Is It Good To Give Kratom to Dogs?

In today’s world, more and more people are opting for organic substances instead of regular medication because of their numerous health benefits. Especially pet owners are leaning more towards an organic alternative that is safe and healthy for their animals and does not have any adverse side effects that prescription drugs usually have.

If you are a pet owner, you can relate to how helpless one feels when they see their furry fellows in pain, especially when they don’t have an explanation. So, do you want to alleviate their pain without contracting severe side effects? If yes, then you need to be aware of what Kratom is and how it can be helpful for your pets, especially dogs.

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciose, is a tree native to Southeast Asia. It acts like an opioid and has pain-relieving effects. Due to its numerous health benefits, it has been widely used for centuries, but could it also be an excellent alternative to prescription drugs for dogs? Let’s find out.

Kratom For Dogs

Kratom has been used widely in Southeast Asia for treating stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. Although there hasn’t been any substantial scientific research on this plant, according to the people who have used it, their experiences have always been positive.

Usually, Kratom is prescribed to dogs who are either hurt or exhibiting symptoms of restlessness and anxiety to calm them down and alleviate their pain. Various tests, such as hotplate, writhing, tail flick, etc., were conducted to prove how Kratom benefits dogs.

During the experiments, it was found that dogs responded positively to the alkaloids found in Kratom, and with the correct prescribed dose, they felt less pain after taking it. Various dog owners’ reviews also support that their dogs feel much better after taking Kratom.

How Does Kratom Work?

Kratom acts the same as codeine and morphine do by activating mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid receptors in the brain to reduce physical pain and anxiety. Unlike other opioids, Kratom hasn’t been associated with any severe side effects. Kratom helps by:

Is Kratom Safe For Dogs?

It has been reported that Kratom has been safely administered to dogs with positive effects, but it hasn’t been proved that it can’t be dangerous. For example, substances like coffee and chocolates have the same level of alkaloids as Kratom does, and they are highly toxic for dogs.

There aren’t sufficient studies and research to prove whether Kratom is safe or toxic for canines. If administered correctly, with the correct dosages under your vet’s supervision, it shows promise in being a valuable remedy for dogs in pain or anxiety.

Benefits Of Kratom For Dogs

Based on dog owners’ reviews, it’s evident that Kratom positively affects their furry fellows. Under various situations or conditions, Kratom helps dogs feel happy and pain-free. Some of the proven benefits of Kratom for dogs are:

Veterinarians’ Opinion Regarding Kratom for Dogs

Very little research and studies have been performed on the topic of Kratom for dogs. Thus, there are varying opinions regarding Kratom’s use for dogs. 

Some vets believe that if Kratom is administered in small and correct dosages, it helps relieve the pain and anxiety of dogs more efficiently and better. As it is a natural product, it possesses more health benefits than prescription drugs. 

On the other hand, some veterinarians believe that as little research has been conducted on how it can be beneficial for dogs, it might pose health risks and thus not recommended. 

Does The FDA Regulate Kratom?

Very little experimentation and research have been conducted on the use and effects of Kratom. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using Kratom as it affects the same opioid receptors of the brain as morphine, thus exposing consumers to risks such as addiction, dependence, and abuse. 

There are no FDA-approved uses for Kratom yet. FDA is encouraging more research to better understand Kratom’s effects, including its use combined with other drugs. While it evaluates the available safety information regarding the effects of Kratom, FDA encourages healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions to develop a better understanding. 

Does My Dog Need Kratom?

Kratom works wonderfully in curing chronic pain and relieving dogs’ stress, anxiety, and depression. Some vets also recommend an organic treatment instead of prescription drugs to avoid adverse effects.

Kratom & Its Effects

Kratom acts as an opioid on the brains of dogs. It accelerates the release of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, uplifting the dogs’ mood. A mice study conducted in 2007 proved that Kratom improves depressive symptoms.

Kratom’s anti-inflammatory properties also relieve dogs’ pain and make them feel more relaxed and happy. Although if taken in high dosages, it might cause adverse side effects, such as constipation, nausea, seizures, liver damage, or diarrhea.

Is Kratom Addictive for Dogs?

Kratom is addictive for both humans and animals; thus, it is addictive for dogs. If given high doses of Kratom, your dog can become highly addicted to it and may experience side effects such as nausea, liver damage, constipation, or lethargies.

Dogs experience withdrawal symptoms when taken off Kratom, thus indicating it’s an addictive substance. Therefore, giving Kratom to your dog on a regular basis may make your dog dependent on it for their every need and condition.

Best Kratom Strains for Dogs

There are various types of Kratom for animals, each targeting different issues. The most used and recommended strains of Kratom are:

Maeng Da Kratom

If your dog is in pain, Maeng Da Kratom will do wonders. It is derived from the strain of Red Kratom in Indonesia and contains high energy levels that work as pain relief. 

Green Malay Kratom

Made from a plant found in Malaysian forests, Green Malay Kratom helps manage chronic pain and restlessness and improves sleep quality due to its high alkaloid concentrations.

Indo Kratom

If your dog is recovering from surgery or suffering from a severe case of hip dysplasia, then Indo Kratom will be ideal to use. Due to its high levels of 7-hydroxy mitragynine, it acts as a sedative and is suitable for relieving pain.

Sunda Kratom

Made from the Kratom strain’s leaves found in the Sunda Islands, Sunda Kratom helps dogs feel happy and relaxed.

Bali Kratom

Found in Bali, Bali Kratom is a great pain reliever, especially when combined with Red Kratom, as it has mild energy-boosting properties.

Determining The Right Kratom Dosage

You must consult your vet to determine the correct Kratom dosage for your dogs, as high dosage can cause seizures. Kratom can also cause adverse effects if used with other medications.

Usually, the dosage depends on the size and weight of the dog. So, start by administering small quantities of Kratom dosage and gradually increasing it until you reach the optimum level. For humans, the ideal dosage is about 7-10 mg, so for dogs, 1/3rd of that would be sufficient.

Conclusion

As the latest trend is moving more towards natural and organic remedies rather than prescription medication, Kratom is gaining demand and traction in the market. It’s a natural substance with abundant health benefits without severe side effects that might be more suitable for dogs than regular medicines.

Kratom helps relieve dogs’ pain and anxiety and keeps them healthier, happy, and relaxed. It helps not only improve their physiological health but psychological as well. Your dog can feel much happier and refreshed with the correct dosage and right strain.

However, more research and knowledge are needed in this arena to make a more informed decision regarding its use. Before declaring Kratom safe and suitable for dogs, many areas need to be explored. Although some veterinarians recommend its use for dogs, others are hesitant due to a lack of research on its adverse side effects.