With cannabis products becoming more common as a pain relief treatment among people young and old, it's not surprising that products made for animals are fast becoming popular as well. With the rising costs of veterinary care, pet owners are turning to CBD oil for dogs for natural healthcare.
After CBD was legalized in the U.S. in 2018 for human consumption, CBD was taken out of the FDA's Schedule 1 category. Under the 2018 Farm Act, CBD was no longer considered a controlled substance. Shortly after, the rage for CBD for dogs started.
Since both humans and dogs have cannabinoid receptors in their bodies, it was established that CBD could also be used for dogs. It became a popular treatment for various health conditions, including pain, inflammation, arthritis, anxiety, and seizures.
But before you order a bunch of CBD oils for your dog, it's best to know all you can about it to make an informed choice about whether to let your dog use it and become aware of both benefits and risks involved.
What Is CBD Oil?
It's important to get to know the source product itself. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, a chemical compound naturally found in cannabis and hemp. CBD is just one of more than a hundred cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant.
In most cases, CBD oil does not have Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana. Therefore, it's considered a non-psychoactive product. Also, most CBD products are sourced from hemp and not from the marijuana plant.
In terms of metabolic pathways, CBD is similar to a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Rimadyl.
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What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Dogs?
Both humans and dogs can enjoy CBD oil benefits. While it's acknowledged that comparatively, there's less research about its effect on dogs, there is enough evidence that our furry friends can benefit from CBD in various ways, with pain relief just one of those.
This is possible because of the endocannabinoid system in the body. The system is made of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors - CBD binds with these receptors, which results in homeostasis, or balance in the body. This treats certain human health conditions, including pain, mood, anxiety, and seizures.
Dogs and other mammals have an endocannabinoid system that operates just like those in humans. Thus, dogs can benefit from CBD as well.
Here are the health conditions in dogs that CBD may benefit:
Pain
Your dog needs pain relief as much as you do. CBD can help relieve debilitating pain, especially for migraine, neuropathic, inflammatory, fibromyalgia, and cancer.
Anxiety
Dogs show certain behaviors when they are anxious, just like humans do. In the case of dogs, they tend to bark, pee in the house, and chew up stuff. CBD oil can help your dog tame these behaviors with its calm and drowsy effect.
Seizures
Some studies suggest the usefulness of CBD in reducing the frequency of seizures in dogs. It should be noted that dogs who benefit from CBD in this manner are also taking traditional anti-seizure medications simultaneously.
Cancer
In this case, CBD is beneficial in alleviating the unpleasant effects of cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy. Patients report that CBD helps fight nausea and poor appetite, which comes with the treatment.
Signs That Your Dog Can Use the Help of CBD Oil
Your dog can be a candidate for CBD treatment if you see the following:
Change in Behavior
Is your dog becoming lethargic, antisocial, or downright aggressive? He could be under stress, which could be environmental or not. CBD oil can help your dog calm down and stop these behavioral changes.
Issues in Mood and Behavior
Is your dog chewing through the floor every time you leave the house? It could be separation anxiety, which is a form of circumstantial stress. Drops of CBD oil can lessen your dog's agitation and make you feel less guilty about leaving him in the house.
Issues in Mobility and Comfort
Your dog may have difficulties moving around or be uncomfortable throughout the day. CBD oil can soothe your dog's pain and discomfort and improve his quality of life.
How Much CBD Can You Give to Dogs?
CBD oil is best given to dogs orally, even though topical options are available. This is why one must be careful in providing just the right dosage. Studies recommend a dose between 2-8 mg/kg twice daily for dogs suffering from arthritis or seizures.
A lot of research errs on the lower side of that estimate (roughly 1-2 milligrams per pound of body weight). Although additional research is needed regarding the right doses for treating other health conditions, the above dosage is considered safe and effective for arthritis and seizures.
Tinctures are the best for the oral administration of CBD to your dog. Find the tinctures you need at Apotheca CBD Tinctures For Dogs.
Risks and Possible Side Effects of Using CBD Oil for Dogs
Overall, CBD oil itself is considered safe for dogs and cats. However, there are still potential side effects to be considered. It can cause dry mouth in dogs since CBD can lessen saliva production. So don't be surprised and alarmed if your dog starts to get unusually thirsty after taking CBD.
CBD is said to cause low blood pressure in dogs when given in high doses. The effect on your dog is a brief feeling of lightheadedness. If you're using CBD to treat your dog's anxiety, you may see signs of drowsiness in your pet, especially when you give higher doses.
These are all temporary, however. You can avoid the risk of your dogs experiencing these symptoms by giving them just the right dose for their needs.
