Pawsitively Calming: Investigating the Possible Benefits of Kratom for Dogs

Natural animal health care got more prominent with the rise of herbal remedies like CBD for puppies. After all, we’ve been taking advantage of kratom’s health benefits for centuries. Why not share the uplifting, calming, and pain-relieving perks with our pups?

What is kratom, and how can it benefit dogs?

Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree from the coffee family. It’s native to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Myanmar.

People pick, dry, and process kratom leaves before use. They traditionally brewed them into teas, but modern users prefer powders and different capsules. They consume these products to enjoy the herb’s stimulating and relaxing effects.

Kratom’s effects are due to its high concentrations of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloids. These chemicals interact with our opioid receptors to induce euphoria, sedation, and pain relief.

Animals also have opioid receptors. So, the theory is that kratom may benefit dogs the same way it does humans.

Owners may use kratom for dogs’ anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, seizures, and energy. The herb may:

• Relieve anxiety. When dogs are anxious, their behavior becomes fearful or hyperactive. Kratom’s opioid properties may reduce the physical and mood symptoms of stress.
• Soothe pain. Arthritis and injuries may leave your canine uncomfortable and unable to move. Kratom affects the opioid receptors and reduces pain perception, offering several hours of relief.
• Reduce seizures. Many animals have epilepsy, which can be daunting for pets and owners alike. Kratom may lower their frequency and intensity by relaxing your pup.
• Boost energy levels. Numerous health issues leave our canine friends lethargic. Low doses of kratom might boost their energy levels and return them to their usual selves.

The science behind kratom safety for dogs

In the past 20 years, most kratom experiments used rats as test subjects. Some scientists suggest the conclusions can apply to other mammals, including dogs.

What relevant conclusions has research reached regarding the canine use of Mitragyna speciosa? Scientists found kratom safe and moderately effective for several conditions in the following notable studies:

• Research from 2007 showed that rats struggle less with morphine withdrawal after taking kratom alkaloids. This conclusion could be relevant for pets who consume pain medication.
• A 2008 study found the herb slows down gastrointestinal function in rats, which may reduce diarrhea. The digestion returns to normal after two weeks.
• A 2017 review on kratom for chronic pain in rodents found the herb equally or more effective than morphine for pain reduction. It also appears to have a lower addiction risk.

Kratom should have a similar influence on pups as on rats. Some new research seeks to test the claim. For instance, there’s an upcoming study on its effects on osteoarthritic pain in dogs.

Kratom dosage chart for dogs

Kratom has dose-dependent effects. It’s energizing in low doses and calming as you consume more. Your furry friend should have a similar experience.

The main rule is: never give your dog more than a third of the human dose. Larger breeds need more medicine and could do with a third. Small ones require tiny amounts, so it’s best to stick to a sixth.

Here’s a dosing chart on kratom for dogs based on size.

Start with half the doses from above and gauge your dog’s reaction. Wait for half an hour and provide more if they don’t show signs of relief.

Best kratom strains for dogs

Kratom strains have different colors and countries of origin, which leads to slightly varying chemical makeups. You can choose between stronger or milder alternatives with energizing or calming effects.

What is the best strain for dogs? Owners suggest the following strains:

• Green Maeng Da is a potent variety with stimulating and sedating influences. It’s effective in tiny doses and easy to tweak. It’s useful for energy stimulation and pain relief.
• Red Sumatra is a moderately potent strain with calming, sleepy effects. Its influence is usually long-lasting, making it suitable for whole-day relief.
• Green Malay is an energizing variety that improves mood without causing sleepiness or sedation. Green Malay caps should be suitable for pups needing a light pick-me-up.

Tip: Dosing is more straightforward when you use capsules, but kratom’s powder form may be easier to sneak into food. You may blend it with peanut butter or a strong-tasting wet meal to mask the bitter flavor and make it more palatable.

Potential risks of kratom for dogs

Can kratom kill a dog or severely hurt it? Both scenarios are unlikely.

People may worry about kratom toxicity because coffee and chocolate contain closely related chemicals that harm canines. Scientists showed that 920 mg/kg of kratom wasn’t toxic for dogs in 1992, dispelling this concern.

A dog would have to consume massive kratom amounts to face severe or lethal consequences. That doesn’t mean that controlled consumption is totally risk-free, though.

Canines may experience various side effects from kratom. The common ones are nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, and headaches. If any persist for over 24 hours, contact a vet.

Overconsumption of kratom is harmful to dogs, and proper dosing is the easiest way to avoid adverse reactions. Some vets suggest probiotics can help with alkaloid digestion and minimize risks.

The bottom line

It seems dogs can take kratom and benefit from it. The herb might support pets’ physical and mental health, but caution remains necessary until we get conclusive safety studies.

Speak to a holistic vet before giving kratom to your dog. Then remain a good pet parent and track their reaction to make the trial-and-error as safe as possible.

Proper dosing, lab-tested products, and careful monitoring are the top ways to keep your dog safe. Visit our store to purchase pure supplements: suitable for people and pets!

FAQs

Do you need additional or quick information? Let’s end by answering some frequent questions about kratom use for dogs.

Is kratom legal for dogs’ usage, and is it regulated by any governing bodies?

While several regions have banned or regulated the herb, it remains a gray legal area in most of the US. No laws or bodies control kratom use for dogs in the country, and state-by-state laws differ.

People in Alabama, Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee, Indiana, and Arkansas can’t purchase kratom for people or pets. Those in Utah, Nevada, Georgia, and Arizona get access to licensed manufacturers.

Folks in the rest of the US face no legal restrictions, but they must carefully choose their vendors due to the lack of regulations.

Are there any breeds or health conditions that should avoid kratom?

Kratom’s safety for dogs boils down to keeping the dosage low and watching for side effects. So, additional considerations are necessary with small breeds and those with heart issues.

If a tiny dog ate a kratom capsule, they’d experience strong effects. The smaller the breed, the higher the risk of overconsumption. Poodles, chihuahuas, and other tiny pups can use the herb but should only take tiny amounts.

The other factor is heart disease. Kratom may increase the heart rate and blood pressure, which is dangerous if the dog has an existing condition. In this case, avoid it altogether.

Are there any risks associated with long-term kratom use in dogs, and how can I monitor my pet’s health over time?

Since kratom is a relatively recent substance in the West, numerous unknowns surround its long-term effects. The uncertainty doubles for pet use.

We know kratom is addictive for dogs. Dependency may develop after prolonged use, so only administer it sparingly in small doses.

Rare but dangerous risks include excessive weight loss and psychosis. Watch your pup’s eating patterns and behaviors to catch adverse reactions early. Cease all kratom use if they lose too much weight or exhibit disorientation and sudden mood swings.