CBD for Dogs – Does It Work?
You might have heard a lot lately about the benefits of CBD. Studies suggest that it can relieve pain, lessen inflammation, and reduce anxiety, but can it do all of that for dogs, too? Many trial tests show it can help your pet with these problems and more. If you’re interested in learning more about how CBD for dogs can help your furry friend, check out these answers to common CBD questions.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn’t induce a feeling of being “high” when taken. CBD is often derived from the milder variant of the cannabis plant, hemp. The plant goes through a process to extract CBD, and then that compound is infused into things like oils and edibles so it can be properly dosed and administered. So far, clinical trials have suggested that CBD may relieve some health ailments, such as inflammation.
Ways CBD May Help Your Dog’s Health
In some clinical trials, CBD has demonstrated that it may help alleviate certain ailments dogs may experience. For example, one study suggests that CBD can provide pain relief for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. In another, the outcome suggested CBD could be used to treat dogs who have seizures by reducing the frequency with which they occur.
Additionally, dogs that experience inflammation can also benefit from being given CBD. Since CBD has anti-nausea effects, it can also be helpful to dogs going through chemotherapy. Plus, CBD has been shown to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and therefore results in decreased anxiety.
What to Watch for When Using CBD for Dogs
Look for signals in your dog to see whether the CBD is having a positive effect. For instance, if your dog with arthritis isn’t having as much trouble going on walks or playing, it’s likely that the CBD for dogs is having a positive impact. Likewise, if your anxious pup is much calmer and relaxed when he’d usually be hiding or shaking, then it’s probably because the CBD is taking effect. Just pay attention to changes in your dog’s mood and behavior to see if there is improvement in the condition.
Side-Effects
Studies on dog CBD have only found a few side-effects. Most side effects that have been found are mild, like dry mouth, drowsiness, and lowered blood pressure. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog after administering CBD, especially the first time.
Dry mouth may occur because CBD decreases the production of saliva. Drops in blood pressure are only significant when a high dosage is administered. Whatever the case, it’s always important to speak with your veterinarian first before administering CBD to your dog, especially if they have specific medical conditions and are also using other medications.
How Can Dog CBD Be Administered?
There are a variety of ways in which CBD can be administered. There are CBD oils for dogs, as well as CBD dog treats. Most people have success with CBD dog treats because many brands have developed flavors that dogs find very tasty. When it comes to CBD dosage for dogs, it depends on the ailment being treated. For example, studies have shown that 2-8mgs can be the appropriate dosage for reducing seizures or pain from arthritis. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian about what the proper dosage would be to help your dog’s ailment.
Where to Buy CBD for Dogs
There are many sites online where you can purchase CBD for dogs, so we encourage you to compare the products available on the market. Make sure to read the ingredients carefully so that there are no unwanted substances included.
We also recommend making sure that lab test results are available for the product that interests you. Often, reputable companies will include a QR code that redirects to these records so that you can check the potency and purity of the cannabinoids used during manufacturing. Finally, you will always want to check with your vet first to ensure CBD is right for your dog. Following these steps will help you buy the right CBD products for your pup.
Works Cited
1. Matthew Everett Miller, DVM. “CBD for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know.” PetMD, PetMD, 27 May 2020, https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/cannabis-oil-dogs-everything-you-need-know.
2. Staff, AKC. “CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 23 Oct. 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/.
3. Vaughn, Dana, et al. “Preliminary Investigation of the Safety of Escalating Cannabinoid Doses in Healthy Dogs.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 1 Jan. 1AD, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00051/full.
