People have been using Mitragyna Speciosa for years, which has proven to help heal many health issues. However, humans are not the only ones to face health complications, as animals encounter the same issues. But we can only use the same medication for animals if the veterinarian tells us.
As Kratom gained popularity among doctors, it also gained veterinarians’ attention. Witnessing your pet going through a bad time is as distressing for the owner as it is for the pet. Similarly, dogs are among the popular pets nowadays, but is it a good idea to use Kratom for dogs? Does Kratom work for dogs? Is Kratom safe for dogs? When to use it? What Kratom dose for dogs is good? And how to give it?
Well, let’s proceed with this article to find out the right answers to your important queries.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tree that is grown widely in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the coffee plant family, but its composition is different. People use the leaves of this tree for medicinal and recreational purposes. The veins of these leaves determine the age of the plant. Red veins indicate that the plant is fully mature. At the same time, white veins indicate that the plant is immature.
Initially, Kratom was available in limited forms, including leaves and powder. However, now it is available in multiple forms, and people can use it however they want.
Kratom and Dogs
Just like other substances, the effects of Kratom were studied on rats. So, we can pretty much conclude the effects of this substance on dogs. In research, it was seen that giving a water extract of Kratom reduced withdrawal symptoms in rats. Not only this, but sadness symptoms also improved.
In another study, it was seen that a single daily dose of Mitragyna Speciosa improved diarrhea and slowed digestion. However, after a few weeks, they started digesting fine. In two other studies, Mitragyna Speciosa reduced positive as well as negative manifestations of psychosis and also improved constant discomfort.
How Does Kratom Affect Dogs?
Animals also have substance receptors, and they operate like human receptors. This is why people think it can have the same effect on dogs as humans. However, no solid study proves it is safe for dogs. Moreover, your dog can become addicted if you give Kratom in big doses and for a long time. In this case, it can cause nausea, liver damage, constipation, and insomnia.
What Stance Do Veterinarians Take On Kratom?
Some veterinarians prescribe it for anxious dogs and those with chronic discomfort. But it is given in prescribed and measured doses. Giving too much can cause your dog to have seizures and be fatal.
Some tests like tail-flick, writhing, inflammation, and hotplate tests suggest it benefits dogs. So, dogs suffering from chronic discomfort, have injuries like broken bones or are under stress can benefit from this herb, given that the vet and the prescribed dose it is administered.
Uses of Kratom In Dogs
You need to consult your vet about whether you should give Mitragyna Speciosa to your dog. If your vet agrees, you can administer the dose to your dog. You must always start with a small dose and use only the prescribed dose. People claim that it has calmed their dog, who was distressed, controlled the seizures, increased appetite, and gave relief from chronic discomfort.
What Dog Health Problems Can Kratom Heal?
Many people online have used this substance on their dogs, and most of them claim that it helped them. Kratom for dogs joint ache and chronic discomfort is said to be effective. However, these users say it from their own experience, and neither of these benefits is scientifically proven. Some of its uses are mentioned below.
Brings Calmness
Just as in the case of humans, Kratom for dogs become crucial when they are going through some illness and are isolated. But, giving Kratom to them uplifts their mood.
Improves Appetite
If you feed your dog a good diet, then it will stay healthy. But sometimes, dogs lose interest in food due to weather changes or other reasons. So, you can mix Kratom with their food, increasing their appetite.
Ways To Give Kratom To Dogs
Well, the vet can guide you better about the ways you can give Mitragyna Speciosa to your dog. However, it is seen that just like some humans, dogs are also not fond of its bitter taste. So, one must opt for food that disguises the taste of Kratom and mix it with the food.
Giving Kratom straight in the form of powder, leaves, or mixed with water is surely not a good idea.
Possible Side Effects Of Kratom In Dogs?
Due to scarce research on this herb, it will be too early to conclude anything. However, in humans, it is noted that it has side effects. In some cases, human products are also bad for dogs, so Kratom might also have side effects on dogs.
Commonly reported side effects of Kratom on humans include constipation, nausea, headache, and dry mouth. Moreover, a study suggested that giving large doses of Mitragyna Speciosa to dogs can be harmful because it turned out to be fatal when a large dose was given to rats.
What If I Accidently Give My Dog Too Much Kratom?
There are two cases where overdose is possible, either your dog has access to the Kratom, or you accidentally give too much of it. In any case, there will be some signs. These signs are common when drug poisoning occurs. Some of the symptoms are stated below.
- Lack of coordination
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Depressed breathing
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Coma and Stupor
- Disorientation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Low blood pressure
In such a situation, seeking medical attention and getting the required medical assistance without any delay is very important.
Click Here To Read About Kratom Dosage
How To Choose A Product?
If your dog requires Mitragyna Speciosa to recover from some health issue, then the doctor will prescribe you the product, strain type and the exact Kratom dose for your dog. Usually, people like to go for Kratom powder or capsules, which they mix with their food because dogs don’t appreciate the bitter taste.
If you look it up online, people say they have tried Maeng Da Kratom, Green Malay Kratom, Indo Kratom and Borneo Kratom strains for their dogs and these are the best Kratom strains for dogs.
Research On Kratom For Dogs
There is a need for researchers to dig further into this matter. But, there was a study conducted in which two families of dogs and mitragynine were given to both. To one canine family, it was given orally, and to the other intravenous dose was given.
The results were positive as their heart rate, blood pressure, etc., stayed normal. Whereas the stress levels were reduced, side effects were rare, and the substance was overall safe for dogs. This research will probably motivate researchers to conduct more such studies.
Is It Legal?
Whether you want to use it or give it to your pet, you must check whether its cultivation and consumption are allowed in your state. Although in the U.S., it is legal in many states but this isn’t the case in all states. Similarly, in some states, it is legal but regulated. To import it or to purchase it in your state, it is very important to check out the rules and regulations in your country; otherwise, you will put yourself in trouble.
As the question comes to where to buy Kratom for dogs, it can be bought online and in smoke shops, given it is legal in your state.
Click Here To Read About States Where Kratom Is Legal
Conclusion
We hope to have answered all your queries about Kratom for dogs. Although the chances of side effects are low, it is very important to take proper advice from the doctor before administering it to your dog. If your dog has been prescribed to take Kratom, then make sure to buy premium Kratom products from trustworthy sources. For now, it will be too early to say anything about its safety because more research is needed to clear doubts related to the matter.
Evelyn is an avid enthusiast of kratom. She is heavenly driven by a passion for alternative remedies and natural wellness solutions. With a background in pharmacology, she dedicates herself to staying at the forefront of research and developments in the field.
As a writer and content creator, Evelyn produces informative articles, blog posts, and videos, covering a wide range of topics that includes benefits, risks, usage tips, and the latest research findings. She aims to empower individuals to make well informed decisions about their health and wellness journey through her work, and promote safe and legal access to Kratom.
Learn more about our editorial process over here.