Dangers of THC for Dogs
CBD shouldn't be a problem for your dog, but it's a different case when it comes to CBD. THC can be toxic to dogs and will cause them to suffer unpleasant effects that can last for days. Dogs who have ingested THC may not be able to stand or eat. If you suspect your dog has taken THC, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
Given this fact, you should note too that life-threatening risks of cannabis on dogs are extremely rare. Overdosing on THC can make your dog feel high, but it will not threaten his life. What can worsen the situation is when your dog has eaten chocolate, coffee, or raisins while consuming THC.
Hit two birds with only one stone by providing your dog with a tasty treat full of the goodness of CBD. Your dog will surely love Apotheca CBD Treats For Dogs.
Is CBD Oil for Dogs Legal?
Since the FDA does not yet approve CBD products for dogs, some veterinarians may be hesitant to suggest them, which is understandable given the professional or legal repercussions. Some do not believe in the usefulness of CBD at all, while some are concerned about the possible interaction of CBD with prescribed drugs.
It's not surprising that CBD for pets may still be taboo in some circles. It would be great to find a veterinarian who believes in the benefits of CBD to dogs and discuss the matter with him.
What to Look for When Buying CBD Oil for Your Dog
Not all oils are the same, so make sure you know how to spot high-quality CBD oils for your pet. Here's what to look for:
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
This is probably the most important to look for since it guarantees the safety of CBD oil. The COA on the label shows you the third-party lab results for testing the product for pathogens, heavy metals, and pesticides. If you prefer organic CBD oil, the label can give you the information you need to make sure that it's natural CBD oil.
More importantly, it shows the amount of THC in the product. For your dog CBD oil, you will want one with zero THC. The COA should be on the product's label or the seller's website. If you can't find it, then look for another product.
CBD With No THC
While there's evidence that CBD from cannabis can't get you high, you still have to mind that small THC percentage when it comes to your dog. THC, even in small amounts, can prove toxic to your dog and result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant reactions. Stick to products with absolutely zero THC.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil has little or no CBD and thus will serve no benefit to your dog. Beware of CBD companies that label their CBD products as hemp oil. Now, if the product indicates that it's hemp seed oil, this is fine for your dog as long as there's CBD added to it.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for dogs is roughly 1-2 milligrams per pound of body weight. This is especially applicable to osteoarthritic dogs.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Go for broad-spectrum and CBD isolates products for your dog. Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains not just CBD but also other natural cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD isolate only has CBD.
Here's where to buy CBD tinctures for dogs in the USA.
FAQ
How does CBD feel for dogs?
CBD produces a calming effect on dogs minus the euphoria associated with marijuana use. It lessens pain (if your dog has joint pain, arthritis, or other ailments) and anxiety (especially with environmental factors such as thunder, fireworks, and natural disasters). Overall, the effects of CBD provide soothing relief from pain and discomfort, whether physical or psychological.
Can CBD be toxic to dogs?
It can be if your dog has ingested enough CBD oil to cause toxicity. Ingesting a large amount of a hemp-based CBD product can lead to mild toxicity. Your dog can also suffer from toxicity if he has consumed products that contain THC.
In this case, these are usually products that have not undergone thorough testing. When this happens, your dog will show common clinical signs such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence.
Do vets recommend CBD for dogs?
This can be tricky since legalities may limit your vet's ability to discuss pet CBD oil with clients. But as a client, you have the right to bring up anything that concerns your pet, including the possible use of CBD.
Aside from legalities, it would be best if you found a vet who is confident enough to recommend CBD to patients. Given that it's not FDA-approved for dogs, vets may hesitate to recommend CBD and cannabis products.
Can you give your dog CBD every day?
It's only natural to wonder how much CBD oil is safe for your dog. Dogs can enjoy the health benefits of the best CBD oil daily. In some cases, having multiple doses in a day is safe. You can give your pet additional CBD oil every 8 to 12 hours, as needed. Always be mindful of your dog's behaviors to know if more doses are required to get the desired results.
Buy Only the Best CBD Oils for Dogs At Apotheca
If you're in the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia areas, Apotheca can give you the high-quality CBD oil for pets that you need. Our mission is to provide clean, affordable, and sustainable alternative remedies to modern medicine for people and plants.
Apotheca's team researches, tests, and curates partner brands that put people first before profit through intent and action. No product reaches our store shelves without being thoroughly tested for quality and potency.
Every partner brand provides full test documentation and educational materials to support the customers' purpose of buying all-natural products to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Apotheca provides a safe, secure shopping experience in an industry full of uncertainty. Visit the Apotheca Store Locations to see what's in store for you.
