I have both good and bad news to share about CBD oil for dogs.
The good news is that it can help with everything from allergies to cancer in your dog. The bad news is that the CBD industry remains unregulated. As a result, the vast majority of pet owners may be duped.
So today I’d like to discuss all of the benefits of CBD for pets. Then I’ll show you where to look for the best product for your dog and how to give it to him.
What Does CBD Oil Do For Dogs?
The endocannabinoid system is a messenger system in your dog’s body. It helps with sleep, appetite, pain, immunity, and a variety of other bodily functions. CBD influences the activity of messengers in the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the brain, to stimulate them. CBD has endocannabinoids that are very similar to those found in your dog’s body, so it can do so.
As a matter of fact, CBD’s potential benefits can be substantial and significant. And why CBD oil is the world’s fastest-growing good health plant!
6 Ways CBD Oil Can Help Your Dog
Let’s take a look at some of the most common conditions that CBD can help with in dogs. After that, I’ll discuss which CBD oil to buy and general dosing guidelines.
- Dogs With Joint Problems
If your dog is suffering from joint pain, your veterinarian may prescribe NSAIDs or other pain relievers such as Gabapentin. However, NSAIDs can lead to joint and soft tissue deterioration. They can also harm your dog’s liver. Gabapentin can also harm the kidneys. Furthermore, it is ineffective.
CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory with none of the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals. CB1 receptors in the brain are where it works. To reduce inflammation, these receptors stimulate the immune system. The brain’s response to pain is also altered by CB1 receptors.
CBD binds to CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the nervous and immune systems. As a result of this, the body may produce more cannabinoids naturally. This helps to reduce inflammation and the pain that comes with it even more.
Indeed, Cornell University researchers discovered that dogs given CBD for arthritis were more active and pain-free.
The following are some of the most common reasons why people buy CBD Oil for dogs as an anti-inflammatory for joint problems:
- Arthritis
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Sprains and strains
- Torn ligaments (CCL)
- Dogs With Cancer
Regretfully, cancer will knock 50% of adult dogs. Cancer poses a serious health risk to dogs, particularly if they are subjected to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Investigators are always on the hunt for new ways to treat cancer and ease pain and nausea that can complement it. CBD has also been extensively studied as a cancer-fighting agent.
CBD Prodcuts are slowed the growth of mammary cancer cells in mice, according the study results.
Cancers became more sensitive to CBD treatment in another study. As a result, CBD may help conventional cancer treatments perform better.
CBD also kills cancer cells by preventing them from generating power. It could also cause the immunologic system to produce deadly cells, that also kill cancer cells.
CBD also hinders this same GPR55 cannabinoid receptor, according the scientists. This is substantial because GPR55 speeded up cancer cell growth in mice.
CBD oil can also help with nausea that many cancer drugs cause. CBD was also shown in studies to greatly reduce melanoma pain.
- Dogs With Seizures And Epilepsy
Seizures affect about 5% of dogs, according to estimates. They can be frightening to both dogs and their owners. They can also make you feel anxious.
Antiepileptic drugs are used by most veterinarians to treat epilepsy and seizures. Phenobarbital or potassium iodide are two common choices. These drugs, on either side, are highly hazardous to your dog’s liver and other organs. And even if the drugs don’t have unmanageable side effects, they aren’t always efficient.
When Colorado State University researchers looked into CBD as a treatment for epilepsy in dogs, they were ecstatic. Epilepsy have been lowered in 89 cents of the dogs who did receive the CBD.
CBD even helped patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in human trials. In one study, seven out of eight patients saw a significant improvement within six months.
Because of how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it reduces the frequency and severity of seizures. Seizures are thought to be caused by abnormal electric charges in the nervous system’s neurons. Cannabidiol, on the other side, can bind to brain receptors. Researchers believe this will help the nervous system function better.
- Dogs With Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek out CBD. Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including:
- Noise phobia
- Separation anxiety
- Aggression
- Fear
Of course, anti-anxiety medications are available. CBD, on the other hand, is being studied for anxiety because it has no harmful side effects.
CBD can work quickly if given directly to your dog when he is stressed. Working time is usually between 5 and 20 minutes. CBD, on the other hand, appears to be most effective for anxiety when administered over time. A daily dose may be beneficial if your dog is prone to stress.
Stress in rats exposed to cats was studied in a 2012 study. The rats who were given multiple doses of CBD were less anxious than those who were given a single dose.
