CBD oils are becoming increasingly popular among people, which is due to the many benefits of taking them. However, when it comes to administering CBD to four-legged friends, there is a lot of different information circulating online, which is not always reliable. Learn more regarding the use of CBD oil for your dog in the following article.
What is CBD?
CBD is an organic chemical compound from the cannabinoid group, which is extracted from the hemp plant. It is a legal substance and exhibits a broad spectrum of effects. CBD does not have psychoactive effects, unlike THC, which is highly toxic for dogs and even the smallest dose can be harmful to your pet.
CBD is one of the best-studied substances contained in hemp. It has no effect on locomotor activity, body temperature, memory, or sedation. However, it has many positive properties.
How does CBD affect dogs?
Currently there is a lack of formal research regarding the effects of CBD on dogs. So hard to conclude about CBD's effect on four-legged friends.
However, the effects of cannabinoids have been studied in humans. The results have shown that cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in a number of physiological processes such as the regulation of the body's energy balance, and the regulation of mood, hunger and satiety in humans.
In general, endocannabinoid receptors help keep the body balanced and functioning optimally. It can be assumed that CBD will behave similarly when acting on the canine system.
What dog health problems can CBD oil affect?
Although there are no official studies, there are many cases from dog owners who, when administering CBD to their pets, have observed pain relief (especially neuropathic pain) and control of epileptic seizures.
Dr. Jerry Klein from the American Kennel Club points out the beneficial effects of CBD:
- anti-inflammatory properties,
- analgesic effect,
- cardiovascular benefits,
- nausea prevention,
- appetite stimulation,
- anti-anxiety effects.
However, Dr. Klein stresses that there is not enough data on the use of CBD for dogs.
Possible side effects of CBD oil for dogs
As previously mentioned, there are no official studies on the effects of CBD on animals. However, by analogy with humans, it is possible to infer adverse effects of CBD use, such as:
- Dry mouth - CBD reduces saliva production, which affects increased thirst, so make sure your dog has access to fresh and clean water,
- Temporary lowering of blood pressure - especially with high doses of CBD; possible dizziness,
- Drowsiness - resulting from the sedative effect of CBD, especially at high dosage,
- Diarrhea - can be caused by additives in the oil formulation (such as coconut oil) and dogs with sensitive digestive systems are prone to it.
These are not all the possible side effects, so it is worth being careful with CBD dosage, observe the body and monitor the effects. It is best to start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage if necessary. Keep in mind that it takes a dozen to several dozen minutes for CBD preparations to take effect.
CBD oils can cause Increase in liver enzymes and changes in blood morphology. The use of CBD in dogs with liver problems and dogs taking certain medications can be risky. Therefore, consultation with a veterinarian is essential before starting to administer CBD to your dog.
Safety of CBD oil for your dog
First of all, the product should be dosed carefully to minimize the risk of adverse effects. It is extremely important to choose the right oil that is designed strictly for animals, and preferably for dogs. It will also be important to read the leaflet or instructions for administration and follow the recommendations.
Since there is a lack of full studies regarding the administration of CBD to dogs, the amount of dose that would be toxic to the animal is unknown. It is worth knowing that almost every drug or supplement carries the risk of adverse reactions. Hence, it is safest to start with a small dose and observe the effects. However, the most important issue will be consultation with a veterinarian. It would be best to get information from a knowledgeable person before giving any substance to your pet.
Which CBD oil should I choose for my four-legged dog?
If your veterinarian decides that you can give CBD to your pet then it's a good idea for you to know what to look for when choosing a CBD product.
Important issues in terms of choosing CBD oil:
- Organic origin - if the CBD oil is not organic, at least it should not contain pesticides, fungicides and solvents,
- do not choose the cheapest options - quality goes with price, and cheap products may contain toxic substances or unnecessary additives in the composition,
- Check the product certification - products should have evidence of CBD content, as well as the absence of THC in the formulation,
- wybierz olejek zamiast innych form CBD – olejek pozwala na wygodne dawkowanie CBD dla psa dzięki odmierzaniu kropel,
- Choose full-spectrum CBD oil - it shows the most effective action compared to oil in other forms,
- make sure the oil is extracted from hemp - marijuana contains THC, which is toxic to dogs.
How to administer CBD oil to a dog?
There are several methods of administering CBD oils to your dog, these include:
- application of CBD oil under the tongue - this is the best method, giving quick results, but not every dog will allow such administration of the substance,
- Adding CBD oil to a meal - measure out the appropriate dose and add CBD drops to the dog's food, mix and give to the animal,
- Sprinkle CBD oil on your dog's treat - this will allow you to administer CBD quickly and easily.
