CBD Oil for Dogs: What Is It and What Does It Do to Dogs?

CBD Oil for Dogs

If you’ve been hearing the buzz about CBD oil for dogs, are you skeptical about the subject or keen to find out more?

You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision about whether or not CBD oil is right for your canine companion. We answer the questions about what CBD oil is, the health benefits, and the potential side effects of dog hemp.

What Exactly is CBD Oil?

CBD oil (cannabidiol), also confusingly referred to as hemp oil, is an extract made using hemp plants. Cannabidiol is one of the many distinct compounds that’s shown to have positive effects on both human and animal health.

A common misconception surrounding CBD oil is that it contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. It’s time to dispel such misconceptions.

You should be aware that all CBD products are made from hemp plants, not marijuana. Thus, they contain little to no THC.

CBD Oil or Hemp Oil — What’s the Difference?

Both CBD and hemp oil for dogs are derived from the same plant (hemp), but different parts are used to produce the final product.

CBD oil is taken from the flowers, leaves and stalks.
Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, which doesn’t contain CBD or is only found in minute traces.

How Does CBD Oil for Dogs Work?

Ok, here’s the science.

Like humans, canines have a messenger system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This plays a role in helping to regulate certain functions in your dog’s body — pain, the immune system, sleep, and appetite are a few examples.

As we’ve seen, CBD contains endocannabinoids, thus it's believed that CBD oil aids this messenger system — improving its functioning. This provides benefits to health and wellbeing in a number of areas, as you’ll find out next.

Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD benefits and effects encompass a wide variety of therapeutic properties. These effects are far-reaching and comprehensive.

While research is still ongoing, the potential hemp oil benefits for dogs is looking promising:

Reduces Epileptic Seizures

Seizures can range from your dog experiencing twitches to abnormal shaking that may end abruptly or last for a few minutes. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

Inherent health issues, such as cancer.
Strokes.
Consuming poison.
Head trauma.
Anaphylaxis.

Furthermore, if your dog has regular seizures, it can be attributed to epilepsy. Epilepsy is known as an uncontrollable electrical activity in the brain. However, it can be managed naturally with hemp oil for dogs.

Eases Osteoarthritis Pain

Dog hemp/CBD oils are beneficial for treating inflammation and chronic pain, like, for example, for canines with arthritis:

Treatment of Inflammation: CBD has an anti-inflammatory impact on dogs, which helps to alleviate their difficulties.
Pain reduction: CBD oil for dogs with joint pain or neuropathic pain has helped greatly in providing help to relieve this discomfort. Furthermore, it helps boost non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — the conventional treatment for arthritis in dogs — thereby reducing the possibility of the intake of pharmaceuticals.

Improves Mobility and Quality of Life

Following on from the above. Dogs suffering from inflammation-related conditions, like arthritis, struggle to get around without difficulty — walkies can be tricky for a dog in pain to manage.

Hence, your dog's mobility and quality of life will improve because CBD oil can relieve both pain and inflammation.

Lowers Anxiety

The most common reason dog owners turn to CBD is because of anxiety. This can manifest in many forms, including:

Aggression.
Loud noises — fireworks, thunder, etc.
Separation/being alone
Fear.

While valid research on the efficacy of CBD for dogs with anxiety is limited — there is a lot of anecdotal proof from pet owners who find CBD reduces their pets’ anxieties.

It’s crucial to mention that CBD for dog anxiety and other associated disorders is beneficial since it helps calm those emotions. It’s also believed to aid in the regulation of serotonin — although this hasn’t been proven by researchers, yet. Your dog's mood, social interactions, digestion, sleep, and appetite are all controlled by the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Increases Appetite

There are many reasons a dog might go off its food. It's a common condition, especially in canines recovering from surgery or being unwell. Likewise, if your dog is feeling nauseous, it can also discourage the desire to eat. Using a holistic approach to improving your dog's appetite is a great way to go.

It has been found that CBD binds to appetite receptors in the brain. This could have a positive effect on a dog’s appetite, helping them to resume normal eating habits.