CBD is thought to help regulate serotonin, but researchers aren’t sure how it relieves stress and anxiety. The hormone serotonin controls mood, social behaviour, digestion, sleep, and appetite.
- Dogs In Pain
The study on distress is likely the most hopeful CBD research. It is effective for a variety of ailments, including nerve pain and arthritis. even without bad effects of pain meds
CBD binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and nervous system, altering your dog’s perception of pain.
Additionally, CBD can aid in the management of other pain-related symptoms like insomnia and nausea.
Acute pain from injuries can also be helped by CBD.
- Dogs With Allergies
The prevalence of allergies in dogs is on the rise. They’re also challenging to treat. As a result, allergies are a leading cause of euthanasia in dogs. One of the most likely causes for veterinary surgeon visits is skin issues in general.
The body contains the endocannabinoid, which would be good news for dogs with food intolerances. It assumes that CBD can aid in the reliever of dry, irritated skin. It can also help new healthy skin cells grow.
Cannabidiol can be usually prescribed to cure allergies or topically to treat hot spots as well as inter – digital cysts.
Now that you have a better understanding of WHY you would give your dog CBD oil, let’s look at HOW to choose a high-quality product.
How To Choose The Best CBD Oil For Your Dog:
CBD (Cannabinoids) is a chemical substance discovered in marijuana and hemp plants. Do provide incredible medical benefits… but there are some key differences.
THC is present in high concentrations in cannabis (marijuana) (tetrahydrocannabinol). The psychedelic characteristics of cannabis are caused by THC. It is for this reason that marijuana can produce a “high” or “buzz.”
THC levels in hemp-derived CBD oil are significantly lower. Hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC in order to be legal to sell. So, while your dog will benefit from the calming and anxiety-relieving effects of CBD, he will not become high. That’s crucial because, while you may enjoy the high, your dog most certainly does not!
However, not all hemp CBD products are created equal.
- Look For A Full Or Broad Spectrum Hemp:
Keep in mind your CBD product seems to be full spectrum or broad spectrum by having to look at the label.
This means that your dog’s CBD oil contains not only CBD, but also other key cannabinoids found in full-spectrum hemp. This includes cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabidiol (CBG) (Cannabigerol).
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has been investigated for its.
- Cancer-fighting activities
- Ability to block pain and inflammation
- Positive effect on brain cells
CBG is also being researched as a possible treatment option. It protects nerve cells and the eyes while also reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. It also promotes bladder health and fights cancer cells.
Terpenes like limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene can also be found in full-spectrum CBD oil. These are also naturally occurring medicinal substances that can be found in all hemp varieties.
The entourage effect is a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. When the compounds in hemp oil work together to enhance the medicinal properties of hemp oil, this is what happens.
The terpenes are pulverised when CBD is extracted with CO2 (as I’ll explain later). As a result, they will be difficult to detect in testing and will not appear on the Certificate of Analysis.
- Make Sure Your Dog’s CBD Uses CO2 Extraction
CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant in one of two ways:
CO2 Extraction
CO2 is applied to the hemp through a high-pressure chamber. This causes the hemp to degrade and the oil to be released.
Oils with a higher concentration of CBD are produced using this method of extraction. As a result, your dog will benefit from his supplement more. Of course, this raises the price of the product. However, it is preferable to the alternative of pure cbd oil tincture.
Solvent Extraction
Solvents, such as ethanol, are the cheapest way to extract oil from the hemp plant.
- Propane
- Butane
- Petroleum products
However, residue from these solvents will remain in the product, posing a risk to your dog.
Natural solvents like ethanol or olive oil have used in a few CBD extractions.
This is much safer for your dog, but these oils can degrade the waxes in the hemp plant, resulting in a less beneficial oil.
- Look For A Certificate Of Analysis
Run away if your dog’s CBD oil doesn’t come with a certificate of analysis (COA).
A certificate of analysis is a document that indicates the amount and type of cannabinoids present in a CBD product. It’s usually obtained from a third-party lab.
COAs protect your dog from low-quality hemp products, and each batch of hemp should have one. If a COA isn’t listed on the company’s website, you should request one before purchasing CBD oil.
There are five things to look for when inspecting the COA.
CBD Is The Same As Advertised:
This happens more frequently than you might think. In fact, we were duped by it once!
Just on label, you could perhaps see like “500 mg CBD.” But don’t believe everything you see on the label! Make sure the COA and the label both state the same amount.
