CBD For Dogs
With the rising trend of CBD products, CBD usage has expanded to more than just therapeutic use for humans. Now CBD for dogs is made available to pet owners so their furry friends may enjoy the same health benefits.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the hundreds of active cannabinoids mostly found in cannabis plants. It boasts a list of potential therapeutic uses including treatment as an anti-inflammatory for chronic pains, reducing stress, and even aiding in getting proper sleep and rest. These same benefits could extend to animals such as dogs.
What is CBD Oil for dogs?
CBD hemp oil, not to be confused with hemp seed oil, is extracted from cannabis plant stalks. It is used to make a number of products containing CBD including softgel capsules, topicals, gummies, and dog treats.
Mostly extracted from hemp instead of marijuana plants, cannabidiol may be beneficial to those who suffer from many ailments including anxiety, depression, migraines, insomnia, among many others.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, stimulating natural hormone production that may help the body achieve homeostasis. Cannabidiol could provide the body with enough vitamins and minerals for a good boost to the immune system.
How Does CBD Affect Dogs?
CBD for pets is as much the same as it is for humans. The main difference between CBD for dogs and for humans is the amount of cannabidiol present in them. To make CBD products safe for animals, the amount of hemp oil extract is lowered depending on the size of the pet.
CBD oil for dogs may be just as beneficial to the pet as they are to the pet owners. The treats could help with chronic pain for elderly or injured dogs, may help ease discomfort from dogs with cancers, and even alleviate seizures.
Though there are no definitive research or clinical trials on CBD for dogs, experts know that cannabinoids such as cannabidiol interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors found in the central nervous system.
This interaction stimulates hormone production which helps maintain homeostasis or balance in the body and gives the pet’s immune system a good boost.
The CBD pet treats should be naturally extracted from premium, organic hemp plants. Third-party laboratory testing should be done to ensure that there are no chemicals added to the pet treats, along with unnecessary fillers.
On how to use CBD treats for pets, simply give one of the treats to the dog at any time of the day. Depending on the size of the pet, no more than two treats per intake is advised for the first time users. Slowly up or lower the dosage depending on the pet’s reaction to CBD.
What Dog Health Problems Could CBD Oil Treat?
Among many possible health benefits, many dog owners who use cannabidiol-infused treats for their pets suggest it may treat pain, specifically neuropathic pain, as well as help control seizures. This is not much different from the study that led to the first cannabis-derived medicine to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in humans.
In an ongoing 2017 case study, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is evaluating cannabidiol in treatment-resistant epileptic dogs. Hopefully, this case study will establish more ground on CBD and its possible health benefits not just in humans but in canines and possibly other animals as well.
Among other potential benefits observed by experts and pet owners alike in dogs that take CBD oil or pet treats, cannabidiol seems to reduce anxiety due to stressful events, such as veterinarian visits, and loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms.
It may stimulate relaxation and lessen the pet’s aggression towards other animals or people. Soothing inflammation from injuries or muscle and joint pains, dog CBD oil could relieve muscle spasms and promote recovery from surgery.
The oil may also help treat cancer in dogs. Cancer cells are difficult to single out and target, and if not stopped early enough, they may spread to other parts of the body.
CBD for dogs may also help them relax, especially for older dogs already suffering from the onset of cancer. It could stimulate their appetite to help them be comfortable and ease the pains of cancer symptoms.
CBD Dosage for Dogs
There is a good reason that pet CBD comes in different milligrams. Not all pets are the same size, so the amount of hemp oil in a treat needs to reflect that. Too much may cause side effects, mainly diarrhea which is unpleasant for both humans and pets.
There is no universal dosing chart when it comes to pets. The best advice is to start off with a low dosage and see how your pet reacts. If there are not any side effects and it seems like the CBD oil has not made a difference, slowly increase the dosage over a few days.
There is no universal dosing chart when it comes to pets. The best advice is to start off with a low dosage and see how your pet reacts. If there are not any side effects and it seems like the CBD oil has not made a difference, slowly increase the dosage over a few days.
Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
Using the guidelines for humans, hemp has little to no side effects except for minor ones that usually do not last more than a day or two as the body adjusts to using cannabinoids. The same should apply to dogs when using cannabidiol-infused pet treats. The following minor side effects may occur:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Diarrhea, but will only be mild and typically lasts for a day. Be sure to keep the pet hydrated throughout.
- Dry mouth means a decrease in the production of saliva. An increased thirst may occur for dogs, nothing water can’t immediately fix.
- Decrease in energy levels, as CBD is also used to potentially treat anxiety in dogs. The calming effect of CBD may cause slight drowsiness, lowering energy levels, and helping pets relax.
Risks of Using CBD Oil for Dogs
Though it is 100% safe for pets, it is still best to consult with veterinarians, especially if the dog is pregnant or nursing, or has a complicated medical history and is currently taking prescription medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any CBD product both for humans and pets, and thus has not issued a proper dosing chart. This means there is no set dosage for using CBD.
As with every supplement, attuning with the body is important to know how it reacts to the foreign substance. When starting your pets on CBD, it is always advisable to start out with small amounts and then closely monitor the effects.
Keep to a consistent routine with your pet and up or lower the dosage depending on the size of the pet, and the side effects manifesting. Surely, if it continues to provide positive side effects, your pet will be perfectly well and healthy.
The CBD Wellness Trend
The legalization of cannabis in many states has triggered an interest in the potential health benefits of cannabis-derived products. This goes well beyond the recreational use of marijuana but extends to creating a new lifestyle.
Cannabinoids boast potential health benefits, especially cannabidiol. Since they come from organic hemp, CBD is a much safer option when treating mild to moderate symptoms instead of over-the-counter medicines with harsh side effects.
Unlike CBD oil for sale for humans, there are very few places where CBD oil pet treats can be purchased locally. Pharmaceuticals do not usually sell them.
Whether starting on a CBD journey for yourself or your furry friends, CBD is a lifestyle that promotes all-organic wellness that promotes the overall well-being of users.