Ashwagandha for Dogs: A Natural Guide to Canine Health

Ashwagandha for Dogs: A Natural Guide to Canine Health

  • Kirsten Thornhill - 11.01.2021

Does your four-legged friend get stressed easily? Do they need extra help calming down or relaxing? Here, at Petly CBD, we see this too often with anxious doggos and worried paw parents. We’re here to help, in the best way possible!


An all-natural herb may be just what your pup is needing is keep them calm throughout the day! Ashwagandha is a great and natural option for potential health boosting benefits, for both you and fido!

 


Ashwagandha 101: What is it?


Well, Ashwagandha is commonly referred to as Withania Somnifera too. It is a natural herb that is often used as an adaptogenic for those with stress or anxiety-related concerns. Not only is it taking the holistic world by storm for us humans, but also sending healing waves into the world of animal holistics too. 


Ashwagandha has been around for years and years, despite growing popularity in today’s day and age. For example, this magical herb has been utilized for centuries in Indian medicine. Ashwagandha powder was commonly given to those who needed restored health. It was suggested to be an effective natural remedy for those who had endured stressful times in their life. 


Many individuals still believe that Ashwagandha benefits are helpful when it comes to dealing with extremely stressful situations and times in life. 

 

 

Why is Ashwagandha an Adaptogen?


Firstly, an adaptogen can be described as something that helps the body adapt and find its homeostasis. Ashwagandha has been commonly coined an adaptogenic herb due to its ability to help with physical or emotional stressors. This can be suggested to help with humans and canines alike.  


What the adaptogen balances out in our bodies depends on the adaptogen. Some may help you balance endocrine response, hormones, and enzyme function, while others may help your pup cope better with external stresses. Adaptogens may also help maintain fluid balance within bodily tissues. 


Dogs Adaptogen Options


Adaptogens can help your dog with balancing various processes. This is helpful when your pup gets extremely nervous, overly excited, or disconnected from social situations.


Adaptogens support adrenal function, helping your dog maintain a normal hormonal balance. They may help your doggo with handling stress in a more healthier way. 


Some experts suggest Ashwagandha as an adaptogen, whilst others suggest it in combination with other herbs. 

 

Ashwagandha for Canines


This natural herb can be used to provide your four-legged friend with natural support. 


Like we briefly mentioned above, this ancient herb has been used in humans to enhance brain health, promote hormonal balance, and assist in immune system health. 


However, the use of Ashwagandha for dogs is quite new in the Western world of medicine. Fortunately enough, paw parents in this day and age are more and more open and interested in holistic and all-natural approaches for preventative and healing options for their furry friends. 


Ashwagandha Extraction


How is it extracted from the whole herb, you ask? Well, it’s extracted in a way that the maximum potency is most important. Aka, the extraction process is extremely delicate, in that it keeps all the full-spectrum alkaloids intact.


The way producers process it is in a way that it can be added to your dog’s favorite dish or taken with other health supplements or options.  


Ashwagandha in Supplement Form


An easy way to find Ashwagandha is through a supplement form. They are often packaged in lower dosages than those for humans, but all for good reasons!


You can purchase Ashwagandha powders, which are great to drizzle over your dog’s meals!

 

 

However, if you are becoming increasingly interested in purchasing Ashwagandha in powdered form, consult with your holistic veterinarian first. They may be able to provide you with guidance and dosage and brand recommendations.


Ashwagandha Dosages for Dogs


Though some supplements are not FDA approved yet, they will typically contain dosage recommendations on the packing or bottle. This is typically formulated and suggested based off your dog’s size and weight. 


As with any natural supplements or remedies, start low and slow. The last thing you’d want to do is give your pup too much of something and worry how they’ll react.


If you are unsure about the packages dosage recommendations, talk with your vet. They should be able to suggest a personalized dosage for your pet and their specific health concerns.