If it seems like your dog is struggling to eat due to a dental issue, CBD with coconut oil could be beneficial for canine dental health.

How To Choose CBD Oil For Dogs?

We all want the best for our pets as animal lovers, right? As a result, when selecting the best CBD oil for dogs, you should ensure that you provide them with the highest quality. So, take into account aspects such as:

Composition of the product: Opt for the most natural form possible — without unnecessary chemical additions.
Safety of the product: Ensure the product you choose is free of pesticides or heavy metals.
Dose: You must take into account the appropriate dosage for your pet based on its weight and needs.
Inclusion of an independent analysis report: This should detail the concentration of CBD and whether it has been checked for pesticides, heavy metals, toxicity, and microbial contamination.

NASC certification: With CBD oil for dogs being a relatively unregulated market, the National Animal Supplement Council’s stamp of approval means the product meets a certain standard.

CBD Oil for Dogs Dosage

Before you calculate your dog's appropriate dose, you must first determine the CBD concentration.

CBD drops for dogs typically come in a 1-ounce dropper bottle containing between 125 and 1000 mg of CBD. Depending on the product, the label should indicate the amount of CBD you'll get with each drop.

You can also find CBD oil in chewable/treat form. Again, the potency will depend on the product. Generally, it's a lower concentration than the drops format.

Dosage not only depends on the weight of your dog, but the condition you’re treating. So, for example, a dog with mild anxiety may require a lower dose to manage the symptoms, compared to a pooch in severe pain.

CBD Oil for Dogs — Side Effects

Side effects of CBD oil are possible and are mainly caused by administering an excessive dosage.

Your dog could experience the following:

Low blood pressure.
Sleepiness.
Reduced saliva production.
Vomiting.

With long-term use, CBD may impair memory. Experts, therefore, suggest taking a week's break every three months.

What’s more, if your dog is also treated with other medications, you should speak to your vet first. Mixing with other drugs may have undesirable consequences.

While these dangers are negligible when utilized correctly, dosing must be done with caution. As in, it’s better to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it.

Conclusion

While official studies are limited, many dog owners claim that CBD oil has improved the quality of life of their beloved pets. However, keep in mind that no two dogs are the same — even canines of the same breed. It takes time and practice to find the ideal dose.

And, it's significant to highlight that not all CBD oils are made equal — some may be a better fit for your dog than others. Do your research and spend time working with your dog to choose the most suitable CBD product for their condition. CBD oil for dogs may provide a natural alternative for your furry friend’s well-being.

CBD Oil for Dogs FAQs

Can Dogs Have CBD?

Yes, dogs can have CBD. A study at the Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine found that dogs who are given CBD at a dose of 4.4 mg per pound twice a day had a significant favorable impact on their health, such as in pain alleviation and quality of life.

Can My Dog Take Human CBD Gummies?

You can, but you should seek out CBD gummies for dogs. While human CBD oil works in the same way, the concentration could be higher than canine-specific gummies, which could lead to side effects.

How Do I Know if CBD Oil Is Working for My Dog?

You wouldn't expect results overnight. The effects might not be noticeable for some time. However, depending on what you’re treating, you could start to see:

Increased mobility and agility.
Changes in verbalization.
Less frequent seizures.
Allergies improve.

Is CBD Oil for Dogs Legal?

It is permissible to use CBD oil as long as you can ascertain that it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.

Can Dogs React Badly to CBD?

CBD can cause adverse reactions in dogs, including lethargy, vomiting, and low blood pressure. This is mainly due to excessive doses. If you have any concerns, consult your vet.

How Long Does It Take for a Dog To Feel the Effects of CBD Oil?

It usually takes roughly 30 minutes for your dog to experience all of the effects of a CBD oil dosage. This can vary in duration from four to twelve hours.

Is CBD Oil for Dogs Safe?

Yes, CBD oil for dogs is considered safe. However, side effects are possible. Hence, the correct dosage is crucial to avoid the likelihood of adverse reactions.