Many dog owners who search for natural pet treatment options have started questioning whether kratom presents proper alternatives for their canine companions. The question remains whether kratom provides health benefits to dogs or whether it creates medical hazards for them.
In this blog, we’ll explore how dogs can use kratom, along with its possible advantages and dangers, backed by information vital for owners who wish to use it on their pets.
What Is Kratom?
Some individuals use kratom as an herbal supplement by extracting the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa evergreen plant, which grows in the coffee family. The regions of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Myanmar have identified kratom as their native plant.
Users extract kratom leaves for dry processing before application as a medicinal product. Traditional users prepared kratom as tea, but contemporary users prefer their substances in both powder and different capsules.
The recreational use of kratom includes people taking its products to experience the relaxing and stimulating properties of the herb.
Mitragynine, along with 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloids, found in Kratom, produces its documented effects. The alkaloids present in kratom bind to human opioid receptors, which produce euphoric feelings together with sedation and analgesic effects.
How can Kratom benefit dogs?
Animals also have opioid receptors. The proposed theory indicates that kratom can provide supportive effects to dogs based on how it affects humans.
Kratom is used by owners to treat four medical conditions affecting dogs: anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, seizures, and increased 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.
- Soothing 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.
- Boosts 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.
Why Kratom May Not Be Suitable for Dogs
Since dogs have different physiologies from humans, they could process kratom along with other substances differently. Here are some reasons why kratom may not be suitable for dogs:
1. Lack of Research
No substantial scientific studies exist that examine the effects that kratom has on dogs. The use of kratom on dogs remains risky because scientific research is scarce regarding appropriate dosages or possible negative reactions to the drug.
2. Potential Toxicity
High doses of kratom potentially harm dogs bodies by acting as a toxin. The sensitivity of dogs to various substances surpasses that of human beings, so small amounts of kratom could lead to harmful reactions.
3. Unpredictable Effects
Different kratom strains and dosage amounts, together with the way each dog processes substances, result in widely variable effects. The effects of kratom usage in dogs remain uncertain, as they can provide unpredictable consequences that potentially harm their health.
4. Risk of Overdose
Because dogs remain physically smaller than human bodies, it becomes simple to overdose them on kratom by mistake. Dogs affected by a Kratom overdose might display vomiting in addition to being sluggish and experiencing tremors or potentially extreme reactions.
5. Lack of Regulation
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks authority over Kratom products, thus resulting in wide-ranging variations of their safety and purity levels and potency strength.
The absence of supervision creates higher chances of improper medication levels and contamination within these products.
The science behind kratom safety for dogs
The majority of scientific research using kratom as a test subject involved rats during the previous 20-year period. Research indicates that the study findings extend their applicability to dogs and all other mammals.
Research studies have generated various applicable findings about Mitragyna speciosa consumption by dogs. Scientists found kratom safe and moderately effective for several conditions in the following notable studies:
- A 2007 research study indicated that rats using kratom alkaloids have reduced symptoms during morphine withdrawal phases. The research findings may become useful for dogs that receive pain medication.
- Research from 2008 discovered that rats consume this herb because it reduces digestive system function, thus alleviating diarrhea symptoms. The digestion returns to normal after two weeks.
- The scientific review published in 2017 regarding kratom treatment for chronic pain in rodents determined that the herb showed equivalent or better effectiveness than morphine in managing pain symptoms. The drug shows a reduced potential for addiction as part of these findings.
Kratom dosage chart for dogs
Kratom has dose-dependent effects. Your dog will experience an energy boost from lower doses of kratom, but will feel calmer when taking higher amounts of the substance. The total dosage for your pet should be equivalent to their portion of the human measurement.
The safety guideline states dogs should never receive more than a third of human quantities. 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.
| Kratom dose | Small dogs | Medium dogs | Large dogs |
| Stimulating effects | 1 gram | 1.5 grams | 2 grams |
| Anxiety-relieving effects | 1.5 grams | 2 grams | 2.5 grams |
| Sedating effects | 2 grams | 2.5 grams | 3 grams |
Best kratom strains for dogs
Different strains of Kratom have unique color variations and places of origin, resulting in minor dissimilarities in their chemical profiles. Apart from milder or stronger variations, you can also compare energizing and calming effects when making your choice.
What is the best strain for dogs? Owners suggest the following strains:
- Green Maeng Da:
Green Maeng Da stands out as one of Kratom’s powerful strains that activates both stimulant and sedative components.
The small amount you need to take is effortless to change and delivers effective results. The substance provides two benefits by stimulating energy and soothing pain.
- Red Sumatra: The medication strength of Red Sumatra lies between average and strong, while producing calming and sleep-inducing effects on users.
This substance generates extended durations of impact that make it appropriate for providing complete-day symptom relief.
- Green Malay: The high energy content in Green Malay enables a mood lift that does not lead to drowsiness or sedation.
The light programmable strength of Green Malay caps makes them suitable for dog owners seeking moderate mental enhancement.
Risks of Kratom for Dogs
The potential risks of giving kratom to dogs far outweigh any anecdotal benefits. Here are some of the key risks to consider:
1. Toxicity
The alkaloids found in Kratom possess toxic properties that primarily affect dogs when given in excessive amounts. When dogs consume kratom, they might develop symptoms such as vomiting together with diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and seizures.
2. Overdose
Due to their size difference from humans, it becomes effortless to provide dogs with an excessive amount of kratom. The presentation of overdoses in dogs requires urgent veterinary intervention because symptoms reach dangerous levels.
3. Adverse Reactions
The use of kratom by dogs triggers multiple possible side effects that include nausea as well as behavioral changes, and dizziness. Both dogs and their owners experience disturbing side effects because of Kratom exposure.
4. Lack of Veterinary Approval
Veterinarians avoid recommending kratom for dogs because research about its use remains limited, along with the existing safety concerns. Administering kratom under the advice of a vet is essential because untreated usage could result in harm to your pet.
5. Interactions with Medications
Other medications that your dog is currently taking might interact with kratom, which can produce dangerous side effects that cannot be predicted.
What Do Veterinarians Say About Kratom for Dogs?
Veterinarians in consensus state that dogs should not use kratom. There exists no scientific backing for the safety and effectiveness of kratom for dog use, which makes its risks exceed any theoretical advantages.
Veterinarians direct pet owners to pursue tested and secure alternatives when seeking ways to control their dogs’ medical conditions.
Legitimate treatment options should only come from your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of pain or anxiety or experiences any health issues. Safe and suitable remedies based on each dog’s requirements will be provided by their veterinarian.
Wrapping Up
Research indicates dogs receive positive results when they consume kratom. Further safety assessments should be performed before we can conclude whether this herb supports pets’ health and provide clarity on cautionary measures.
A holistic veterinarian needs to evaluate your dog before you provide kratom. Your responsibility as a pet parent includes monitoring your pet’s reaction so you can perform a trial-and-error approach safely.
Alternative treatments such as CBD and glucosamine, along with prescribed veterinary medications, should be considered over kratom because they provide superior safety benefits. Your priority for your dog’s safety and health will help you find the best healthcare options.
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