Dogs and CBD – Why and how to use it!
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of Contents:
- What exactly is CBD?
- How does CBD help dogs?
- What dosage should I give my dog?
- What dog health issues can CBD help with?
- CBD products for dogs are available in a variety of forms.
- How to Give CBD to Your Dog
- What is the best CBD oil for your dog?
- CBD's Potential Side Effects
- Where can I get the most effective CBD product for my dog?
- Conclusion
Your pet is an important member of your family. You want them to live a long and healthy life. CBD for dogs can help with all three of these things! CBD has been shown in studies to improve the quality of life in both humans and animals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help dogs suffering from arthritis, cancer, or anxiety disorders. In this article, we'll go over what CBD is and why you should give it to your pet.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD, unlike its infamous cousin THC, does not produce the highs associated with cannabis use. It has shown significant promise as an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, and others. What's the best part? You can give CBD to your dog without it becoming psychoactive.
A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that 74% of dogs improved after being treated with oral CBD.
How does CBD help dogs?
Can you give dogs CBD? CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the canine body. This is a network of brain receptors thought to be part of the natural pain-sensing and mood-regulating systems. This endocannabinoid system regulates anxiety, fear responses, immune function, sleep cycles, and other things.
What dosage should I give my dog?
The appropriate amount of CBD oil for your dog is determined by a variety of factors. This includes your dog's age, weight, overall health, the reasons for using CBD, and the potency of the CBD product.
There are variations in dosage. The general rule of thumb is to give your dog 1 to 5mg of CBD oil per 10 pounds of body weight.
Typically, it will take some trial and error to find the ideal CBD dosage for your dog. It is best, to begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it.
For example, if your dog experiences side effects (which are uncommon), you can reduce the dose even further. If, on the other hand, the initial dose does not seem to be working; you can safely increase it within the recommended dosage guidelines.
Here are some methods for giving CBD oil to dogs:
Can you give dogs CBD? CBD oil can be administered sublingually (under the tongue). This is done by drawing the oil into a dropper and squirting it directly into the dog's mouth. This is the most effective method for obtaining quick results. Some dogs, however, dislike having their mouths handled.
- CBD oil at mealtime. Alternatively, squirt the oil from the dropper into the food bowl and mix it with regular food. Begin with a smaller dose so your dog does not notice the change in flavor, smell, or texture of the meal.
- CBD oil on a dog treat. You can put the oil on a porous dog treat and give it to your dog. Your dog will enjoy the treat- time and will not mind the addition of CBD oil.
- Homemade CBD-infused treats – You can bake your dog homemade CBD-infused treats.
- CBD ointment for dogs are typically in the form of balms or creams. They are efficient and practical. Just don't let your dog lick them off (they are not harmful but need to be absorbed into the skin to achieve health effects).
See more about CBD oil for Dogs in our other blogs:
What dog health issues can CBD help with?
CBD is best known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It can also help with anxiety, depression, arthritis and joint pain, seizures, digestion issues, nausea, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.
It can be used to treat separation anxiety or phobias by addressing any underlying issues that are causing these behaviors.
CBD can also be used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. It is frequently prescribed to cancer patients to help with the pain.
Can you give human CBD to your Pet?
CBD benefits for dogs:
Anxiety in dogs
Although CBD is not a cure for anxiety in dogs, it can support your dog's natural endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, it can have a calming effect.
When first introducing CBD to an anxious pet, start with very small doses to see how they react. Giving it sublingually is an excellent way to begin; because it enters your pet's bloodstream without being processed by the liver.
Canine cancer
CBD is not a cure for cancer in dogs. However, it can provide relief from side effects and improved quality of life while your pet is undergoing treatment.
It may also aid in the reduction of pain and nausea during chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments. As well as post-surgery.
If you believe CBD oil could help your dog's condition, you should always consult with a veterinarian first.
Is your dog in pain?
CBD can be used to treat both chronic aches and pains and acute post-surgical or traumatic injuries. Such as a dog with broken bones from being hit by a car. It is not addictive, unlike some medications used to treat pain in animals. It has no negative side effects (unless of course, the animal has an allergy).
There is no overdose potential, so you can increase the dose as needed.
CBD for Dog Depression
Treating a depressed dog with CBD can help. This is because it can help balance serotonin levels and reduce any anxiety or fear. This may have contributed to the animal's depression. CBD oil or snacks do not make a pet high. So they will continue to go outside, eat, play with toys, and so on. Furthermore, you will avoid unwanted behaviors that are related to their mental state. Mentioning destructiveness out of boredom or frustration.
Canine arthritis and joint pain
CBD can also help with arthritis and joint pain. CBD interacts with receptors in the body that influence inflammation, which has been shown to reduce it, resulting in less discomfort or pain.
Because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically prescribed only on an as-needed basis due to potential side effects. This could be stomach ulcers and kidney failure if overused, giving your pet CBD instead provides relief without requiring you or them to take additional risks.
Canine seizures
CBD appears to be an effective treatment option for seizures and epilepsy in dogs, according to research.
It does not have the same side effects as more mainstream medications, which is a plus. The problem is that seizures are difficult to diagnose. This is because there is no definitive test that can tell you what is causing them. As a result, it may take some trial and error with various treatments; before you find one that works for your pet.
The benefits of CBD in human patients are well documented. Studies show that once the proper dosage was determined, approximately 25% of epileptic patients had seizures reduced by more than 50%.
Canine digestion issues
CBD can be beneficial to dogs' digestive systems. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from IBD and IBS-D, and, like humans, anxiety and stress exacerbate these conditions. By giving your dog CBD products, he or she may not require more traditional veterinary medicine. These can often cause stomach ulcers. Here we can mention steroids, NSAIDs, antibiotics for secondary infections, antiemetics to control vomiting and nausea, or opiates for severe abdominal pain.
