Everything you need to know about using CBD oil for Dogs
When our dog suffers, all we want to do, as pet owners, is soothe what ails them, and CBD oil can help to do just that. As it is with humans, the health issues that any dog might experience will likely be vastly different from the next, but the power of CBD oil is able to work from so many different angles that nearly all physical conditions can be treated with it.
What does CBD oil do for dogs?
CBD oil does the very same things for dogs as it does for humans, offering a massive assortment of benefits and system regulating measures without any mind-altering or long-term adverse effects. CBD for dogs can work as a daily supplement to avoid future health problems, or as a treatment to relieve the symptoms of injury, mental health conditions and diseases.
How does it work?
CBD oil consists of two primary components, including CBD and a carrier oil, which is used to extract the valuable cannabinoid and turn it into an easy to measure and administer form. Natural fatty oils are healthy and recommended as part of a healthy diet for any pet, and cannabidiol (CBD) works as an active medicine, by interacting with the dog’s endocannabinoid system.
Most mammals have an intricate system of CB receptors which make up the endocannabinoid system. This sensitive communication network will trigger into action, upon the introduction of CBD to the dog’s bloodstream, which results in a release of hormones, chemicals and healing agents throughout the body. It can also help to repair and stimulate the dog’s regulatory systems, that are responsible for things like motivation, pain and appetite.
Is using CBD for dogs safe?
Many pet’s parents fear for the safety of this kind of treatment, especially after learning about some of the terrible effects of CBD’s sister, cannabinoid THC, and how badly it can impact an animal. While both elements might be associated with cannabis, they are two entirely different things, and though THC is toxic, CBD and its derived products are entirely safe and non-toxic to dogs.
Conditions that may benefit from a CBD oil treatment
A dog doesn’t need any kind of official diagnosis to benefit from CBD oil, as it works as a preventative measure too, but these are some of the conditions and diseases that are most commonly tackled with this all-natural treatment:
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Tumor
- Alzheimer’s
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Nerve damage
- Migraines
The benefits of CBD oil for dogs
CBD oil contains so many incredibly, helpful elements for dogs, and while the extent of the relief achieved may differ from one animal to another, this mixture is excellent for pets. These are some of the clinically proven and most well-known benefits of using CBD oil for dogs:
- Anti-anxiety
- Protein boost due to Omega 3 fatty acids
- Appetite regulation
- Stronger bones
- Antiseizure
- Immune system boost
- Anti-nausea
- Reduction in pain (both chronic and short term)
- Faster healing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
The side effects of CBD for dogs
There is very rarely any sort of adverse effects if you follow the guidelines and use CBD oil with caution. However, there are a few possible signs and symptoms that all parents of pets should watch for during the first few weeks of a CBD oil treatment. If you’ve noticed any of these problems, stop the treatment immediately and seek veterinary assistance. Allergic reactions are rare, and they are generally brought on by the carrier oil, which is the reason why it is so important to get the help of a specialist if you would like to continue with a CBD oil treatment.
- Nausea
- Change in appetite
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
- Cramps
- Allergic reaction (hives, skin rash, swelling)
CBD oil dosage for dogs
Since there is such limited information and research available on CBD for dogs, there are few veterinarians who are knowledgeable about this kind of treatment. Luckily researchers and specialists from some of the largest pet companies in the world, have released some basic guidelines that every pet owner who is looking for direction should follow. Your pup’s veterinarian might recommend higher doses, but these are some really good starting points for pet’s parents in need of some direction on how to begin:
1. How to administer CBD oil for dogs
CBD oil can be given to a dog straight from the bottle via a dropper, directly under the tongue or combined with some of their favorite foods or treats to disguise the taste and texture of the product. If you feel a topical application might be more effective, then you can also make it into a lotion, cream or balm. For those who would prefer a simpler option, there are pre-made CBD oil products from pet companies that make treats, creams and sprays to suit every need.
2. How much CBD oil should be given to dogs
Some researchers recommend a sliding scale based on weight when using CBD for dogs, but the safest way to start a treatment is to start low and go slow. To begin, a small dose of between 5mg and 10mg is most recommended.
3. How often to dose CBD oil for dogs
The effects of CBD oil will continue to work for 8 hours after ingestion, so doses should be limited to a maximum of 3 times per day. However, the frequency of dosing should depend on the problem at hand. If you are treating an anxious pup that is mainly affected, then once a day, first thing in the morning might suffice. For those who are battling more consistent long-term chronic issues, a consistent amount of CBD oil will provide a reliable and complete around the clock relief.
4. Increasing doses
If you are just starting with CBD oil and aren’t seeing the effects that you were hoping for, it is important to be patient. Some CBD oil benefits take a little while to be noticed, which is why you should wait at least one full week before assessing the situation and deciding whether or not an increase in CBD is necessary. For those who decide a higher dose is needed, it should be increased by no more than 5-10mg per week.
Though it is best to start low, some dogs will benefit more, from higher doses of CBD oil, and since it is non-toxic, you do not have to worry about overdosing or addiction or any other potentially deadly effects that so often accompany prescribed treatments of pharmaceutical medicines.
Best CBD oil for dogs
The most important thing to remember when you are shopping for CBD oil for dogs is that any product intended for an animal must be entirely free of THC. Most cannabis strains produce high levels of THC and only minuscule levels of CBD, but there are many breeds of hemp plants that focus more on the production of CBD.
For CBD oil for dogs to be safe, you will need to be sure that it contains less than 0.3% THC. The only way to be completely sure is to make your pet-related CBD purchases through a licensed vendor that is transparent in their testing results and practices. The other things to look out for include additives, solvents, chemicals or flavorings, which may or may not be safe or tested for animals.
Where to buy CBD oil for dogs
It can be hard to know who to trust, especially if you are buying CBD oil for your dog from online sources, so to help, we have included a list of 5 trusted companies that make CBD oil for pets:
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Honest Paws
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Dogs Naturally
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Canna-pet
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HolistaPet
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HempMy Pet
