CBD oil is quickly becoming a “go to” natural health supplement that many individuals rely on to help with numerous ailments ranging from pain and muscle spasms to anxiety. And now dog owners are opting to use CBD oil as a natural remedy for their dog’s ailments, too.
Where does CBD Come From?
CBD is derived from the hemp plant. But unlike the highly controversial cannabinoid THC, CBD does not have psychotropic effects.
How is CBD Sold?
CBD can be purchased in liquid oil form, as a tincture, as capsules, or even in gummies or infused in cbd dog treats. It is generally consumed orally by placing drops under the tongue or dissolved in food or other edibles.
CBD is known to work fastest and has maximum efficiency when it is used in its liquid form. Keep in mind that when in edibles or when taken on a full stomach CBD may take longer to absorb and reach a level in the body at which it begins to exert effects…so give it time with your pets to take effect.
Methods of Administration:
- Oral: pill stuffed in food or dissolved in food
- Oral: tincture dropped sublingually under your dog’s tongue
- Injected: should only be done under the supervision or instruction of a veterinarian
Potential Uses
CBD oil may work as a safe and all-natural alternative treatment to treat not one but several health conditions including the following:
- Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many kinds of sicknesses, and CBD oil is very effective in treating appetite loss. Add a few drops to your pet’s first few bites of dinner and your dog will likely be able to finish the meal. CBD oil combats nausea while increasing appetite too.
- Chronic bone pain/arthritis
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from bone pain and even arthritis. Bone problems can be a result of calcium and vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis. CBD can also improve bone strength as well as act as an instant pain killer to relieve sore pain from joints.
- Anxiety and distress
You can treat your dog’s mental anguish with CBD too. The cannabinoid soothes the stress of a dog who has been traumatized with stress from a move, a storm, or another source of dog stress. CBD oil has proven to be a brilliant natural remedy for anxiety and distress in dogs, making the dog instantly feel relaxed.
- Epilepsy
CBD oil has proved its value in treating seizures caused by epilepsy in humans. Dogs can also suffer from epilepsy, and high doses of CBD shows significant success in treating epilepsy in dogs as well as humans. CBD oil can help to control the seizure intensity and bring immediate relief for the dog.
- Cancer
Dogs can get cancer too, and CBD oil can be used to combat symptoms of the disease, including nausea, loss of hunger, weight loss, anxiety, and pain. CBD can also be very effective to prevent the onset of cancer if taken as a preventive measure. CBD oil also has natural anti-tumor traits that help to fight the development of tumors in the body of dogs.
Are There Any Risks Involved with CBD and Canines?
There are a few risks you should be aware of when considering the use of CBD oil when treating your dog. While CBD oil is typically safe, too much of anything can be damaging.
Too much CBD can interfere with the healthy digestive cycle of the dogs causing diarrhea and fluid-like poop. CBD allergies may cause a skin reaction involving patches over the skin, itchiness, and rashes; CBD allergies can also affect the tongue and throat causing inflammation.
An extreme CBD overdose can result in your dog’s finding difficulty in moving, walking, waking up and eating.
Start your dog with small doses of CBD under the supervision or direction of your veterinarian, increasing the dosage as needed or directed. The ingredient chart that comes with the oil can help you to determine the oil intensity and then consequently determine the dose for your dog.
Use the bodyweight – dose ratio to set a dose for your dog, but remember to take the strength of the oil into consideration as well. If the intensity is stronger than average you should reduce the amount of dose accordingly. Small dogs will need to consume significantly less CBD oil than large dogs, to reach an effective level of potency.
Dog owners who have introduced their pets to cannabis oil should be aware of what they need to do if the in case of CBD overdose. Getting your dog to the nearest veterinarian right away will decrease the life-threatening risk CBD overdose can pose for dogs.
Choosing the Right CBD for your Dog
There are many benefits of giving your dog CBD oil. All across the United States, most states have legally declared CBD oil to be usable and generally considered safe for dogs.
Remember, not all CBD oils are the same. When you choose CBD for your dog it is so important to choose one from a reputable provider that you trust, and one that is ideally third-party tested for purity and potency.
You may have to go through the ingredients when you are buying CBD oil; Look for organic and pure oil because that is ultimately what is beneficial for the dog. Oil with chemical preservatives or solvents will change the pH of the oil and not have the same effects for the dog.
Don’t compromise on price when choosing CBD for your dog. To make sure the oil is of the highest quality and in its purest form is a priority. You have to be ready to pay for quality.
Always check product details. Don’t buy CBD oil for your dog without first looking at its detailed ingredient chart that comes with the oil. Everything should be 100% pure with minimal amounts of THC.
CBD can be purchased at most smoke shops and health food stores. You don’t need a veterinarian prescription to try using CBD to treat your dog. Just start off slowly, and with small doses. CBD is a natural and safe way to effectively treat your dog’s stress, nausea, and pain. Try CBD oil to increase your dog’s appetite or to treat your dog’s epileptic seizures.
CBD oil may be the natural remedy you have been looking for in order to treat your dog’s ailments today.
Disclaimer: As with any medication you take or give your pets, you should always check with your medical provider or your veterinarian
When buying CBD for dogs (or any other animal), the price doesn’t represent the quality of the product, as in many cases, CBD drops for pets aren’t made with the same quality standards as “human” CBD oil, as a pet can’t tell you the difference and you probably won’t try those drops, and simply because people don’t care at all and are only interested in profit. For example, I bought broad spectrum CBD drops for pets for around $15 (200mg of CBD with certificate), but when looking at different companies, I also found one for $45 with only 150mg of CBD isolate. The “human” equivalent CBD oil for the same price would have 10x the amount of CBD isolate in it, but as the label says “for pets” or “for dogs”, the price can skyrocket, so don’t buy the first product you see, but do a bit of research prior buying.