Just like humans, pets can experience anxiety. For some dogs, the anxiety can be debilitating.

Most pet owners consider their dogs as beloved family members. Of course, you don’t like to see your pup suffering — but you might not be too keen on forcing your four-legged companion to take a prescription medication to manage their anxiety symptoms. If you’re looking for an alternative treatment, CBD dog treats may be just the thing.

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How Anxiety Can Affect Your Dog

Anxiety can manifest in dogs in a variety of ways. Sometimes, it may be situational. Your dog may become anxious when there are loud noises such as fireworks or claps of thunder. Meeting strangers or an aggressive dog could also trigger it. Past experiences could also lead to anxiety issues. For instance, your pup may get anxious when you leave to go to work. 

If your dog has anxiety, they may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Aggression
  • Compulsive behaviors
  • Destructive behaviors
  • Relieving themselves indoors even though they’re housebroken
  • Restlessness

In some cases, these symptoms can lead to serious problems. If your dog begins to destroy furniture or parts of your home while you’re away, he could hurt himself. If he becomes aggressive, he could hurt you or another family member — or even an unsuspecting passerby. 

An Alternative to Conventional Treatment

One of the most common treatments for anxiety in dogs is a prescription medication from your vet. While traditional medications may provide some relief, they may also come with some unpleasant side effects like:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Lethargy
  • Low blood pressure
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Nausea and vomiting

CBD dog treats offer an alternative. Like humans, dogs appear to respond to CBD’s anxiety-reducing properties. The cannabinoid may help your dog remain calmer in situations that would typically trigger their anxiety.

Treats like these are easy to administer. CBD dog treats look and feel like their ordinary counterparts and you can take them with you where ever you and your pup go. They’re often much easier to give than trying to drop a tincture dose under their tongue or trying to trick them into eating a capsule.

While some dogs are picky, most won’t turn down a tasty treat. They’ll have no idea they’re also eating a remedy for anxiety. 

Tips for Finding Quality CBD Dog Treats

When it comes to CBD dog treats, it pays to be picky. Look for those made with high-quality ingredients, including high-quality CBD.

Check to see how the company extracts the CBD, too. Some extraction methods involve the use of chemical solvents — and if there are trace amounts of it left in the product, it could be dangerous. Always choose CBD products with labels showing that they’ve been lab-tested for safety. 

Additional Benefits of CBD Dog Treats

CBD dog treats can help your dog deal with more than anxiety issues. The cannabinoid may also help with:

  • Arthritis
  • Cancer and tumors
  • Chronic pain
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological disorders

As with other types of treats, be sure that you don’t feed your dog too many. A disproportionate amount of snacks in a day could lead to unnecessary weight gain. A periodic CBD dog treat, however, could help your pup to live a happier and healthier life.