As CBD has shown promising results by treating a host of issues in humans, research is underway to evaluate its impact on dogs and their wellbeing.
Which CBD oil for dogs is beneficial and what dog problems can you treat with it? Most troubled dog owners want to know this!
Note that there is no consolidated research in this regard. Moreover, federal law has not regulated the use of CBD in animals. Therefore, veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe CBD to your pets.
What is CBD, and is it Safe for My Dog?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the hundred compounds found in the hemp plant. It works by influencing the cannabinoid receptors in your body to regulate multiple functions and processes.
CBD has gained so much popularity in recent years because of its non-psychoactive properties. This means you can safely use CBD without getting ‘high.’
CBD oil for dogs works pretty much the same way. Numerous dog owners have reported the potential benefits of CBD.
Many owners have claimed that CBD oil for dogs is helpful if your little one has osteoarthritis. Simultaneously, some people have also highlighted it has helped calm down their pets suffering from anxiety.
Moreover, an initial clinical trial by Dr. Stephanie Mc Grath points out that CBD could be used to treat dogs suffering from epilepsy and seizures.
Step by Step Guide to Treat Your Dog
CBD is available in the forms of oils, tinctures, and treats for your dog. Before you begin using CBD oil for dogs, it is essential to know how you can use it safely to treat them.
Let’s see how you can use CBD dog treats for anxiety, arthritis, and relief from chronic pain.
Step 1: Evaluate the Symptoms and Issues
You must first evaluate your dog issues to make an informed decision.
What’s your dog suffering with?
Arthritis
It is alarming to note that one in four dogs suffer from arthritis. Therefore, it is regarded as one of the most prevalent medical conditions in dogs.
Research suggests that CBD oil can improve the quality of life and allow pain relief for your canine companion.
Epilepsy
If your dog is suffering from seizures due to epilepsy, they may benefit from using CBD oil twice a day.
Anxiety
Some dogs have shown improvement in their behaviors and anxiety after consuming CBD.
Step 2: Choose Between Human CBD or Animal CBD
Many products are now marketed as pet CBD. However, it is amusing to note there is no significant difference in human and animal CBD.
The change in labeling is due to standards imposed by the Food and Drug Administration. According to these standards, products should be explicitly labeled for humans or animals.
Some pet owners choose to give their four-legged- friends the same CBD products they use for themselves.
Step 3: Pick the Best Products
You can choose to use CBD oils or treats for your dog. It is, however, advised to use oil as you can control the dosage, eliminating the risk of overdose.
CBD Dog Treats for Anxiety
MediPets CBD dog treats are formulated with full-spectrum CBD. These treats are available in various flavors so you can choose according to your dog’s preference. For smaller dogs, use only half a treat and increase the dosage according to their requirement.
Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Arthritis
Hemp oil for dogs by Healpark is an exceptional CBD product that helps reduce pain and inflammation to make your pets calmer and less anxious.
You can use it orally or mix a few drops with dry food.
You must carefully read the label to check there is no THC content in it. Always use high-quality products to prevent any mishaps.
Step 4: Evaluate Potential Threats
As far as research goes, there is no consolidated evidence of risks associated with CBD treatment in dogs. However, depending on how CBD reacts with humans, keep a lookout for these symptoms.
- Weariness: even though CBD will help calm down your dog, it might trigger sluggishness or signs of extreme exhaustion.
- Dizziness: In humans, higher doses of CBD have caused a drop in blood pressure. If your dog seems tipsy, he might be experiencing a drop in blood pressure.
- Dehydration: CBD has been shown to decrease saliva in the mouth. If your dog is drinking more water than usual, it may be a sign of dehydration.
Step 5: Look Out for Common Signs After Taking CBD
According to pet owners, your pets can experience the following symptoms after a dosage of CBD:
- Vomiting
- Sluggishness
- Loose stools
- Loss of appetite
As long as your dog is not showing an extreme behavior change, you don’t have to worry about the side effects.
Step 6: Increase the Dosage if Necessary
Every pet is different from another. Therefore, when it comes to CBD, there is no exact dosage you can give to your fuzzballs.
The general rule of thumb is to give 2-3 drops every 6-8 hours. On the other hand, a giant dog would need more dosage depending on its weight and activity.
You need a little bit of trial and error to determine if the dosage needs to be increased or decreased. It takes some time to figure out the perfect amount for your best friend. Likewise, in the beginning, start small and increase if needed.
Don’t worry about overdosing as CBD is a natural compound. Even if your pet gets more than needed, they won’t experience any significant side effects.
If your pet shows symptoms earlier than 4-6 hours, it may be time to increase the dosage.
Step 7: Inform Your Vet
Federal law does not allow your vets to prescribe CBD products for your pets. However, you must still inform them if you have started using CBD products. They might be able to guide you so it does not interfere with any other underlying conditions.
Therefore, it is essential to be honest with your vet since they have more experience dealing with issues arising from any complication.
Conclusion
To sum up, CBD oil for dogs isn’t heavily researched, but most dog owners have reported numerous benefits. As long as you follow the steps mentioned above and keep a check on adverse side effects, your dog is in safe hands.
