CBD is becoming an incredibly popular wellness trend and is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years. What’s even more incredible is that people are using it for their pets.
CBD for dogs has some benefits, but what exactly are they and why should you be concerned? If you’re interested in learning more about CBD oil for dogs, keep reading!
What is CBD?
CBD comes from the cannabis plant, hemp. It stands for cannabidiol which is a cannabinoid that’s derived from the plant. A cannabinoid is a chemical compound and the hemp plant has over 100 of them.
One of the questions concerning CBD is if it can get you high because it comes from the hemp plant which is in the cannabis family. The short answer is that CBD cannot get you high. Another plant, marijuana, is in the cannabis family and it contains the cannabinoid THC which does provide a psychoactive effect.
In most cases, CBD sold on the market has about 0.3% of THC in it, unless you opt for CBD isolate.
In humans, CBD can be used for a variety of ailments such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart health
- Skin conditions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
While the studies continue to look promising for CBD, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects in humans.
CBD For Dogs
So can CBD help pets, specifically dogs? In some cases, yes it may!
Here are some reasons to consider using CBD oil for dogs.
1. Pain
Dogs are prone to pain from a variety of ailments, but mostly from osteoarthritis. As dogs age, they can develop osteoarthritis causing them to have limited mobility and painful movements.
Osteoarthritis is inflammation of the joints and occurs in the legs and torso. Large breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepards are more prone to osteoarthritis because of stress on the joints.
While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, CBD has been known to decreases pain in humans and may work for dogs as well. You can give it to your dog if you notice they’re having trouble moving, but check with your vet first especially if your dog is on any kind of medication.
2. Skin Health
Dogs suffer from allergies which causes itching and dry skin. This persistent itching may cause skin irritation and even hot spots on your dog’s skin which can lead to infections.
CBD helps soothe irritated skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that calm inflammation to decrease the risk of infection and helps keep your pup’s skin and coat in pristine condition.
3. Calming Affect
Is your dog hyper or easily spooked by loud noises, surprise trips to the vet, and company? This is very common for dogs who get anxious or who have endless amounts of energy.
Giving your dogs a dose of CBD oil can make this situation much less stressful for both you and your dog. If you take your dog to the vet or the groomer, they’re likely thankful as well because hyper or anxious dogs are difficult to handle.
4. Nausea
Dog’s experience nausea due to eating foreign objects, sickness, and even certain medications. It’s no fun for you to clean up vomit and it causes your dog to feel terrible.
Administering CBD to your dog may help relieve them from their nausea. However, if your dog is taking medications and one of the side effects is nausea, consult your vet before giving any CBD.
5. Seizures
Epilepsy is a neurological disease that causes the individual to experience seizures. These can be especially frightening, even in dogs.
CBD has shown significant results in helping manage seizures in children, and the same might be true for dogs. Studies have been done that show CBD oil may decrease the number of seizures in an epileptic dog.
What CBD Products Are For Dogs?
Using CBD oil for dogs may be great, but it can get tricky. This is due to the dosage.
Because dogs are smaller than humans, the dosage will be different and you’ll need to calculate the proper dose to avoid any side effects. Thankfully, some options are specially formulated for dogs – both big and small – where you don’t need to worry about too much measuring.
Some popular CBD products for dogs are tinctures and dog treats infused with CBD. Easy measuring is convenient when using a tincture, and you can apply it directly in the dog’s mouth or their food.
Treats are another option for especially picky pups who detect anything wrong with their food. Although, one caveat of treats is the calorie content. You’ll need to ensure that your dog isn’t overeating treats and dogs can put on pounds quickly.
Is CBD Safe For Dogs?
So is CBD safe to give to dogs? It depends.
Most of the research on CBD for dogs is anecdotal, though more research is in the future. Your best bet is to contact your vet and discuss the possibility of giving your dog CBD. Your vet knows your dog’s history and medication and can guide you towards a helpful decision.
There may be some side effects like nausea, sleepiness, or excessive thirst. If you notice any of these effects, stop giving your dog CBD and contact your vet.
CBD Oil For Dogs
CBD for dogs is a great option to help treat some ailments. Before trying any CBD for dogs, talk to your vet about which CBD product may be right for your dog.
Do you want to learn more about CBD? Our website has everything you need! Visit our page to learn more today!