Dog separation anxiety and phobias
Many dogs experience separation anxiety, which can be extremely frustrating for owners who must leave their dog at home alone. This can be caused by a variety of factors. To name a few, changes in the pet owner's schedule or being left in an unfamiliar location, such as boarding kennels. Cannabidiol is beneficial because it helps regulate anxiety and fear responses before they occur. This may make your dog feel safer in its own environment while you're away.
CBD products for dogs are available in a variety of forms.
Oils with CBD – both full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD – are the most commonly used CBD products. These are best administered as drops. Capsules are also available. Other options include edibles (such as treats). CBD ointment for dogs such as lotions, creams, and patches. They applied to your dog's skin or administered orally.
CBD oils are normally available in various concentrations, typically 2.5%, 5%, or 10%. Typically using a hemp seed oil base. They do not usually list the full spectrum of cannabinoids, but both broad and full spectrum CBD will list THC levels.
How to Give CBD to Your Dog
The two most common (and effective) methods of administering CBD to your dog are topically and orally.
There are several methods for administering topical application – gels, creams, and lotions. It's as easy as rubbing some on their skin with your fingers or massaging it more deeply with circular motions. Then wrap their body in a towel to prevent it from rubbing off.
CBD oil is the most commonly used method of administration for oral administration. Simply sprinkle a few drops on your dog's food and mix until they finish their meal. CBD soft chews and snacks are also available.
What dosage of CBD should I give my dog?
Dosages are recommended based on your dog's health, age, and body weight. As a general rule, we recommend beginning with 0.25 – 0.5 mg CBD per kilo (2.2 pounds) of dog body weight. If you feel it is necessary, you can increase the dose after a few days. Examine the CBD concentration, the amount of CBD in the product, and the amount of CBD per drop of oil or tincture.
What is the best CBD oil for your dog?
When looking for a product to use with your pet, look for one that has been tested and a lab review. This will help to ensure your and your dog's safety.
A good product will include a guaranteed list of ingredients. Also clear instructions on how to use them for your dog's size and weight. An indication of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications they are taking; should also be included.
What happens if I overdose my dog on CBD oil?
One of the best aspects of CBD oil is that it cannot overdose on dogs. If you give your dog too much CBD, it will most likely exhibit side effects (dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased blood pressure) or take a long nap to sleep off the effects.
The Dangers of CBD Oil for Dogs
According to the research done so far on CBD, it poses minimal risk to pets. Of course when used appropriately, which means keeping dosage low and only using high-quality products from reputable brands.
CBD's Potential Side Effects
According to the World Health Organization's report on cannabidiol, “CBD is generally well-tolerated, with a good safety profile.” According to a veterinary study, “CBD-rich, hemp-based nutraceuticals appear to be relatively safe in healthy dogs.”
However, as with any supplement, excessive amounts, particularly in overly sensitive dogs, can cause side effects. The good news is that these CBD oil side effects in dogs are uncommon. Usually self-limiting, and can be eliminated with a simple dose adjustment.
Here is a list of some of the potential side effects:
- Dry Mouth. A decrease in saliva production is a common side effect of CBD. Because your dog will be thirstier than usual, make sure to provide fresh, clean water on a daily basis.
- Low Blood Pressure. A high CBD dose may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leaving your pup nauseous, lightheaded, and lethargic. Your dog will most likely sleep off the effects of these medications within a few hours.
- Diarrhea. Dogs' digestive systems are sensitive. So the carrier oil (for example, coconut oil) in your CBD tincture may cause an adverse reaction in your pup. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to a normal CBD dose is one way to moderate this reaction.
The main concern for pet owners about using CBD oil for dogs is the risk of overdosing. CBD, fortunately, has a wide margin of safety. In layman's terms, CBD oil cannot be overdosed on by a dog. Worst-case scenario, your dog will take a long nap to sleep off the effects of the CBD.
CBD oil, on the other hand, can cause an increase in liver enzymes and minor changes in complete blood count. This means that using CBD oil in dogs with liver problems or dogs who regularly receive certain prescription medications could be dangerous. To summarize, before supplementing your dog with CBD oil, consult with your veterinarian.
Where can I get the most effective CBD product for my dog?
There are numerous places to buy CBD. Both in-store and online, we would not recommend one brand or website over another. Price and shipping can also vary greatly. We'd look for hemp grown locally and a CBD product geared toward dogs rather than humans. Check the potency, or milligrams of CBD it contains, so you can calculate the correct dosing. Look for sites that have lab reports confirming the purity of the product. Also shows that it is free of harmful additives, organic if possible. Keep in mind that you should always consult with a vet before giving your pet any new treatment.
Conclusion
There is abundant evidence for the health benefits of CBD ointment and oil for dogs and humans. You will find there is a wide range of CBD products available. The important thing is to start with a low dose from a reputable brand. Also, keep in mind that you may need to experiment to find the best way to administer CBD oil to your dog.
To find the best CBD product for your dog, you may need to experiment – but you could start here:
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CBD Capsules – Water Soluble – 1%€29.00 -
CBD Capsules – Water Soluble 5%€59.00 -
2.5% CBD oil for Pets€15.00 -
10% CBD oil for Pets€55.00 -
5% CBD oil for Pets€29.00
I am a certified expert in Medicinal Cannabis. We are all about giving correct and trustworthy information. We know how important it is to learn about CBD and cannabis, which is why we want to be your go-to source for trustworthy information. We help you improve your health by using our knowledge and experience as a starting point.
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