Legalizing marijuana has led to an increased interest in marijuana-related health benefits.
It has taken the world by storm, resulting in different CBD-infused products like edibles, tinctures, salves, and even pet products.
As with all pet wellness trends, there will be a lot of information about CBD oil for dogs on the internet, making it difficult to tell what’s true and what’s not.
If you’re interested in sharing the benefits of CBD with your furry best friend, here are some things you should know about CBD for dogs.
What Is CBD?
Cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are substances found in the cannabis plant. They mimic the natural endocannabinoids found in all vertebrates and interact with endocannabinoid receptors found all over the body. Different cannabinoids affect these receptors differently; for example, CBD does not cause a high, while THC does.
What Does CBD Oil Do For Dogs?
CBD for dogs helps treat different conditions like:
Arthritis
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine found that giving dogs CBD twice a day for a month effectively relieves pain and improves their quality of life. Some of the dogs in the study were initially so weak their owners were considering euthanasia. However, after a few days on CBD, the dogs started walking and climbing stairs.
A study conducted by Baylor University found similar improvements and added that CBD works better when given in a liposomal form.
Itchiness
Recent double-blind, placebo-controlled dog studies show that CBD for dogs significantly reduces itching. CannPal conducted an Australian study and found CBD reduced inflammation, itchiness, and skin lesions by 51% after eight weeks. ElleVet, another company, conducted a study in America that found combining CBD with another cannabinoid, CBDA, decreased owner reports of itching significantly.
Anxiety
CBD benefits for dogs also include the reduction of their anxiety and noise reactivity. This is one of the reasons most dog owners often look for CBD treatment. While there are reports of CBD’s effectiveness, there’s still no study that proves its effectiveness.
According to research from the University of Kentucky, physiological measures of noise anxiety were not significantly different between CBD and placebo. They were also worse than trazodone, which is a common anxiety medication. However, it should be noted that CBD was administered to the participants four to six hours before testing, which could have resulted in a long waiting period.
Seizure
Researchers of Colorado State University conducted a study on the effect of CBD oil on dogs with epilepsy. Dogs who experience more than two seizures per month were offered CBD oil treatment or a placebo for 24 weeks. Preliminary results showed 89% of the dogs involved in the study experienced a decrease in their regular seizures.
Cancer
Cannabinoids have been shown to prevent metastasis and induce cancer cell death. Researchers at Cornell University found that CBD and a standard chemotherapy drug decreased cancer-cell proliferation in vitro. According to claims from veterinarians, CBD reduces the growth of cancer cells in dogs and puts them into remission.
Pain
In a July 2018 study, Cornell University researchers discovered CBD improved the comfort and activity of arthritis-stricken dogs. Their results show giving dogs with osteoarthritis 2 mg/kg CBD twice a day increases their activity and comfort.
A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in August 2018 observed the effects of giving dogs 0.3 mg/kg of CBD-infused oil formulation every day. Their results show that giving dogs CBD-infused oil reduces their pain and improves their functional performance.
How to Give Your Dog CBD Oil
Every dog will respond to CBD differently. Make sure to start slowly, monitor your pet’s reactions, and adjust the dosage little by little.
You can give CBD to your dog in different ways:
Treats
Treats are an excellent way to share the benefits of CBD with your canine bestie. Porous treats absorb CBD oil for dogs better than flat or round treats. Once you know the correct dose, use a dropper to apply CBD oil on your dog treats and allow it to soak.
You can also buy CBD-infused pet treats. Dog CBD treats are great because you won’t have to spend time and effort applying the correct amount of CBD.
Direct Oral Application
You can also directly apply CBD oil or CBD tincture for dogs on their lips or use a dropper to get the CBD into your pet’s mouth. This method works great for well-trained dogs and is tolerant of having things placed in their mouth. Remember to be gentle, and reward their good behavior with their favorite treat.
Mix With Food
Mixing dog CBD with wet foods is also a good idea. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage if you don’t notice your dog benefiting from it. It’s also a great idea to consult a licensed veterinarian to determine the best CBD dosage for dogs.
CBD may initially taste strange for your dog, but they’ll soon be more familiar with it. After mixing the CBD oil in the food, allow it to sit for a while before you serve.
What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of CBD in Dogs?
CBD is generally good for dogs. However, it still causes side effects like:
Dry Mouth
Studies have shown that CBD for dogs decreases saliva production, which manifests as thirst in most dogs.
Low Blood Pressure
High CBD dosage for dogs can cause a temporary drop in their blood pressure, making them light-headed for a short time.
Drowsiness
CBD has been used to reduce anxiety in dogs by their owners. CBD’s calming effects can cause slight drowsiness in dogs, particularly if taken in higher doses.
How Much CBD Can You Give Your Dogs, and Is It Legal?
If you want to give your dog CBD, start slow and don’t give them too much. Aim for a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg per kilogram of dog’s weight twice a day.
The Food and Drug Administration still has not approved CBD use for dogs; however, the FDA has also not approved common supplements like glucosamine and fish oils and most human-approved medications occasionally prescribed in veterinary practices.
The American Veterinary Medical Association also does not approve of veterinarians recommending cannabis products for their patients.
However, not all veterinarians hesitate to recommend CBD. Most are open to discussion, and some are even more knowledgeable than others.
Despite all these, the evidence does suggest CBD may help with at least a few conditions. The endocannabinoid system is a whole new territory for researchers to explore, and each year brings discoveries and new claims.
How to Choose the Right CBD Product for Your Dog?
Whether you’re out buying or browsing online stores for some pet CBD oil, you need to remember a few things. Not all CBD oil is created the same, and high-quality CBD oils work better than is better and have a higher chance of working.
In looking for the right CBD product for your dogs, remember to:
Only shop for organic.
If you can’t find any, make sure the products you find don’t contain pesticides or fungicides, at the very least.
Opt for quality products.
High-quality and high-purity CBD products usually come at a higher price. Cheaper products might have pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. You should also remember to make sure your CBD oil does not contain any additives.
Look for certifications.
The CBD product you buy must have a certificate from the manufacturer stating their product’s CBD content.
Look for CBD products for pets with the National Animal Supplement Council Seal of Quality Assurance. Also, make sure the third-party certificate of analysis includes all ingredients and details the potential presence of heavy metals or mycotoxins. And lastly, make sure the product you’re going to buy is THC-free.
Choose broad-spectrum products.
Select broad-spectrum products include other cannabinoids and substances called terpenes found in cannabis plants. CBD works best when used in combination with these two substances. However, avoid broad-spectrum products with THC, which is poisonous for dogs.
Always remember to only buy top-shelf CBD products in Dillon, CO, and treats your dog will love. Also, ask other pet owners where to buy CBD for dogs; they might know a good place and suggest great products.
CBD is not a miracle drug, but it may help improve your dog’s health and overall wellbeing.
