As CBD continues to rise in popularity, the many ways it can be used is also evolving. Nowadays, even our furry friends can benefit from this wonder compound. CBD for dogs is the latest trend in the health community.
Although most of the best CBD products are intended for human use, various pet hemp oil products are now available. They are usually reduced in dosage to let animals slowly adjust to the substance. Much like regular CBD products, hemp-derived CBD for pets is generally safe to use daily and frequently.
Dog chews and oil tinctures are now products formulated for dogs. This makes packing and administering easier and better for pets and owners alike.
There are many benefits to adding the best CBD oil to your pet’s daily vitamin routine. Let’s take a look at how it can help with their anxiety especially for the coming Independence Day’s festivities.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a commonly known cannabinoid. It is found most abundant in organic hemp plants. Considering the changes in the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp and all its derivatives became legal in all 50 states.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. Thus, many states are open to legalizing its use together with other hemp products.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical that causes the infamous marijuana “high.” It is mostly removed from CBD products, keeping its trace content to no more than 0.3% to comply with federal laws.
Unlike THC, consuming CBD will not cause any intoxicating side effects. In fact, CBD has been removed from the list of contraband substances in most parts of the world.
Effects of CBD on Animals
For a variety of things like chronic pain, anxiety, and skin concerns, CBD is many people’s holy grail. The best part? It can also be used to treat similar conditions in your beloved pets. Hemp’s anti-inflammatory properties make it popular for humans and pets suffering from different pain-inducing conditions.
So how does CBD affect animals? Much like humans, animals also have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of receptors in the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. These receptors stimulate how the body reacts to hormones.
If the receptors respond well, the body is in a generally well-balanced state. CBD supports these receptors and positively reacts to hormones naturally produced by the body. Good hormones like serotonin should be received well by the ECS to boost mood and energy levels.
CBD products could assist with this process. In turn, your pets may feel energized without being overly hyperactive.
Read More: WHY IS HEMP POPULAR?
Is CBD Safe for Animals?
According to experts, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence showing benefits to CBD for dogs. However, scientific research is far few in between, even for humans.
This may have something to do with the lack of funds and due attention cannabis, in general, is getting from the medical field.
In a 2017 Cornell University study, researchers gave CBD oil twice daily to dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). The objectives of the study were to determine: (1) single-dose oral pharmacokinetics, (2) short-term safety, and (3) efficacy of CBD extract, as compared to placebo pills, in alleviating pain in dogs with OA.
The subject dogs had a hemp dose every 12 hours for 4 weeks. The first group experienced less pain compared to a control group given placebos. The study found CBD helped increase their comfort and activity.
The results of the study and clinical trial seemed to support claims on CBD oil’s benefits for pain and anxiety. The right dosage, however, is still unknown for both humans or animals. No evidence has also been found whether CBD interacts with other medications.
In a recently concluded study, Colorado State University gave CBD to dogs with epilepsy. They found that 89% of dogs given cannabidiol had fewer seizures episodes. They also recorded no adverse behavioral effects.
Though CBD for animals still has a long way to go, many owners attest to its many wonders. Most of its health benefits work pretty much work the same with humans. Some effects of CBD dog treats may include:
- Relieving joint pain, especially for older canines
- Soothing inflammation
- Managing arthritis
- Reducing chronic stress
- Relaxing separation anxiety from their owners
Can CBD Help My Dog During the Fourth of July?
Veterinarians and physicians alike agree that we need more research on CBD for dogs. This is to definitively say the compound can help alleviate conditions like anxiety. Still, CBD for dog anxiety could not hurt as a viable option.
Since it is generally safe to use on pets, it could help with noise-induced stress like fireworks and a big crowd. Just make sure to purchase from a legit and licensed cannabis dispensary. Also, be sure to use whatever CBD pet products in the correct dosage.
CBD for dogs on the 4th of July can help sedate them better. It may even be less of a hassle for you if they are relaxed enough not to warrant a cage or locking up in a secluded room in the house.