The CBD content of some lab tests is expressed in milligrammes per gramme. To figure out how much CBD is in a bottle, you’ll need to know how many grammes are in the bottle.
Let’s say the COA shows a CBD concentration of 16.9 mg/g. To figure out how much CBD is in a product, multiply the mg/g by the weight of the bottle in grammes. (A standard 1-ounce CBD dropper bottle weighs 30 grammes.)
CBD Is Really Full Spectrum:
Again, don’t believe everything you read on a label! Because some CBD extracted from isolate, it lacks other important cannabinoids and terpenes.
Do you recall the effect of the entourage? With CBD isolate, you won’t get this added benefit. So, how can you tell if the CBD in your dog’s food is isolate? The Certificate of Analysis (COA) will state that the product contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids. These products should not be use.
There’s Not Too Much (Or Too Little) THC
It’s most likely marijuana, not hemp, if your dog’s CBD contains more than 0.03 percent THC. It’s against the law, and your dog won’t enjoy the euphoric effects.
You should also stay away from THC-free products. If there isn’t any, then the CBD in your dog’s system isolated. There will be fewer health benefits.
Cost Shouldn’t Be A Priority
Comparing products can be difficult, and some people give up and focus solely on price.
This, however, is not the best strategy!
For your dog, you want a product that is both high-quality and safe. CBD extraction from hemp necessitates a large amount of plant material and close monitoring.
There’s probably a reason why the product you’re considering costs so much less than the competition.
However, the most expensive CBD oil for dogs isn’t always the best.
Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Dogs:
Dog owners polled by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. They wanted to see if there were any negative side effects. And the good news is that no major side effects have reported.
The following were the most common side effects observed:
- Sedation 19%
- Overactive appetite 5%
- Lack of energy 4%
- Panic reactions 2.7%
- Dry mouth/excessive drinking 2.3%
- Nausea 1.7%
- Vomiting 1.7%
- Increased seizures 0.69%
- Impaired mental functioning 0.68%
This means that the most common side effect you’ll notice is that your dog will become sleepy. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Especially if your dog has seizures, anxiety, or pain, and you’d like to try CBD oil on him.
but some CBD oils may contain other additives that aren’t safe.
Caution With CBD Oil Additives:
You want to make certain that the product you buy contains no chemical additives or preservatives. Even if the hemp grown organically, these will negate any health benefits.
Keep an eye out for CBD oil that has mixed with essential oils (EOs). EOs can have a big impact on animals, even if they’re “natural.”
If your holistic veterinarian has advised you to combine CBD oil with an essential oil, follow her dosing instructions. She’ll know exactly what’s best for your dog’s specific health requirements.
Some people suggest combining CBD with frankincense because it helps cancer patients reduce tumour size. However, always consult your holistic veterinarian or herbalist before making any changes.
Dogs Taking Other Medications Or Supplements
You should also consult your holistic veterinarian if your dog is on any other medications or supplements. CBD oil has numerous health benefits, but it may alter your dog’s metabolization of certain medications or supplements.
CBD oil has been studied in humans to see how it affects metabolism. It’s similar to grapefruit, which can cause a lot of problems. If your dog is taking any of the following medications, talk to your veterinarian about changing the dosage:
- Steroids
- Allergy medications
- Liver or kidney medications
- NSAIDs
- Heart medications
- Anxiety medications
Hopefully, your holistic veterinarian was able to assist you in finding alternatives to the medications listed above. However, even then.
Herbs and natural supplements may affected by CBD.
This does not preclude you from giving your CBD oil to your loved one if he takes other supplements or medications. It’s possible that you’ll only need to make minor adjustments. CBD alters the metabolism of other substances, but only in some cases for the better! As a result, you’ll be able to use less of another product or avoid taking medications altogether.
And in many cases, less is more.
CBD Oil Dosage For Dogs:
Each CBD bottle has a different milligramme concentration (mg). Because most dogs tolerate the flavour, you can simply sprinkle it on their food.
Dr. Robert Silver suggests giving your dog 0.05 to 0.25 mg per pound of body weight twice daily. He also recommends beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing it. Keep the dose at 0.05 mg/pound if it’s working. If the lower dose isn’t working, there’s no need to increase it. If this occurs, increase the dose to 0.125 mg/pound, twice daily, and only increase if your dog still requires it.
The lower doses usually work well for anxiety or health prevention. However, if your dog is in pain or has an immune system problem, you’ll need to take extra precautions.
