Is CBD Oil safe for dogs? This alternative medicine has become quite popular in the latest days for both humans and animals. However, many people have questions about the safety of the use of CBD in dogs and the potential side effects it may have. CBD has been subject to different studies.
The effects of CBD in dogs have been studied at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, among many other institutions. As for the use of CBD in dogs, it is quite popular due to the relaxing effect it has on the central nervous system, allowing your furry friend to digest food with ease and relieve stress and anxiety, among many other benefits.
We still know very little about CBD, but what we know at the moment is quite positive and gives us hope for both humans and animals. If you own an elderly dog or perhaps have one that is sick at the moment and are looking for alternatives, the chances are that you have come across pet CBD at some point. You might be wondering what it is and how it works.
If that’s the case, you have come to the right place. For today’s article, we’ll explain how CBD oil for dogs works, its safety, potential side effects, and the situations where it can help your furry friend feel better.
What is CBD Oil for Dogs?
CBD oil is a compound based on cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). It was during the third century that humanity discovered the healing properties of cannabis. The hemp plant was used to make medicines to treat several conditions, such as malaria, during that time.
As in the modern-day, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most researched compounds found within cannabis. While both offer similar benefits, THC causes the intoxicating effect commonly associated with marijuana. On the other hand, CBD has several positive contributions to the human body without causing “highness.”
It interacts with the endocannabinoid system and promotes certain benefits within the body, such as relaxation or perhaps anti-inflammatory properties. It’s possible to find CBD in three presentations:
- Full-spectrum CBD: This substance contains all the compounds found within the hemp plant, including 0.3% THC, which isn’t enough to cause the “high” associated with cannabis.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: It contains all the parts of the cannabis plant except THC.
- Isolates: These products contain only CBD and no other compound.
Most people believe that Full-Spectrum CBD Oil is the one that contributes the most to our body, but diverse studies have found that both broad-spectrum CBD and isolates can provide certain benefits to the body, too.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Dogs?
CBD oil is 100% safe for dogs, despite the presence of THC. According to research by the World Health Organization, CBD does not cause any harm to animals, and it could be a useful treatment for different conditions, such as anxiety or inflammation. However, keep in mind that there aren’t too many investigations available on CBD.
We still need more scientific evidence regarding the use of CBD in dogs. Although recent studies have given us quite encouraging results, we still don’t have clear evidence. Plus, some veterinarians recommend CBD while others don’t. The reason is what we’ve explained above, the lack of evidence. There isn’t enough proof to decide if CBD can be a helpful treatment for dogs.
Why Use CBD Oil for Dogs?
CBD is still under research for multiple reasons. However, it seems to be helpful in relieving certain symptoms in both dogs and humans. Here’s how CBD oil can help your dog in the long run.
Reduce Pain
Dogs can feel pain for multiple reasons, and sometimes, it can come with inflammation. CBD is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effect, which can help them feel relief regarding different conditions, such as arthritis. However, please keep in mind that this information comes from preliminary studies. We still need more evidence regarding the effects of CBD on dogs.
Arthritis
CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect. One of the biggest symptoms of arthritis is inflammation, which can also cause a lot of pain. One study suggests that CBD could help dogs feel relief from the pain caused by arthritis if they consume CBD at least twice per day in the recommended doses.
Helps with Seizures and Epilepsy
It is well-known that CBD might help people who struggle with seizures and epilepsy. However, there isn’t enough research to make the same claims if we talk about pets. However, early studies suggest that CBD can be helpful in reducing the seizure frequency in dogs who struggle with such a condition.
Still, keep in mind that these studies have only been conducted in dogs that were on anti-seizure medication, too.
Anxiety and Stress
CBD has a relaxing effect. It is probably that your dog might feel less stressed and anxious after taking it, but there isn’t enough evidence to say that CBD could be helpful for anxiety in dogs. As with any other condition, more research is needed.
Improves Appetite
It’s possible to stimulate the appetite of your dog with CBD, as it triggers certain receptors in the brain responsible for such a sensation. Plus, it is also helpful for decreasing certain symptoms that may prevent your dog from eating, like nausea. If your dog has been feeling unwell and hasn’t eaten that much lately, perhaps CBD can help them eat with ease.
Helps with Noise Phobias
CBD has a calming effect. Hence, if you live in an area where thunderstorms are common or perhaps would like your furry friend to be relaxed during the seasons where fireworks are popular, CBD is your best ally.
CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs
The dosage depends on the product you’re using. Most companies recommend a particular dosage, although it is up to you to decide how many times you’ll give it to your dog every day, most providers recommend giving it once per day, but others recommend doing so every eight hours.
Other companies recommend giving a dosage based on the body weight. Still, once you give it to your dog, observe their behavior. They should feel relieved to a certain degree. You can start with small dosages and then gradually “increase” them until you find the amount that works best for your furry friends.
For instance, some companies recommend giving it to your dog at least once per day,
Potential Risks and Side Effects for Dogs
While there is not enough evidence to claim that CBD can be helpful in treating specific conditions, we also know that CBD doesn’t cause any harm to animals (or humans). However, when it comes to animals, we know that it may increase the liver value on bloodwork, known as “alkaline phosphatase.”
Still, it is unknown if this side effect has a harmful effect on the animal in the long run. Some owners state that their dogs have become sleepy, drowsy, or perhaps “tired” after giving a relatively large dose of CBD to them. However, these symptoms do not last for too long and disappear quite quickly.
So, CBD is 100% safe for dogs. There aren’t severe side effects associated with it.
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Dogs
So, if you think that CBD could be a good alternative medicine for your dog for the condition it is struggling with, here we have a few recommendations you should keep in mind while choosing the best CBD oil (and other products) for dogs.
Go for Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
As mentioned above, full-spectrum CBD oil provides the most benefits to dogs because it contains all the compounds found within the hemp plant. Although the slight percentage of THC (which ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 percent) may discourage some buyers, keep in mind that it is not enough to cause “highness.”
Natural and Organic Products
Make sure that the CBD Oil for Dogs you’re choosing is 100% natural and doesn’t contain harmful additives or compounds that could compromise your dog’s health. Always make sure to read the whole website to be sure that the product you’ve chosen is safe for your furry friend.
Third-Party Lab Tested
Since CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, most CBD providers conduct third-party laboratory tests to provide more evidence about the content of their products to their clientele. We advise you to stay away from those companies that don’t offer these results, as it may be unsafe for your pet.
Brand Reputation
If you’re not sure if a particular brand is reliable, you can always look around the internet for reviews. There are many CBD communities out there, and most brands are well-known around them. Therefore, if you’re having doubts, there’s always someone you can ask out there.
Certificate of Analysis
A certificate of analysis provides you with proof of all the compounds found within the product you will purchase. If the company does not offer this certificate or farm bill, we highly advise you to look for another store so you can avoid potential problems in the future. Stephanie McGrath, a professor at Colorado State University, advises owners to proceed with caution if they’ve decided to give CBD to their pets, as there is little evidence regarding the effects of CBD in animals and humans.
As an extra note, please don’t forget that CBD Oil for Cats exists, too. Your feline friend can also enjoy the benefits that CBD has to offer to animals. Still, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian before submitting your pet for a new treatment.
Conclusion
CBD is a compound that is extracted from the hemp plant. It is associated with several health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects or relaxing properties. The use of CBD oil for dogs is still under research, although early studies have suggested that it could be beneficial to relieve certain symptoms, such as inflammation or pain, which are caused by conditions like arthritis.
Before giving CBD oil to your dog, we highly recommend you consult with a veterinarian so you can know the potential risks of using CBD on your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD Oil be Toxic to Dogs?
CBD oil is not toxic to dogs, and it doesn’t have any “harmful” side effects that could worsen your pet’s health in the long term. Although more search is needed, we know that this compound is 100% safe for your furry friend to consume.
Do Vets recommend CBD Oil for Dogs?
There are different opinions and positions among the community. Some vets might recommend CBD, while others might not. Keep in mind that there isn’t enough research available on CBD for dogs, which is why some vets refrain from recommending it to pet owners. Plus, keep in mind that it is forbidden for US veterinarians to prescribe or encourage pet owners to use CBD products on their pets.
Can CBD Oil make Dogs Aggressive?
CBD oil will not make your dog aggressive. It may make your furry friend sleepy or drowsy if you give it in large doses, but it will not cause significant behavioral changes in your pet.
How Long does CBD Oil Last in a Dog?
It can vary from one dog to another, although the typical time is 24 hours. After that, the organism of your furry friend will be free of CBD.
Does CBD Oil help Dogs Sleep?
Yes. CBD oil is known to cause dogs to sleep, although it is not as potent as sedatives. Therefore, if your dog has been struggling with sleep for whatever reason, you can try giving it CBD and see how it works for it.
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