Hemp oil’s sedating and calming effects could assist animals to cope with the anxiety caused by fireworks and firecrackers.
If your pet is on a medical prescription, consult your vet before starting on any CBD products. Though it is perfectly safe, reassurance from a medical expert is never a bad thing. Proceed caution if your pet is in a precarious condition like pregnancy or other pre-existing ailments.
How to Give CBD to Dogs
There are multiple ways to give CBD to your pets. Two of the most common ones are via oil tinctures and dog treats. Owners can administer tinctures directly onto your pet’s mouth with the help of a dropper.
If you have a particularly active dog who won’t stay still for more than ten seconds, you can opt to mic tinctures in their food or drinks.
If your dog refuses to eat because of the oily texture or smell, CBD-infused dog treats are your best option. These are made specifically for pets. Guaranteed to have no substance that is harmful to them, pet treats are delicious and healthy for our furry friends.
These broad-spectrum CBD dog chews come in a beefy liver flavor. Your pet is bound to love it! Simply give them one treat to get them started on their very own CBD journey.
Day or night, it’s perfectly okay to give it to them at any given time. For the first few days up to a week, start off with only one treat at a time to let their bodies adjust. High-quality hemp treats for dogs can do wonders. It could help prevent fur loss, renew your dog’s skin and coat, and slow signs of aging such as sagging skin and aching joints.
CBD for dogs has little to no risk of an overdose. It may cause minor side effects like dry mouth and slight diarrhea but this will only typically last for a day or two at most. However, a certain dosage is still needed. For example, smaller pets only need small doses of CBD. Consult with a veterinarian before giving hemp to your pets.
Read More: CBD FOR PETS
Best CBD Dog Treats
Some of the best CBD dog treats combine the purest form of high-quality CBD with tasty ingredients to make a snack your pets can’t resist. These dog chews should be 100 percent organic. No harmful chemicals or fillers are present.
Smaller breeds can also suffer from these problems if their body mass is not well-balanced. CBD could help with this by energizing them to be more physically active, yet easing their pain at the same time.
Containing 3 mg of pure and potent CBD combined pet-friendly ingredients, these dog chews are a sure hit for your furry babies. As a precaution, these treats are completely THC-free. There will be no risks of your dog feeling intoxicated after eating his reward for being the best buddy.
Final Thoughts
Hemp oil is not only an advantage to us humans. It can also prove to be a big help to our canine friends. Larger dogs commonly suffer from joint pains especially as they grow larger or older. You can use organic CBD for dogs to keep them calm on the 4th of July.
To date, the FDA has not approved of any over-the-counter CBD products. Consult with a veterinarian before giving any pets CBD-infused goods. It is not meant to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Read More: IS CBD ADDICTIVE?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is CBD oil safe for dogs?
- CBD products are non-toxic and pose no threat to animals. CBD oil for dogs is sometimes even better tolerated than conventional medications prescribed by a veterinarian.
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Can veterinarians recommend CBD oil for dogs?
- In some states, veterinarians may recommend using CBD for dogs. At the right dosage, this helps relieve pain. But in most states, CBD for dogs is not recommended due to a lack of research.
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What dosage of CBD is safe for dogs?
- The correct dosage should be prescribed only by a veterinarian. The correct dosage is calculated according to the formula based on the age, weight, and other factors of your dog. Do not try to calculate it yourself.
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Can CBD products harm dogs?
- CBD products should be used in the correct dosage and not exceed it, in which case it will not harm your dog. CBD is non-toxic and therefore safe for your dog.
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After what time does CBD for dogs begin to act?
- The effect can occur within 5-10 minutes. In some dogs, the effect is observed after 20-25 minutes. If the effect has not occurred after half an hour, then you can give your dog another dose.
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Is CBD oil for humans different from CBD oil for dogs?
- There is no difference that this is CBD oil for humans or dogs. But laws require labeling on packaging to be different.