One in 10 Americans take antidepressants, reports Harvard Health. Yet when your dog is depressed, a walk in the park is the only remedy offered. An elephant grieving for a lost companion in the Warsaw Zoo is setting new treatment ground for depressed animals. Fredzia is receiving a boost in her "feel good" hormones through CBD oil.
Could your depressed dog also benefit from CBD oil?
How CBD Oil Treats Depression
Cannabinoid is one of 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Although CBD has been found to be effective in treating depression in humans, it is noteworthy that CBD does not provide the high of another cannabis compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC causes the euphoric high in marijuana.
CBD oil works with the body's serotonin receptors to improve one's emotional state. Serotonin is known as the feel-good hormone because it improves mood and promotes a state of happiness and well-being. CBD receptors also interact with the body's own endocannabinoid receptors in the peripheral nervous symptom to promote overall wellness.
These mood-enhancing effects of CBD oil can help lift your dog out of his doldrums. The evidence of the effect of CBD oil on depression in humans, however, is only slowly being collected. Much of the evidence showing CBD can act as an antidepressant has, in fact, been conducted in animal models.
Signs of Depression in Your Dog
Like elephants, dogs may show obvious signs of depression after losing a companion or master. Like humans, dogs mourn loss. Symptoms of depression may include:
Sometimes the change is more subtle. If a child goes off to college or you move to a new house, Spot may experience a short period of mild depression. Symptoms may include:
Veterinarians treat dogs much in the same way they treat humans. Like humans, Prozac, Zoloft, and other common antidepressants are prescribed to dogs.
Dog Depression and CBD Oil
If your dog is depressed, CBD oil could help relieve the depression without the side effects of antidepressants. Although minor side effects may be experienced with CBD oil. According to the American Kennel Club, they could include:
Ensuring you buy a high quality CBD oil could reduce any symptoms.