CBD for dogs

Most people are not familiar with everything about CBD oil for humans, so regarding dogs, even less so.

This guide outlines the most important points to understand when looking to buy CBD oil for your dog's health. It also explains what CBD oil really is and how it can help your pooch.

We will also look at the factors to consider when choosing CBD oil, such as the types of products available, the proper dosage, or how to administer the CBD oil. You will be armed and have the information you need to decide if CBD oil is right for your dog and more importantly how to choose the best product.

 

CBD for dogs: What is it?

There are some misconceptions about CBD oil, so we want to clarify what exactly it is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural phytocannabinoid, or chemical compound, found in the cannabis plant.

While most of us think of marijuana when we think of cannabis, CBD oil is actually derived from hemp. Hemp is another variety of cannabis that contains a much lower concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element of cannabis.

CBD oil itself does not contain THC, so while it may have a calming effect, it can't get you (or your dog) high. Also, THC can be toxic to dogs, so you might as well avoid giving it to your dog.

CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is found in all mammals and helps regulate functions such as sleep, memory and immune defenses.

CBD has a calming and therapeutic effect. Studies show that cannabis has been used medicinally for at least two thousand years to treat conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety/depression, seizures, and sleep-related problems.

In recent years, a wide range of CBD products for pets has appeared on the market. CBD oil is an easy-to-use form of CBD that can be taken in a variety of ways.

These are described below. For more information on CBD oil, check out our full guide.

 

CBD for your dog: Can it really help him?

According to some scientific studies CBD oil can be used to treat a multitude of illnesses that your dog may have. The most common are chronic inflammation, anxiety, cancer, epilepsy.

Be sure to have your dog diagnosed by a veterinarian before beginning any treatment. You can choose to use CBD oil in tandem with or instead of more traditional remedies. Some traditional medications can have negative effects on the kidneys and liver.

This is why many pet owners decide to opt for CBD oil as a safer option. Just make sure you understand the implications of the treatment you decide to pursue. Here's what you need to know when buying CBD oil for your dog.

 

 

 

What products are available?

CBD oil can be found in a variety of forms. So you can choose the one that works best for you and your pet.

Treats: Many pet owners find that treats containing CBD oil offer the easiest method of administering CBD to their dogs.

After all, what dog doesn't love treats? CBD treats come in a variety of sizes, flavors and dosage levels. This allows you to choose the ones your dog likes the most. It also prevents dosing errors because the packages are labeled with the weight of the dogs they are intended for.

Creams: Creams are ideal for dogs suffering from skin infections, such as rashes, allergies or muscle pain, including arthritis. You can apply them directly to your dog's skin and they can quickly relieve even acute pain.

Capsules: CBD oil also comes in capsule form and can be administered to your dog like any other medication. Hide it in your dog's food or treats.

Tinctures: Tinctures are simply CBD oil in a dropper bottle and are considered the purest form of CBD oil you will find. You can administer the oil directly under your dog's tongue. The advantage of tinctures is that they allow for exact dosing. And because the oil is absorbed directly and immediately into the bloodstream, they work faster than treats or creams.

 

What dose does your dog need?

Determining the appropriate dose of CBD for your dog can be tedious, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Dog size: your dog's specific dosage needs will depend on his size and weight.

Most good quality CBD oil products will provide a chart with suggested dosages by weight. As a general rule, larger dogs need more CBD, but be sure to check the suggested dosage for the product you are using.

Some products even come in different strengths for small, medium and large dogs. The type of product: dosages can vary greatly depending on the type of product you use.

For example, a single capsule may contain the same amount of CBD as 10 drops of tincture or two treats. Products tend to list the concentration of CBD in milligrams and determine the dose by multiplying a standard factor by your dog's weight (e.g., 0.25 mg X 40 pounds = 10 mg).

However, most products will simplify the dosing instructions by listing the appropriate dosage by weight or weight range. So you don't have to do the math.

Some brands sell the same product but in different strengths, so always be sure to check the recommended dosage. Therapeutic vs. Medicinal: The appropriate dosage of cannabidiol oil may also depend on the disease you are addressing.

The dosage tends to be lower for therapeutic use which includes issues such as anxiety, inflammation or pain from injury. Whereas for medicinal use which may include more serious conditions such as cancer or epilepsy, the dosage is higher.

Many products list different dosages for both therapeutic and medicinal applications.

 

 

How do you administer CBD oil to your dog?

You may know that CBD oil can be beneficial for your dog, but getting him to take it is another matter entirely. You'll want to administer it properly to increase its effectiveness. However the application depends on the type of product you are going to use.

Treats: Treats may be the easiest product to administer. Simply give your dog the recommended dose in place of his regular treat.

Cream: Apply the recommended amount to your dog's skin. You may need to navigate through your dog's hair, but the more cream you apply directly to his skin, the more effective the treatment will be.

Capsules: like other types of pet medications, you can either hide the capsule in a treat or open it and mix the contents into your dog's food.

Tincture: with a dropper bottle, the oil can be administered directly under your dog's tongue, and the dosage is usually measured in drops. Administering oil directly in this way allows it to take effect almost instantly. Some dogs are cooperative and don't mind this type of application while others don't like the feel or taste. If your dog protests, try offering a treat afterwards or consider using another type of product.

 

Is CBD oil safe for dogs?

As with anything you give your dog, it's natural to wonder if CBD oil is safe for dogs. While there is some debate in the veterinary community about the effectiveness of CBD oil, it is generally considered to be low risk for dogs.

Some dogs experience side effects, the most common of which is drowsiness. While proper dosage is important, a lethal overdose is not possible with CBD oil.

If your dog consumes too much, he or she may experience dry mouth, diarrhea or dizziness. Although CBD oil is considered relatively safe, it is still important to talk to your vet and do some research on your own.

Not all CBD oils are created equal, so take a good look at how the product is made to make sure it doesn't contain other harmful substances. Keep CBD products, especially treats, locked up and remember that CBD oil is different from other cannabis products that contain THC, which is harmful to dogs.

 

What else should you consider?

In addition to the above points, there are a few other considerations to make when deciding whether or not CBD oil is right for your dog.

Allergies: Just like any other substance, your dog can develop allergies or reactions to CBD oil. Before giving it to your dog, test a micro dose to make sure he doesn't have an adverse reaction. Itching is the main symptom of allergies in dogs. But he may also have difficulty breathing or moving. Interaction with other medications: If your dog is on medication, you should discuss your decision to give him CBD oil with your veterinarian. Some medications can interact negatively with CBD oil. High doses of CBD may also slow down the liver metabolism of some medications, which could affect the effectiveness of other treatments your dog is taking.

Organic alternatives: Organic CBD oil simply means that the hemp used to make the product has been grown organically. That is, without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. If you are concerned about exposing your pet to potentially harmful substances, you may want to consider choosing an organic oil. Then look for oils that can certify that their hemp is organically grown.

Harmful substances can also enter the oil through the extraction process. Processes such as CO2 surface extraction or cold press extraction are considered the safest because they do not involve the use of harmful solvents.

Also, look for oils whose products are tested by third-party laboratories to ensure that they do not contain harmful substances. So here you have all the information you need to make good choices about whether or not to administer CBD oil for your dog.

Cannabis is often criticized for its euphoric and psychedelic effects. However, only THC is responsible for these effects.

CBD is now recognized by science and is used to treat certain pathologies that were previously incurable. Animals, as well as human beings, can benefit from these treatments which are still little known by the general public.