Author: Keith Myers
CBD or cannabidiol is a compound that is extracted from hemp and cannabis. In most cases, THC is not present in CBD oil. THC is a compound that has psychoactive properties in it. The compound is responsible for getting high and gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. But CBD products being derived from hemp and not marijuana doesn’t contain THC. You may follow this link for buying tips.
How does CBD affect dogs?
Although, no formal studies have been made yet to show the effect of CBD on dogs. But scientists are aware of the way cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. This in return helps to maintain the balance in the body of dogs and thus keep it in a normal and healthy state. Learn more here.
If you are a dog owner and want to see sudden outbursts of energy in your dogs with the use of CBD you may be wrong. Although no scientific data shows the side effects of CBD products and their usage on dogs, yet there are some potential side effects of CBD when applied to humans. Likewise, you can expect your pet to face some minor side effects like dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, etc. one thing that you must take into account here is, where the side effects of CBD products in dogs are similar to that in humans, the treatment options are similar too. For example, CBD products can treat major health issues in your dogs like seizures, anxiety, osteoarthritis, skin conditions, appetite loss, etc.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
CBD works pretty well in animals in its pure state according to the world health organization report of the year 2017. According to a study performed in the year 2018, it is found that CBD can help dogs with osteoarthritis by increasing the activity and comfort level in dogs. Soon in the following year, a study published by McGrath showed that CBD can also reduce the number of seizures that an epileptic dog experiences.
But, although CBD can show great effects on a dog’s health, one should be well aware of its quality control. As CBD products are quite easily available in the market and are not yet regulated, it sometimes contains the ingredients that are not mentioned in their labels. For example, THC is a toxic ingredient when administered to cats and dogs.
Therefore, to avoid the potentially unwanted harmful ingredient, you should use only those products that come with a certificate of analysis or COA. Also, have a look if the batch number on the COA matches the number on the packaging label of the product. The COA certificate is provided only after an independent lab tests the products and confirms their ingredients and potency.
What vets say about CBD for dogs
Veterinarians are often asked this question if CBD is an approved medicine for dogs? Although many countries don’t allow the use of CBD on the other hand pet owners often report that the use of CBD in dogs has helped their pets feel less anxious and painful. CBD is extremely useful for older dogs with arthritis. Pet owners have reported that after giving CBD oil to their pets with arthritis, they can go up the stairs again.
In some states where medical cannabis is legal, the laws allow only the healthcare provider to prescribe cannabis to people. But veterinarians are not allowed to administer CBD products to their animal patients.
How to give CBD to dogs
Studies have shown that dogs given CBD oil orally are more effective than CBD tincture or capsule. Although CBD for dogs is available in different forms like a tincture, gummies, tablets, powders and even CBD infused toys. But, CBD oil is the most widely accepted way to give your dogs. This is because, in CBD oil, the compound is in its purest form.
Besides, your dog may not have an appetite for tincture. But when using CBD oil, you can add a few drops of CBD oil to his biscuits or his foods. If your dog is quite sensitive to the change of taste in their food. Then the best way is to apply a few drops of CBD directly to the mouth of your dog. It is also the most effective form of CBD because it gets absorbed in your bloodstream directly.
The bottom line
As a dog owner seeing your pet in pain and discomfort is not easy. Yet, the idea of giving marijuana to your dog may scare you. But this fear is because you don’t understand the difference between CBD oil and other cannabis products. Hence, you must first understand that CBD is mostly made from hemp and thus the final product contains very minor or almost no THC in it. Thus, limiting any potential risk to your dog’s health and also giving all possible health benefits to your pet.
