
Everyone told me that my anxious, high strung, all-over-the-place puppy would calm down.
But Nukka turned 5. And then 6. And then 7. And nothing changed.
In year 7, Nukka actually started to develop new anxieties. If I ran the dishwasher, for instance, she would hide in the closet or behind the bathroom door shaking with concern for hours on end. After a particularly bad run-in with the dogs next door, she would bolt forward, ready to pounce, whenever our building’s elevator opened.
That’s when I started researching anti-anxiety relief for dogs and came across CBD—yep, you read that right—CBD oil for dogs. Did I feel a little crazy for exploring cannabis for my dog? Yes. But I was completely okay with feeling crazy if it meant that Nukka would feel more at ease.
Cannabidiol, or CBD as it’s commonly known, is a compound pull from hemp. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties. Basically, that means that CBD cannot get you high. However, CBD does interact with neurons in the body (dog, or human) that are part of the endocannabinoid system. And because it’s so reactive with the endocannabinoid system, CBD can be a powerful tool for calming an anxious dog. It can even be used to treat dog seizures, and provide effective pain relief for dogs.
Companies like Honest Paws create safe and effective CBD dog treats that serve as dog anxiety medication in the form of oils and soft chews. In addition to helping dogs with separation anxiety, like Nukka, these treats can help dogs suffering from phobias and provide dog joint pain relief.
Honest Paws products can be used on a daily basis, on special occasions only (when you’re traveling, for instance), or whenever your dog seems particularly on edge. Since they’re CBD products and contain no THC, they’re completely legal in all 50 states.
After consulting with Nukka’s vet, I started her on a daily regimen of CBD oil for dogs. I mix a droplet in with her breakfast each morning and she finishes every bite without complaint, so I know it’s not affecting the food’s taste. Typically I don’t give her any CBD at night, but if I’m running her biggest nemesis, the dishwasher, or if she seems more on edge than usual, I sometimes give her an additional droplet with dinner or a soft chew to help her relax.
Nukka has responded so well to CBD dog treats. She still doesn’t care for people vacuuming directly outside of our apartment and she doesn’t like it when other dogs get too close, but CBD oil for dogs has definitely made a difference in her life. Plus, CBD dog treats have given me peace of mind as a dog owner. I enjoy knowing that if I can’t be with Nukka, she won’t spend those hours feeling over anxious.
I would recommend CBD oil for dogs as an option that any dog owner should consider when seeking a solution to their dog’s anxiety or other ailments.
Our friends at Honest Paws are offering 20% off for Thought Catalog readers only for the next 30 days. Use coupon code ANXIETY20.
