How Could CBD Affect Your Dog’s Mood?

Has your dog’s mood seemed off to you lately? As dog owners, it can be a real struggle to tell when our pup is unhappy, as canines are very good at disguising symptoms that something is wrong. Worse, they can’t simply tell us what is causing their distress. But, any good dog owner knows what signs to look for that could indicate some type of uneasiness.

If you’re worried about your precious companion’s mood, you might want to invest in some CBD for dogs. In fact, more owners of four-legged friends are administering cannabidiol in an effort to help with a wide range of potential issues, and mood problems are among the most common.

All About CBD and Your Dog

First, let’s talk about how CBD affects dogs, and why it’s becoming so common to start canines on a hemp routine. Maybe you’ve come across CBD-based products made just for pets while shopping for hemp goods, or perhaps your veterinarian even recommended that you start giving your precious companion a daily dose of cannabinoids. Well, it turns out that dogs process and utilize cannabidiol in an identical manner that we do. How? Because they have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), just like us.

The ECS is found in every mammal, and what it does is maintain homeostasis throughout the body. It does this using cannabinoid receptors found in every bodily system. When these cannabinoid receptors are fed cannabinoids, such as CBD, regulatory actions take place that affect the bodily processes we mammals rely on for well-being. Mood is one of those processes, as cannabinoid receptors exist in the brain, and can influence our hormones that determine how we feel mentally.

CBD and Your Dog’s Mood

Lots of dog owners are swear by cannabidiol for helping their dog’s mood. Plus, we have access to plenty of studies that demonstrate CBD’s effects on mood in general.

Study #1: Showed that CBD may help with anxiety and sleep by regulating how much cortisol the brain can produce at any given time. Cortisol is the stress hormone which is released when we feel threatened or overwhelmed.

Study #2: Displayed a link between CBD intake and relief from depression, which seems to have to do with the endocannabinoid system’s role in regulating serotonin levels.

Signs that Your Dog’s Mood Could Use a Boost

Given what we know about CBD and mood, it seems like starting your dog on a hemp regimen is worth a try. Cannabidiol is nontoxic to mammals, and it can be administered daily. But, how can you tell if your dog is having mood problems to begin with?

Like we said earlier, dogs are very good at hiding that something is wrong. But, there are clues that can be very obvious to dog owners. One is that the dog begins to show a lack of interest in playing. If your pup was once energetic and playful, and suddenly they are spending more time sleeping, this could indicate a mood issue.

Another sign is that your dog’s eating habits change. When dogs are in some sort of distress, they tend to eat less. A dog may also be shedding more than usual, as this is a common result of producing too much cortisol.

But, be aware that these signs can also indicate a more serious condition, so if any of these symptoms are occurring, take your dog to the vet.

Reasons for Mood Problems with Dogs

Dogs are sensitive creatures, and so their moods are prone to be disrupted by a wide range of seemingly harmless factors. A dog’s mood can be affected by a sudden change, such as the introduction of a new family member into your home, a move into a new location or a change in your schedule that causes you to spend less time with them. Dogs’ moods can also be affected by physical issues such as pain or digestive troubles.

How to Give Your Dog CBD for Their Mood

To give your dog CBD for their mood, first speak to your veterinarian. You should’ve your vet’s approval before starting them on a hemp regimen. It’s also important that you only give them a CBD-infused product made specially for dogs.

We suggest giving them an internal method like a tincture or a treat, as a topical will likely not have a noticeable impact on mood. Supply them CBD daily for the best results.

Final Mood Changing Dog Thoughts

Those of us who care about our dogs’ well-being can find it quite distressing when our canine friends are displaying signs of low mood. Good news is though, there are options that could treat your dog’s mood safely and naturally. If you wish to give your dog CBD to improve their state of mind, use the guide above.