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Psychedelics for Pets: How LSD is Changing the Game for Anxious Dogs

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Rithani

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4 min read

02 Oct, 2024

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A recent study from Spain’s Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria has revealed a groundbreaking treatment for dogs with anxiety by using low doses of a psychedelic drug.


The research, published in Veterinary Research Communications, shows that small doses of LSD, particularly 1cp-LSD, can be safely administered to dogs to alleviate anxiety symptoms without causing any negative side effects.


The study focused on a 13-year-old dog named Lola, who suffered from severe separation anxiety.


Image Source: Unsplash


Lola displayed distress and destructive behaviors, including excessive barking when her owners were away.


After being given a low dose of the drug, Lola was monitored for over five hours.


During this time, she was subjected to situations that typically triggered her anxiety, such as her owners leaving her alone.


Surprisingly, Lola’s anxiety decreased significantly just two hours after the treatment.


Despite facing anxiety-inducing situations, she remained calm and did not display her usual anxious behaviors.


Image Source: Pexels


Importantly, the study found that the drug did not cause any psychedelic effects in Lola, unlike its impact on humans, and she experienced no harmful side effects.


After five hours, the dog returned to her normal behavior.


This discovery could lead to new treatment options for the nearly 20% of dogs, particularly those with separation anxiety, that struggle with anxiety.


Traditional medications like antidepressants and benzodiazepines often come with side effects or limited effectiveness.


But this new approach offers a promising alternative without altering the dog's mental state or causing harm.


ALSO READ | Nepal's Unique Festival Celebrating Dogs!

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