Just like humans, dogs also have an endocannabinoid system in their bodies, which means that, same as us, they, too, can reap CBD’s potent benefits.
Using CBD to treat a dog’s ailment isn’t new. Many pet owners have been using the compound to treat epilepsy, prevent strokes, and manage anxiety.
These conditions can cripple a dog. There have been instances where a serious epileptic seizure has left a dog blind for life.
Want your dog to have the same CBD benefits as you? Keep reading to check out how cannabidiol can help your furry best friend:
CBD: Appropriate For your Dog or Not?
Since, just like humans, your dog has an endocannabinoid system, they will respond to CBD and other cannabis-based products.
Studies have shown that endocannabinoid receptors that constitute the ECS play a role in the regulation of a dog’s memory, pain responses, moods, appetite, alongside regulating THC and CBD effects.
THC and CBD— also collectively called cannabinoids, are two important compounds— found in cannabis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that they can help a dog manage various medical complications.
For instance, THC is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and appetite-stimulating in nature, albeit causing you to feel high. On the other hand, CBD is non-intoxicating and doesn’t induce a high like THC does.
Despite the plethora of medical benefits associated with these 2 compounds, dog owners (in particular), be aware: a dog’s brains contain more cannabinoid receptors as compared to human brains or other animals.
They can therefore have a negative response to THC, such as the development of a condition known as static ataxia, caused by a THC overdose. It’s characterized by an inability to maintain equilibrium while standing.
This doesn’t mean dogs can’t benefit from TCH. They can, but from small amounts; enough to achieve medicinal benefits without getting dogs high.
Before deciding to give your dog CBD, consult a specialist regarding drug interactions for dogs in case they’re on other medication(s). CBD has been known to interact with other drugs and cause complications.
CBD oil: Benefits for Dogs
As mentioned before, conditions against which dogs may benefit from CBD oil are similar to those experienced by humans, such as:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Pain
- Seizure control
- Appetite loss
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Anxiety (and/or related problems)
- Inflammation
Sometimes, the benefits pets experience might be huge, such as in the case of CBD oil proving beneficial for treating arthritis in dogs. In other cases, the effects might be really subtle. Either way, CBD oil has great potential for improving a dog’s health.
Is it okay to give CBD hemp oil with low THC levels in it to Dog?
It is. In small amounts, it doesn’t cause any harm. If anything, it’s good.
Low THC in CBD hemp oil provides an entourage effect, where your dog will experience greater benefits as the various terpenes, cannabinoids and other compounds in the oil will have a concerted effect.
Make sure to start with low doses. Increase gradually. You can also consult an experienced holistic veterinary doctor regarding doses.
Does CBD have any side effects for pets?
Rarely, and even if they occur, they won’t be much severe.
Increase the second dose if the first one doesn’t help your dog relax. Conversely, lower it if the first one causes instant sedation.
Also, a dog might experience trouble waking up, caused by a high THC dose. If this occurs, seek professional medical help right immediately.
If these or any other side effects occur, simply wean your pet off CBD to avoid negative outcomes.
What’s the best way to give CBD to my Dog?
Sublingual tinctures are the best method to give dogs CBD; you should give your pet CBD oil over other market products. The tinctures as well as the oils are highly beneficial because:
1. Dosing is easy with these.
2. Modulating doses is convenient.
All that’s required of you is to drop the tincture into your dog’s mouth. Most pets end up enjoying the oil’s flavor. In case they don’t, simply add a few drops on top of their food.
How much CBD should my Dog take?
Start with less, increase gradually. With CBD, less means more.
However, as is the case with humans, different situations might call for different dosages. Start off low, observe your pet’s reactions for some days before increasing the dose, but even that, make sure to do slowly, by small increments. Keep observing the dog’s reactions continuously…until a necessary dose has been reached for a condition being treated.
Dosing Ranges for Dogs
Dosing will become more standardized as our knowledge and understanding of how CBD grows. In either case, Dr. Robert J. Silver’s following dosing strategy will prove very helpful:
Range of dosing: daily 0.05 mg per lb, twice to daily 0.25 mg per lb, twice.
- 1 Tier: 0.05 mg per lb of bodyweight (low end)
- 2 Tier: 0.125 mg per lb of bodyweight (middle ground)
- 3 Tier: 0.25 mg per lb of bodyweight (high end)
As one can see, these are small dosages.
As a dog parent, start at Tier 1 twice, daily, and observe your pet over a week, as advised by Dr. Silver. Your pet might not even need to get to tier 2. But if it does, go on to Tier 2 twice daily while observing the effects for another one week. Tier 3 will be sufficient in case tier 2 doesn’t prove to be.
Possible Side Effects of CBD in Dogs
There are no specific CBD side effects reported for dogs. However, humans have experienced mild side effects. These include:
- Dry mouth: Studies suggest that CBD decreases saliva production. In dogs, this could increase thirst and lead to dehydration.
- Low Blood Pressure: High concentrations of cannabidiol have been thought to reduce blood pressure. Even if there is a slight drop, your dog might feel a bit off balance or light-headed.
- Drowsiness: Pet owners have used CBD to manage their pet’s anxiety. The anti-anxiety effects of CBD may cause drowsiness at higher doses.
- Dry mouth: Research has shown that CBD can decrease the production of saliva. For dogs, this would manifest as increased thirst.
- Lowered blood pressure: High doses of CBD have been known to cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. Even though the drop is small, it might create a brief feeling of light-headedness.
Risks of Using CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD dog science is still in its infancy. Right now, we don’t have enough to discount the compound’s risks and concerns.
The Food and Drug Administration has not published regulatory guidelines or dosing requirements for cannabidiol. Therefore, finding the right dosage for your dog may seem somewhat of a precarious undertaking.
The World Health Organization published a critical review that suggested that CBD has an excellent safety profile and that it doesn’t pose any problems even at high doses.
That said, every drug carries with it a risk of reaction. CBD is no different. Therefore, it is always advisable to practice caution. Start your dog off with small doses and see how things go. Also, consult your veterinarian first before consuming CBD in any form.
CBD Dog Products on the Market
If you consult with your veterinarian and they recommend CBD to treat your dog, you need to have a few things in mind before you buy CBD oil. Not all oils are the same. Your best bet is to purchase a reputable and transparent brand.
Many companies are guilty of false advertising and peddling subpar products, so you have to tread with caution.
Find an organic blend. If your CBD oil is not organic, you should consider an option that doesn’t have harmful additives, such as pesticides and heavy metals.
Make sure the vendor you’re buying from published third party lab results on their website. These results will have everything you need to ensure your dog CBD product is high quality.
Don’t make choices based solely on price. Most buyers think that as long as they are buying an expensive product, they are in the clear. The truth is that a cheaper option may have pesticides, heavy metals, and other dangerous contaminants.
Any vendor worth their salt has a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This certificate is proof that the vendor has gone through the trouble of having their product checked from an ISO certified facility. Many CBD products contain little to no CBD. So, unless a company has this document, you can never be sure.
There’s also high levels of THC in some products. You’ll also have to keep that in mind. THC may cause your dog to have negative psychological symptoms.
Although there are a lot of dog treats on the market, the best dog product is natural CBD oil. With CBD oil, you can easily titrate your dog’s dose.
Final thoughts
CBD is a great natural alternative for your dog. While conventional medications have their place, some pet owners prefer the natural touch. Many studies have shown that the compound may have a host of therapeutic properties.
That said, it is important to keep dosing in mind to ensure safe usage. Cannabidiol is a safe compound even when administered at high doses, but consumption varies from pet-to-pet. Consulting an experienced vet before taking the compound may not be such a bad idea to practice caution.
