Dementia

This post is intended to be an additional resource to our standard dosing guidance. Be sure to follow our three step process of finding your pet’s optimal dose and use this information to help you fine-tune the dosing for your specific situation.

We know from experience how hard it can be on the entire household when your beloved dog and kitty is experiencing dementia or sundowner symptoms.

Whether your pet is restless, pacing, panting, barking, confused or exhibiting other erratic behavior at sunset or through the evening, cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG and THC can very often provide relief without the nasty side effects of pharmaceutical remedies.

Below are some of the best practices for this specific condition, as well as some inspiration from others who have had success.

We’ve seen the best results for sundowner behavior when the CBD is administered  about one hour prior to sundown and another dose about one hour prior to lights out in the household.

For example, if you find that 5mg is the optimal daily dose, plan to give 2.5mg an hour before sundown and the other 2.5mg an hour before bedtime.

If your pet exhibits symptoms all the time, some have found to get more consistent positive results by splitting the optimal dose throughout the day.

For example, if 10mg is found to be the optimal daily dose, plan to administer the total amount in 3-4 doses throughout the day.

Many families find that giving a lower dose of CBD in the daytime and then a bigger dose at night provides their pet with steady calmness throughout the day and more restful sleep at night.

For example, if 10mg is the optimal daily dose, then give 2.5mg early in the day, another 3.75mg an hour before sundown and 3.75mg an hour before bedtime -or- the full 7.mg all at once before sundown or bed (whichever time your pet exhibits the worst symptoms).

Have a dose ready to administer if your pet wakes in the middle of the night. Remember, it is ok to give more than a couple times a day if the positive result is outweighing any undesired response.

For example, If you give 5mg before bed, fill a syringe with 2.5mg and set it aside. If your pet wakes up in the night, administer this dose to help him/her ease back into sleep.

Consider layering CBG for added calming.

Some animals (and people) are what we refer to as CBD resistant. It either takes much more than average or it doesn’t work at all. In those cases, we recommend either layering in other cannabinoids or sometimes even switching completely. The best approach if CBD isn’t giving the full response is to add a drop or two of CBG to the dose and follow the same best practices of observing results and adjusting up or down.

Consider adding more THC.

If your pet is not responding to CBD or CBG and it is in your comfort zone, consider adding more THC. This compound is safe when used properly and can make all the difference. 

And what about the humans?

Dementia/sundowners affects the entire household. We’ve found that sometimes the whole family can benefit from taking a little CBD or CBG. 

Inspiration

Cooper was 14, approximately 30 pounds and was suffering arthritis that was affecting his mobility, he was also blind and beginning to exhibit signs of anxiety.

Kelley had been giving him one 2.5mg CBD treat daily for quite some time and it seemed to help some with the pain, but Cooper’s anxiety was beginning to worsen, especially at night with constant pacing & panting. That’s when her vet suggested she talk with us.

read the full story: Cooper’s Journey
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