Dogs are often considered a man’s best friends, and they are the most popular furry companions to have around. One of the downsides to owning a dog, though, is when you have to witness it in pain. Dogs go through the many ailments that humans suffer from, including anxiety, arthritis, epilepsy, and cancer.
Luckily, the legalization of medical marijuana has opened up many possibilities in the ways it can be used. Of the different products, CBD, or cannabinoid oil, in particular, is rising in popularity.
If you’re interested in learning about how CBD oil can help your pet, here’s all you need to know:
What Exactly Is CBD Oil?
For those who aren’t familiar with what CBD oil is, CBD is a compound commonly found in hemp or cannabis. What sets it apart from marijuana, is that it does not have delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound that results in a psychoactive effect. As a matter of fact, the majority of CBD products are extracted from marijuana instead of hemp.
What Health Problems Can It Be Used To Treat?
While there is currently no conclusive evidence that suggests whether using CBD can help dogs, research does indicate that cannabinoids can interact with endocannabinoid receptors found in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This ability balances the body and keeps it in a healthy, normal state.
Regardless of the lack of formal evidence, the experience of dog owners does suggest that CBD is effective in treating various ailments in dogs. The most common area it can treat is a pain, particularly neuropathic pain. Additionally, it is also used to treat seizures. Moreover, some dog owners use CBD to alleviate pain in old age to treat various conditions.
CBD is mainly used due to various reasons, including anti-nausea properties, anti-anxiety effects, cardiac benefits, appetite effects, anti-cancer properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research is currently underway to determine the effectiveness and extent of CBD usage in dogs. More conclusive evidence will help dog owners learn how exactly it can be used.
Potential Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
Just as mentioned above, there is still a lot that is left to be determined about using CBD in dogs. However, just like CBD has potential side effects in humans, it also has side effects in dogs. To minimize any potential impact, it’s essential to consult an expert and follow the appropriate dosage. These side effects commonly include:
- CBD research indicates that the product can potentially decrease the production of saliva in the mouth and, hence, result in a dry mouth. For dogs, this attribute would lead to an increase in thirst.
- Using CBD in high doses can potentially cause a decrease in blood pressure. Even if the dosage is equivalent to a tiny drop, it may cause a slight sensation of light-headedness.
- Many people often use CBD for anxiety in their dogs. CBD’s calming properties can result in drowsiness, primarily if it is used in high doses.
Risks of Using CBD Oil
Due to the lack of research, careful consideration must be taken before you use CBD to treat any ailments in your dog. Currently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the usage of CBD and has not formally issued a dosing chart. Because of this, it is difficult to determine what dosage size could potentially be toxic to your dog. Every form of supplement or medication carries its risks, and it’s always best to start with small dosages and increase it gradually, based on the effects it has caused. Additionally, do consult your vet first.
How To Choose A CBD Product
After consulting your vet, if you both determine that CBD is worth considering, you need to look for the right product. There are certain things you should remember before you purchase CBD oil for your dog. Not all products are of the same quality, and buying a high-quality product will lead to better results. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Choose a product that’s ideally organic and doesn’t contain any additional compounds, including solvents, pesticides, and fungicides.
- Do not skimp out on the price. Higher quality products are usually more expensive, and cheaper products typically contain harmful ingredients, such as herbicides and pesticides. You should ensure your product doesn’t contain such substances.
- The product should be certified, and this certification should be backed by evidence from the manufacturer. CBD products vary based on the amount of CBD they contain. Additionally, you should also ensure the product contains little to no THC.
- CBD oil is usually administered to dogs orally. While CBD is available in many forms, the best way forward is to buy it in tincture or oil form. These forms ensure the dosage can be adjusted, and it’ll be easier for your dog to take, too. Oral products can be used in combination with other treatments and medications.
Conclusion
As the legalization of marijuana goes forward, the variety of ways CBD can be used is also bound to increase. Just like any other wellness products, it’s essential to conduct extensive research before actually using it. Information is likely to become more available as more and more people start using CBD, and more companies become interested in its effects. Regardless, there is definitely an immense potential in the benefits it can result in for pets and pet owners, both.
Have you ever used CBD to treat an ailment in your dog? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!