The Benefits of Ashwagandha for Dogs


Dog stress can be initiated in a wide range of ways, including changes in their normal day to day routine, travel plans, or even through separation anxiety. Whether your work schedule has only slightly changed, fireworks went off last night, or you’re moving, dogs are sensitive to change and it may affect them physically and mentally. 

 

 

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that paw parents are quickly looking into Ashwagandha as a natural, stress-relieving option for their fido. 


Some of the other benefits of Ashwagandha may include:


  • Assist in maintaining nervous system functioning
  • Help promote hormonal balance
  • Support a healthy metabolic rate
  • Support physical and mental wellness 
  • Promote the body’s resistance to harmful pathogens

Potential Side Effects of Ashwagandha


Of course, not all natural herbs are created equal. As a responsible paw parent, you can't’ assume that all natural supplements and herbs will work flawlessly for your pup. We highly recommend researching the holistic alternatives you’re interested in prior to adding them into your dog’s daily life. 


This being said, Ashwagandha has been considered safe for canine usage, with generally minimal adverse effects. However, large dosages may lead to vomiting and diarrhea. This is why it’s so crucial that you follow your vet’s recommendations in regards to dosage and frequency, as it may be harmful for your pup if taken incorrectly.


Per usual, it’s best to have your dog examined by your vet before giving him or her any natural supplements. You always want to be sure that your pup is healthy, getting enough physical activity, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet, prior to introducing anything foreign to their system.


Another Option for Canine Stress: CBD for Dogs


Ashwagandha is a great natural option for stress management in dogs, but it isn’t your only option available. 


Cannabidiol (CBD for short), a non-psychoactive component derived from the cannabis plant, is also taking paw parents by storm in the world of canine holistic health. 


It’s a non-toxic, holistic option for pets who may need a little help relaxing. One of the best parts about CBD for animals, is that there are little to no side effects. 

 

CBD has been suggested to promote canine well-being and provide a sense of calmness and relaxation. 


CBD for dogs can be overwhelming as it generates millions of searches on Google.

Here, at Petly CBD, we have multiple options for your furry friend. We have Pet Hemp CBD Oils as well as Pet Hemp CBD Dog Treats. We not only curate our products to meet your pup’s needs, we also crafter our CBD tinctures to be fit specifically for your dog’s size and weight. 


For instance, our Pet Hemp CBD Oil for Medium Dogs has been scientifically crafted for dogs 26–50 pounds. Formulated with 250 mg of organically grown phytocannabinoid-rich hemp.


Each bottle contains 30 droppers at 8.33mg per dropper. This natural product combines only two natural compounds that support canine health—broad-spectrum hemp extract and MCT coconut oil.

 

We also have Pet Hemp CBD oil for Cats! Our feline droppers have been scientifically crafted for our small furry friends. Formulated with 125 mg of organically grown phytocannabinoid-rich hemp.

 

Each bottle contains 30 droppers at 4.16mg per dropper. This natural product combines only two natural compounds that support feline health—broad-spectrum hemp extract and MCT coconut oil.


By all means, it’s important that you buy from a reputable CBD company, with proof of third-party lab testing. This will ensure that their products have been tested and retested for quality and certified for assurance purposes.


Ashwagandha for Canines: Final Thoughts


As our time as a technologically advanced culture continues to unravel, Ashwagandha and CBD are making its way into normative holistic health treatments. 


Considering the beautiful benefits of this incredible herb we mentioned above, your pup may benefit in numerous ways, physically and mentally. It’s no shock that paw parents are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural stress reliever for their dog’s hyperactive habits and anxious actions.

 

 

CBD is also making its name in pet health one day at a time. With CBD’s safety profile and non-toxic and non-addictive properties, it’s no question as to why paw parents are beginning to get curious about this natural, hemp-derived option. Hemp derived CBD won’t get your puppers high, so be sure to search for reputable brands that contain no THC in their products. As THC can be extremely harmful for your pets. 


If you have a doggo who might benefit from a natural stress reliever and relaxant, talk with your holistic veterinarian about the possibilities of Ashwagandha. It may benefit your four-legged pal more than you think!

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