CBD (cannabidiol) products have become massively popular lately. Praised for the near endless list of medical benefits it has to offer, but without getting the user stoned. Do the benefits of CBD translate to your dog though?
Could Your Dog Benefit from CBD?
Thousands of pet owners are turning to CBD oil to naturally help with a variety of issues. Here are a few of the potential benefits of CBD for dogs:
- Alleviating chronic pain
- Reducing inflammation
- Managing anxiety
- Promoting anti-oxidant activity
- Promoting heart health
- Stimulating appetite
- Reducing nausea
Don’t Get Your Dog Stoned!
It’s important to bring attention to the danger of giving your dog or any pet cannabis. Cannabis can be very harmful to pets and shouldn’t be given to them under any circumstance. THC-free CBD products are a different story, but as with any supplement or diet change you should consult with your veterinarian first.
Best CBD Oil For Dogs
Full spectrum CBD oil is the most sought after because it contains numerous different cannabinoids and terpenes. While it’s still derived from the hemp plant so you can be sure it contains little to no THC, the myriad of compounds actually work synergistically together. To put it simply, full spectrum CBD oil works better.
At the moment there really isn’t any clinical research proving the benefits of CBD for dogs. There is however countless testimonies and online reviews from dog moms and dads who swear by it. Sharing stories of how their pooch got a new lease on life thanks to the pain relieving benefits of CBD. It’s also been stated that it relieves anxiety in dogs just like in humans.
Dangers of Giving Dogs CBD
Lethargy: Some owners who use CBD to treat anxiety in their dog have said they noticed increased drowsiness when using higher dosages. The calming effect of CBD is no doubt responsible for this, similar to the effect it has on humans.
Dryness: CBD has been shown to decrease the production of saliva. This just means your dog will be visiting the water dish a bit more frequently.
As far as clinical research goes, there really isn’t much targeting cannabidiol and dogs. Other than the possible side effects mentioned above, there isn’t any evidence that CBD has a negative effect on dogs; or humans.
How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog?
Currently there are no FDA regulated dosages for dogs.
With the limited research we currently have on CBD, there hasn’t been any adverse side effects from using higher doses of CBD oil. Some researchers suggest ~2 mg of CBD per 1 kg your dog weighs in order to treat arthritis pain.
Is CBD Oil Made for Humans Safe for Pets?
Many people already use CBD oil and may want to share the benefits they’ve experienced with their pet. So can you give your dog the same CBD oil that you’re using? The short answer is yes.
There’s no discernible difference between CBD oil made for humans and CBD oil made for dogs. The only differences you’ll find are dosage recommendations and flavorings. If you’re using an all natural CBD oil it’s very likely you can share your oil with your pet.
Dosing Your Dog
Administering CBD oil to your dog is very simple. Many brands come with their own dropper tool that you can use to drop the oil directly in your dog’s mouth. Or you can drop the oil onto your pet’s food / treats and even place the oil in your hand and have them lick it off. Generally the fatty nature of these oils makes them irresistible to dogs so you shouldn’t have any trouble encouraging them to take their CBD.
Managing Pain with CBD
The primary reason people turn to CBD for their pets is to help manage their pain naturally, without using synthetic drugs with harmful side effects. Whether it’s arthritis pain, chronic pain from a past injury or a general stiffness brought on by old age, cannabidiol can help manage pain naturally and effectively.
In most cases you’ll only need to administer the oil once per day for long lasting relief, but in more serious cases you may want to give your pet multiple doses per day.
Other Benefits of CBD for Dogs
Again, there is very little clinical research in this area at the moment. However, experts suggest the possible benefits of CBD for dogs may include, anti-nausea benefits, appetite stimulation, reduced anxiety, heart health benefits, anti-inflammatory benefits, and even anti-cancer benefits.
There is also a study being conducted by the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences that’s exploring the potential benefits of CBD for treatment resistant epileptic dogs.
Choosing The Best CBD Product For Your Dog
There’s no shortage of CBD tinctures and infused dog treats out there. Due to the recent legalization of hemp derived CBD and the booming popularity there’s countless options to choose from. It’s important to know that not all CBD oils are made equally, and some might do more harm than good.
Here’s a few tips when looking for the best CBD product for your dog:
Go Organic (or at least pesticide free)
In order to choose the best CBD product for your dog you’re going to want to look for products free from pesticides and other toxins. If the product is labeled Organic, that’s even better.
Transparent and Trustworthy
Be sure the oil you’re choosing states the potency of the product. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for a certificate that shows the product has been tested (hopefully by a third party laboratory) and clearly shows the amount of CBD as well as THC. If the company cannot provide this information you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.
Fewer ‘Other Ingredients’
Opting for a tincture is often your best bet. While there are CBD infused dog treats, they often have low doses of CBD and contain a huge list of other ingredients. When buying a tincture you can more accurately monitor the exact amount of CBD which allows you to tailor the dose to your dog more easily. Tinctures also only have 2-3 ingredients, the CBD extract itself as well as the carrier oil / oils.
Quality Matters
Prices can vary widely from product to product, but you don’t want to cheap out. Ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable producer that clearly shows the potency and purity of the ingredients used. Buying a cheap oil with a vague ingredient list can be a total waste of money and even cause more harm to your dog than good.
*Have you tried giving your pet CBD? Please share your experience with us in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you!
