CBD for Nausea in Dogs

Everyone has experienced the awful discomfort of feeling nauseated, whether from something we ate or a medication’s side effect, or perhaps even the nausea that comes from a well-earned hangover. If you know that feeling, then you also know we’re not our best selves when we’re feeling nauseated, it can negatively affect our appetite, mood, and behavior. Our dogs can also experience nausea, and even if they’re not vomiting, pet parents may see signs of changed behavior, appetite and mood as a sign of nausea in dogs. Thankfully, there are all natural remedies for nausea in dogs, including Full Spectrum CBD for dog nausea, which interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate nausea.

Symptoms of Nausea in Dogs

You have likely experienced that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach referred to as nausea, but how do you know when your dog is nauseated? An obvious indicator of a nauseous dog is seeing them throw up, but nausea does not always result in vomiting. Luckily, there are other signs to look for, for recognizing nausea in dogs.

• Behavior — Most nauseated dogs will exhibit a change in their usual behavior. They may become quiet, seeking solitude, or perhaps their owner’s comfort. They also may not tolerate another dog’s playful behavior, and may even growl to warn away their playmate.
• Appetite — Nausea in dogs can also cause a change in appetite. Nauseated dogs, or dogs experiencing an upset stomach will not be interested in their food, and may even turn down their favorite treats. 
• Saliva — Excessive salivation and drooling, as well as repeated swallowing, are also common signs indicating nausea in dogs.

What Causes Nausea in Dogs?

Numerous ailments, ranging from dietary indiscretions to serious, life-threatening diseases, can result in nausea in dogs. The vomiting center of the brain resides in the dog’s medulla oblongata and, when triggered, nausea occurs, which may be followed by vomiting. This region of the brain can be activated by four principal areas:

• Gastrointestinal tract — Nausea in dogs may be triggered by an infection, inappropriate foods, or a blockage of the GI tract.
• Vestibular system — Nausea in dogs can be triggered by abnormalities or disruptions in the inner ear, such as when a dog experiences motion sickness and is car sick.
• Chemoreceptor trigger zone — Nausea in dogs can be triggered by this area of the brain, as it receives input from drugs and hormones.
• Cortex and thalamus — Nausea in dogs may be triggered by these regions of the brain, in reaction to extreme stress or pain. 

Nausea in Dogs: When To Be Concerned

If your dog seems nauseated for only a short period, or vomits after a meal and then continues to act normally, they are likely not suffering from a serious issue. 

Factors that do indicate they require veterinary attention include:

• Blood — If your nauseated dog has blood in their saliva, or they vomit blood, this can indicate bleeding inside their gastrointestinal tract, and they should be seen by a veterinary professional as soon as possible.
• Non-productive retching — If your nauseous dog appears to be attempting to vomit but producing nothing, this could indicate they have ingested a foreign body, or that they are experiencing bloat. These conditions can be life-threatening, and require immediate veterinary intervention.
• Poison or foreign body — If you know or suspect your nauseated dog has ingested a poisonous substance or a foreign body, they must be evaluated by a veterinarian.
• Chronic issues — If your dog has been exhibiting signs indicating nausea, or vomiting for several days, they should be examined by their veterinarian.
• Additional Symptoms — If your dog seems nauseated and/or is vomiting, while also exhibiting other symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever, lethargy, pain, distended abdomen, or seizures, they should be evaluated by their veterinarian. 

CBD for Nausea in Dogs

CBD and the other cannabinoids in a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract may assist in alleviating the symptoms of your pet’s nausea and upset stomach in a variety of ways. There are tons of cannabinoid receptors in the stomach and throughout the digestive tract, which makes a Full Spectrum CBD oil a great natural remedy for nausea. So how does CBD for dog nausea help?

To start with, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote homeostasis in the body and regulate nausea. A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology stated, “Considerable evidence demonstrates that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals. The anti-emetic effect of cannabinoids has been shown across a wide variety of animals that are capable of vomiting in response to a toxic challenge.”

The American Cancer Society even includes cannabinoids on its list of ‘Medicines Used To Treat Nausea and Vomiting’. “These drugs may be used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemo when the usual anti-emetic drugs don’t work. They also may be used to stimulate appetite.”

Studies show that CBD is great for reducing excessive gastric acid, increasing blood flow to the stomach lining, and helping the lower esophagus prevent reflux. CBD is also a natural inflammation regulator, helping to ease intestinal inflammation, while the natural phospholipids simultaneously act as a pain and fever reducer. CBD has also been shown to be an effective regulator of appetite, and can address a wide variety of symptoms related to your dog’s digestive health.

For CBD for dog nausea, we recommend our Calm tincture for dogs. This 550mg Full Spectrum CBD tincture is formulated with added Lavender essential oil, which has its own anti-nausea properties. CBD is also safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If you know your pet has a sensitive stomach, make sure to administer your CBD at mealtimes so it’s not the only thing in their stomach.

Other Tips to Help your Nauseated Dog

If your dog’s nausea is not serious, you can monitor them at home. Follow these steps to help quiet their discomfort:

• Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours.
• Offer your dog bone broth, goats milk or pumpkin.
• Gradually switch them back to their regular food, if they have been able to handle the bland food for 24 to 48 hours.
• Ensure your dog stays hydrated by frequently offering fresh water. 

Some other natural remedies beyond CBD for dog nausea include probiotics, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, fennel, dill, catnip, cocculus, and lavender essential oil. Each dog’s digestive system is different, and not all dogs react the same, so you should consult your veterinarian before trying anything new. 

Nausea in dogs can be distressing, but several safe, effective natural remedies, like Full Spectrum CBD for dog nausea are available to help mitigate your dog’s suffering. Talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any medication, and seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog’s symptoms indicate a more serious problem.