These are the best ways to administer CBD oil to your dog. The method should be chosen for your pet and remember that you should wait a reasonable amount of time for the effects. It is also crucial to observe your pet after administering CBD.
Alternatives to CBD in oil form
Both humans and animals can take CBD in various forms. CBD oils are a popular option, but there are other suggestions as well. For example:
- CBD dog snacks - these are edible products such as chews and treats that have a fixed dose of CBD in their composition, they are practical especially when traveling,
- CBD cosmetics - these are topical products, usually in the form of creams and lotions, after application, make sure your pet does not lick them off (they are usually not harmful, but they must stay on the skin to work).
Another option would be to bake dog biscuits yourself with CBD oil. In this case, you need to carefully measure the dose of CBD and be careful of high baking temperatures, which can have a detrimental effect on the properties of the oil. It's best to look for proven recipes online.
Where to buy CBD oil for your dog?
CBD oil is available in many online stores, but not all of them have CBD oil for pets on offer. The easiest way to find a store that has CBD oil for pets is to look for this information online. We recommend checking out our partner's offerings NordicOil. Its offer is available by clicking on the button below. CBD oil can also be found in most pet stores.
CBD for the dog - just a trend?
With hemp products becoming increasingly popular and legalized in many parts of the world, one could expect a "rash" of CBD products in various forms and applications.
Interest in CBD oils is high, based on their potential health benefits. However, there is a lack of sufficient research, especially about the administration of CBD to animals. It is likely that in the coming years there will be more and more research regarding the safety of administering CBD to animals and its effectiveness.
CBD Oil for Cats
What about furry meowing friends? Is it safe to give CBD oil to cats and when can it help smart pets? In an article on CBD oil for your cat We describe everything you need to know about CBD oil for cats. In it, you will read about the studies that have been conducted and situations in which owners of their pets use CBD oils. You will also learn what oils should not be given to pets.
Frequently asked questions - CBD oil for dog
Can veterinarians prescribe CBD products for dogs?
According to American Veterinary Medical Association veterinarians should not administer, dispense, prescribe or recommend hemp products. This does not mean that you can't talk to your vet about CBD. Your vet should determine whether your dog can take CBD in terms of his health and the medications he is taking.
Although cannabinoids such as CBD appear to have promising therapeutic properties in areas such as treating epilepsy and controlling pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, the available scientific evidence for their use in animals is currently limited. Therefore, veterinarians should be cautious about CBD recommendations.
What concentration of CBD for a dog should I choose?
The concentration of CBD in the oil depends on the weight and size of the dog. Small dogs that weigh relatively less should take CBD in a lower concentration. For larger dogs, the concentration of CBD should be correspondingly higher. The health of the pet is also an important consideration.
What is the best CBD oil for a dog?
First of all, the oil should be organic, certified, with a full spectrum of action and without THC, which is harmful to dogs. In addition, you can find CBD oils on the market with different flavors, such as chicken, beef, or peanut butter. The flavor of the oil can encourage your pet to consume it.
What happens if I give my dog too much CBD oil?
With too high a dose of CBD, side effects such as increased thirst, diarrhea, drowsiness may occur. In this case, cbd CBD oil should be discontinued for a while and resumed with a lower dose.
If possible, provide the animal with access to water and peace and quiet. In the best case scenario, the pet will sleep off and everything will return to normal. However, it is also a good idea to take your dog to the vet to make sure everything will be fine and your pet's health is not threatened by anything.
Can I give my dog CBD oil to calm him down?
Yes, you can try giving your dog CBD oil for sedation. However, it's a good idea to do this some time before any possible stress (travel, vet visit) so as to give the CBD time to take effect.
Applying the oil under the dog's tongue will work fastest, but not every dog will allow it. Administering the oil in food or as a treat will also be effective, but requires more time to take effect.
Can I give my dog human CBD oil?
No, because often human oils contain trace amounts of THC, which is toxic to dogs. Sometimes there is also xylitol in the formulation, which is also harmful to animals. The safest bet would be to buy a good CBD oil designed for dogs.
Resume
First of all, it is important to remember that the administration of CBD to a dog is not well studied and there is a lack of scientific conclusions and data on the subject.
Before administering any CBD products, visit your vet to assess your dog's health and analyze the medications he is taking to avoid unwanted reactions with CBD.
If you agree to administer CBD, make sure you choose a product designed for your dog. The concentration should be selected according to the size of the pet. It is worth paying attention to the instructions for administration, the leaflet and follow the recommended dosage.
After administering CBD, the dog should be observed, and if there are any adverse effects, it is best to visit a veterinarian.
