Ways to Use CBD for Dog Anxiety or as a Cat Calmative

Supplements |  August 6, 2021

Pet Releaf Hemp CBD

Pet Releaf Bottle

Mud Bay sells Pet Releaf products at all of our stores. Go to our store locations page to find the Mud Bay closest to you.

Many people investigating CBD for dog anxiety or as a cat calmative want to help their pet overcome reactions to regular occurrences. But how do you know if CBD will work as a calmative for your animal?

While no one can guarantee that CBD will work for your dog or cat, many owners report that their animals seem calmer and better able to face stressful situations when taking this supplement. To find out when CBD can be used for anxiety, and how best to administer it, we talked to Franny Istari, who is an Instructional Designer in Mud Bay’s Learning and Development department.

MB: When should you use full-spectrum CBD for anxiety in your dog or cat?

FI: Hemp CBD is best used as a long-term or short-term calmative for anxiety. I would recommend it when somebody has already tried other avenues to reduce anxiety, but it’s not working for their pet.

Often, we’ll have someone come in with a dog who has separation anxiety or a cat who’s having a hard time adjusting to change, Muddies will suggest they try a calmative like Calm Shen or Happy Traveler. We always want to determine if a dog or cat needs a long-term or short-term calmative for their specific needs. But if that doesn’t work for you, you could potentially add CBD or consider moving to CBD.

MB: What about people who want to use CBD for immediate calming effects?

FI: Some animals do have an immediate response to hemp CBD, but it’s not enough animals that we’d recommend it for use as an emergency calmative. Hemp CBD works best if you’re using it over a period of days to weeks to months rather than a one-time use.

MB: So how should someone distinguish between long-term anxiety, short-term anxiety, and an emergency use product?

FI: Emergency use is something that is unpredictable and happens immediately. Dogs that are afraid of thunder and lightning might respond well to an emergency calmative.

Short term use would be something like the Fourth of July. You know it’s coming, you know there will be fireworks, so a few days before, you start using a calmative like hemp CBD to help them with their anxiety.

Long-term use is for a dog or cat who’s chronically unhappy or anxious. Maybe you bring a new baby home, and the cat is just really unhappy about the change in his environment. Because cats can take a long time to adjust to change, maybe you expect to use a calmative for three months or so, and then reevaluate.

Long-term use is also for dogs and cats that have deep-rooted anxiety that never resolves. For these animals, using a long-term calmative can improve their daily lives.

MB: What about using CBD for reactivity, which can be a big concern for dog owners?

FI: I have a reactive dog, and I felt using a calmative improved our training sessions. Depending on the cause of reactivity, the dog might be anxious all the time. Therefore, using a calmative that prevents the dog from becoming stressed out can help you reach them in the moment and help them learn positive behavior.

Once a dog is hysterical, it’s very difficult to train or redirect in that moment. So, I think testing a calmative or combination of calmatives with your dog can be very beneficial when combined with training. Over time, you could probably work on lessening calmative use after your training begins to produce consistent results.

MB: How do you figure out the proper dosage for a full-spectrum CBD supplement?

FI: It varies by animal. I would start by looking at the package and starting at a half dose. Then, I would slowly increase the amount until I saw the results I was looking for. If I was more than double the recommended dose and not seeing the results I wanted, I would consider that CBD might not be the best option for my pet.

MB: There are many different types of CBD products. What is the best CBD product to use for cat or dog anxiety?

Hemp CBD tinctures are the most bioavailable option. However, the best CBD product will be the best option you can reliably administer. Anxious dogs and cats may feel even more anxious administering a tincture. In those cases, using a hemp CBD treat or another form of CBD might be the best option.***

Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
🐈 
Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass. 
🐈 
You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
🐈 
If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play. 
⚽ 🐕 
With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
⚽ 🐕 
Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy? 
🐕 🐶 
The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
🐾 🐕 
Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use. 
🐕 🐶 
Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
🐕 
Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
🐾 
A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
🐕 
Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
🐕 
We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs. 
🐈 
The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
🐾 
Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟  to help support joint mobility and immune health.
🐕 
All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper. 
🐈 
You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉 
🐕 
The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
🐾 
We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
🐾
Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
🐕 
Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
🐾
Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉 
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔ 
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
🐾 
Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
🐕 
Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
🐾 
Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets