Have you ever had the experience of dropping your child off to daycare, or to a babysitter for the first time? Or perhaps went through leaving them at school for their first day of Kindergarten?
That look on their face, the tears in their eyes, not fully comprehending why Mom and Dad are leaving them with strangers. The anxiety building in their little minds wondering if Mom and Dad will come back, no matter how many times you tell them you will be?
Have you ever stopped to think about your much-loved pets going through the same stressful experience?
That’s right! When we become pet owners, we must fully comprehend the bond we create with our fur babies is quite similar to the bond we form with our children. As a matter of fact, becoming a pet owner is very much like taking on another child. We raise them, take care of them, love them, and create a special bond. In turn, they become dependent on the love, time, and energy we provide them. So much so, that they can become stressed and develop separation anxiety in the same manner as that of a child.
The difference?
For one, they cannot express themselves in the same way a human child can, and two, because they are animals and not human children, we don’t think twice about leaving them to their own devices while we go on about our day.
How many times have you pulled into the driveway to see your dog or cat at the window? Watching…waiting….and as soon as they see your car pull in, they disappear, only to be waiting for you by the door they know you’ll come through with joy and excitement because Mom and Dad are home! THEY MISSED YOU! Animals become so attached to their humans that, when left alone, they can become sad, depressed, and lonely. These feelings in your pets can create a chemical imbalance in their system and may cause them to act out. Here are some signs your fur babies are having these issues:
- Destructiveness like chewing on things, tearing up furniture, and in cases of cats, clawing or scratching.
- Trembling
- Inappropriate defecation and urination
- Vocalization (dogs barking, cats following and meowing)
- Attention-seeking behaviors.
- Cats may try to hide or escape, while dogs may try to escape while you’re away.
- Appetite changes
How CBD Oil Can Help With Stress and Separation Anxiety?
When an animal is stressed or anxious, their brain releases a mix of stress-related hormones. Those chemicals create an imbalance that prevents them from beneficially coping with their emotions. When CBD oil enters the body, it bonds with its natural cannabinoid receptors to stimulate a type of two-way communication within the endocannabinoid system. With that boost, the system can better recognize what’s wrong and what needs to be done about it. It initiates chemical transmissions to bring the body back into balance, and the result is calming with a more relaxed body and mind. There are a couple of different methods to use CBD that will help your overly anxious pets. For example, if your pet only shows symptoms of anxiety when they know you are about to leave, you may only need to administer the recommended dose of a high-quality CBD about 15 minutes before you intend to leave them alone. Another way is to incorporate a daily dose into their schedule via treats or tinctures. Many owners choose this route because there are so many other properties of CBD that can benefit your pet’s overall health and well-being such as:
- Effective pain management
- A stronger immune system
- Reduction in inflammation
- Better heart health
- Prevention of inflammatory bowel disease
One thing to note is that adopted animals can be more prone to anxiety attacks because they have already experienced the feeling of abandonment or have had a traumatic experience. They could also have a history of neglect and abuse which could trigger their anxiety, resulting in more behavioral problems.
Another trigger for anxiety is loud noises such as fireworks. For your animals, especially dogs, they generate a threat. The bright, flashing lights and sudden loud booms are extremely scary for them. They have no way to determine where the lights and sounds are coming from, they have no escape, and cannot comprehend whether or not they are a threat to their safety. Always consider this and prepare for those festive holidays that can be very traumatic for your beloved fur baby!
With these things in mind, we should also note that some anxiety is normal and can be caused by changes in a daily routine, like a new work schedule or a new living environment, such as moving to a new home. Perhaps dealing with a new pet or baby in the house, or even something as simple as a lack of socialization. Just as a child would, these are some things most pets can easily adjust to, in time, when they are provided with a loving and stable environment and feel a sense of security within their family of humans.
Just remember. Our pets are a part of our families too and should always be treated as such!
*Ask your veterinarian before administering supplements to your pets
